Milling chrome plated steel

[Jude]

I want to mill some slots in a chrome plated steel guitar bridge. I don't know the exact alloy. I'll be using a mini mill/drill.
Will this cause the chrome plating to flake? Anything I should know before I start?
Thanks

 

[pontiac428]

Whether the coating flakes or not is entirely up to the amount of prep put in and the control the plater had over the process. If the base metal is steel, your chances of maintaining the finish are good. If you're modifying high end components, your chances of success are better.

 

[addertooth]

If the bridge is steel, then it is likely flash coated with copper, and then chrome. As Pontiac428 said, the quality of the plating will define your results.
I would follow up and say you should seal the edges of where you cut, even clear nail polish will help.

 

[NC Rick]

I am not familiar with decorative chrome but machine hard chrome shaft a fair bit. Flaking hasn't been an issue. Need to get under it, it is hard to machine. Also, as stated, protect it. Chrome is less noble than steel and will promote rust.

 

[MrWhoopee]

Decorative chrome is a 3 layer process, copper first, then nickel and then chrome. The chrome is brittle and may tend to flake. A right hand cut, left hand helix endmill pushes down instead of lifting up, which should reduce the tendency to lift the plating. A straight flute keyway cutter is a second option.

 

[Jude]

Thanks all.

 

[Shootymacshootface]

I would use an endmill with a downward spiral to push the burr down into the cut. I think it would prevent the chrome plating from lifting up.

 

[sdelivery]

I have never milled a chrome face, I have always used a surface grinder.
Only issue is it can concentrate the heat

 

[DavidR8]

Who is the bridge manufacturer?
Knowing the quality level will give you some clues to the base material.
Do you have a picture of the bridge?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sycle1]

Some of the guitar bridges, especially the more modern ones are chromed Aluminium the German stuff is usually brass underneath.
Even the new Gibson bridges and tailpieces are aluminium sadly.