Looking for cheap, local source of Nickel metal
 

Does anyone know where I could locate a small quantity of Nickel for an electroplating experiment? A friend and I have acquired some old Coleman lanterns/stoves/heaters and are rebuilding them. We would like to try Nickel plating some of the steel parts for corrosion protection.

Scrap is OK as long as it is at least 90% Nickel. Are there any common items that are made of Nickel (US 5 cent coins are only 25% Nickel)? Any equipment that contains Nickel parts?

The local welding supply has Nickel welding rods but wants $90 for a package and won't sell just one rod. Have found several sources online but would prefer to buy locally, if possible. Will be checking at local scrap yards but don't have high hopes.


If anyone else is repairing/rebuilding old Coleman equipment, I recently bought a local hardware store's NOS parts ("we haven't ordered any Coleman parts in over 50 years"). Included over a dozen check valves with valve stems (large shutoff valves but interchangeable with small valve assemblies). Would be willing to trade for founts (Colemanese for fuel tanks), globes, and other parts.

Search online at metal suppliers or look for local metal suppliers. Some of your local steel suppliers might have it.

How much do you need?

I still have a few local machine shops that might have some scraps laying around that I need to contact. I live in the middle of nowhere and it's hard to find "exotic" metals (ie, not steel) unless you want to buy a large quantity of it.
Just experimenting, so not much. A strip about 0.5" W x 6" L x 1/64" T would do.