I have looked through the Pick a Kit helper and have been following the forum for a while, and now I would appreciate some further advice from the experts.

I need to make some daguerreotype plates. This involves putting 1/2 mil of pure silver on one side of mirror polished flat copper plates ranging in size from about one inch square to up to 4×6 inches. (Thickness around 20 gauge).

My problem is that the complete Caswell silver electroplating kit and a regulated power supply are more than I can afford right now. Since my needs are pretty simple ( no complex shapes, restricted range of size, suitable base metal) could anyone recommend an absolutely base set of equipment and supplies that would allow me get started doing this kind of plating? I particularly wonder if I can using a less expensive power source.

If the complete Caswell kit is the only way to go, I will just continue saving money till I get there, but if there is a way to get going with a smaller up-front investment, that would be really welcome news.

Thanks in advance for any answers.