Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Replating Cast Iron Royal #1 Coffee Roaster
Q. I recently purchased an antique Royal #1 Coffee Roaster. The roaster is in great shape for 90 years old but the plated cast iron shells and fan housing need refinishing. I am considering replating these parts. They are cast iron with decorative scroll work and were originally nickel plated and copper plated as best as I can tell.
Any advice on replating for durability and good looks would be appreciated.
Marc ConnellyGreen River Coffee - Spartanburg, South Carolina
2005
Q. I too have a #1 Royal that I am in the process of restoring!
Have pictures:
- Anderson, South Carolina
March 21, 2010
A. I recently fully restored a Royal $5 Coffee roaster. I had the nickel plating done by a local plating facility. Depending on how good of a plating job you want will determine the cost. I paid $750 to have my nickel plating done. They acid stripped first, then performed the plating process. Metal polishing can be done on each piece to increase the polish of the surface, but this incurs more labor and additional cost.
Sheldon Otto- Temecula California
April 7, 2011
A. No matter how you are going to fix the machine, there are limited things that you can do. This month I am shipping 3 royal # 5 to China, not just to restore the outside, I also want to put modern technology into the machine, so it will have computer controlled roasting profile, hook up with conveyor; when I finish I will share the photos with you!
Joshua Mo- Paramus New Jersey
May 19, 2011
Q. I would like to get more info on the work you are doing to your no. 5 to modernize the controls and cost. Thanks!
Allen michaels- Los Angeles, California usa
June 17, 2011
Q. I am also interested in upgrading my Royal #1 with temperature controls. Let us know how your projects come out. Thanks.
Marc Connelly- Spartanburg, South Carolina
September 18, 2011
These are such wonderful machines! I also own a #1- it is my baby roaster- I love it!! At some point it was painted silver and the outer drum was replaced, however most of the plating remains underneath. I believe it to be brass plated. I have other roasters currently being restored, so the baby is on the back burner as she looks fine right now, but eventually I wish to return her to her brassy splendor!! Its so nice to see other people taking an interest in these great old machines- they are amazing!!
- Wind Gap, Pennsylvania USA
September 23, 2011
Q. I just purchased a Royal #5 roaster and am planning on restoring it with modern bean prob and computer to profile my roast. Any help ?
Guy Pfanzcoffee company - Muncie Indiana
August 18, 2012
A. I have done a fair amount of work on the Royals over the years and for an upgrade, to me the most important thing is to build a belt guard for safety. Where it does not lend to originality, it makes up for it by making sure the operator or anyone near it retains the hand and use thereof. I have the 1,4, 5 and 6 and all had one except the 1 since it is just for show.
By the way, does anyone know of or have a bin for the #1 that I can copy from (photo) as that is all mine is missing and it came from a museum and looks great.
Joel Wallins- New Iberia, Louisiana
January 28, 2013
Q. Interested in any information on Royal #1,4 & 5 Coffee Roasters I have a # 5 that is being dissembled for repair.
Marko Johnson- Portland, Oregon
July 4, 2013
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