Aluminum Thumb Ring v2

The previous aluminum thumbring was functional, especially after several efforts of refinement. I made an attempt to anodize it using distilled water, three 9v batteries, an aluminum cathode, aluminum wire and sodium bisulfate, or PH Down. This process lasted a few hours and was not a great success. The ring didn’t change color, but acquired a flat or matte finish. The layer that formed was trivial and I was easily able to reveal the raw aluminum by scoring it with a screw. However, the ring did fit significantly tighter. This was my first time anodizing anything and I’m unsure what I need to improve. Next time I will use more voltage.

When I made the rough cuts for the first rings, I made two. I had time this afternoon and endeavored to make another one. Despite spending much less time, the results are a superior ring that provides a noticeably more stable draw and cleaner release.

This second version also has a more rectangular shape as can be seen in the side by side image below.

Hopefully the next anodizing experiment will result in an actual protective coating. Apparently an array of colors can be attained depending on the voltage. There are charts available which match colors with volts, but I’ll be happy with any color so long as the layer is protective. The question is: should I widen the interior to compensate for a hypothetically smaller aperture? I suspect without a power source other than 9v batteries, it won’t matter much. Perhaps sodium bisulfate is insufficient, but I doubt I’ll bother with sulfuric acid.

Making my own thumb ring, aside from allowing me to proceed painlessly with the thumb-release style of archery I prefer, has also honed my discretion in what to look for in a ring if I choose to purchase one. Although mine seem of no particular style, I’m leaning toward the Turkish types.