another etcher question

Have fun! Hope it works well for you, Scott.

This method works great for simple logos or marks. More complex designs or lettering is a job better suited for photo negative etching or stamps. Personally, I like the idea of etching out metal vs. smashing a stamp into a knife I've worked a number of hours on and possibly getting an incomplete stamp.

Here's another knife with satin finish vs. a patina:

IMG_3158.jpg


--nathan
 
Could you freehand with the qtip? Does it work that fast? how deep is the etch, that is a damn enat idea blub thank you.
 
has anyone tried making a stencil by ironing on laser printer toner from a printout like when etching a circuit board (see link)? I have done this for circuit boards, and the toner transfers well from glossy photo paper. If no one knows I will give it a try and let you know what I find.
 
Probably wouldn't work that great free hand. The Qtip is too innaccurate. It will come out smudged and blurry. It takes 1-2 minutes to get a nice deep etch into the steel, it doesn't happen instantly. Haven't measured the depth, but it's enough to catch a fingernail in. It will grind out if you grind over it too much, but I've done clean up over my etch with an 800 grit belt without any noticable decrease in depth.

--nathan
 
well I tried my first etch a little bit ago. It was my first try, but all I got was a brown stain that could be buffed out with a scotch bright pad. I used a 9VDC wall wart, Q tips and a vinigar salt solution. I was trying to etch 4130 sheet. I'll try some different steel when I get a chance.
thanks,
 
carrolte said:
well I tried my first etch a little bit ago. It was my first try, but all I got was a brown stain that could be buffed out with a scotch bright pad. I used a 9VDC wall wart, Q tips and a vinigar salt solution. I was trying to etch 4130 sheet. I'll try some different steel when I get a chance.
thanks,
Click to expand...


Try to use at least 12 volt and you must use the + to the steel and the - to the q-tip with the solution and make sure the alligator clip is wet along with the cotton. My 12 volt will work in about 20 seconds and go pretty deep.
 
blub,
that did the trick. I used an old laptop power supply that puts out 18V@1.7 amps. And I moved the negative terminal to the alligator clip. worked great. Thanks for your pointers!
 
Sure, glad to help and if you clean the alligator clip after use, it won't crumble from corrosion next time you go to use it, ask me how I know. Good luck.
 
thanks for the clip cleaning tip. Although I wouldn't think they last long, as mine started etching away where it clamped the Q-tip.
 
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