asphaltum, and ferric

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peaches

Joined
Sep 2, 2000
Messages
4
I have a 1095 and mild steel damascus blade that I need to etch, can anyone tell me where to find some ferric acid. I dont need a 55 gal drum,:) Also I am doing a show where there will not be electricity, and am planning to inscribe initals at the show. I need asphaltum to block the copper sulfate etch, would anyone know were to get this at? Thanks for the help

Thank you for the help:D

The Copper sulfate etch is used seperatly from the ferric. I use it to etch pic or or in my case letters, into the blade. The asphaltum blocks the etch from the rest of the blade. Some how I knew it would be hard to find.:)

Dave. Lawrence is great, unfortunatly the only art store here now is on campus. The other closed this last winter. Yeah kind of out of the loop for a while:p
 
Like Mark said Radio Shack carries the ferric chloride, I believe under the name PCB Etchant Solution (used to be Archer Etchant). You should be able to find asphaltum at art supply stores (probably not the craft type stores but places that carry fine art supplies for university students and the like). You may have to hunt for it quite a bit. I've scoured Tallahassee for it and only one store carries it and they are out of stock right now.
 
I get it at art stores also. I never used it for knife work but use a lot to waterproof handloads. Time to break out the yellow pages.
 
I use ferric chloride to etch my pattern welded blades. It does a very nice job. I got mine at Radio Shack also. I usr mine diluted: 3 parts water to 1 part ferric chloride. With that solution it takes about 30 minutes (at 75 deg) to get the depth of etch I like on a blade made with 15N20 and C1095.

Here is a pic of the latest:

http://www.btc-bci.com/~laredo7mm/Fourth.jpg
 
Peaches, you mentioned a copper sulfate etch. I am not sure what you are describing here, but don't put copper of any kind into the PCB etchant. It will contaminate it, and any blade you put in after will be copper colored.
I could be misunderstanding what you are saying here, of course.
 
Asphaltum is used in a couple of printmaking styles, so it can be found most places that carry printmaking supplies. I can't find most of the catalogues that I know are here somewhere, but try this www.printmaking-materials.com
This should be renaissance graphics. Thing to remember is that since it is flamable it won't be shipped by air and there may be haz-mat charges. Sometimes it pays to date an artist;)
 
Peaches I used to live in Lawrence, what a place. I saw Morphine there a few years ago, one of the best concerts I've been to. I'd think you will find an art store there that'll have asphaltum but can't name any names anymore. Good luck with your show and welcome to the forums.

Dave

PS Edit: Whoa! Sep 2000 - don't post much do you?! :D
 
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