Bob Warner / Chris Crawford Etcher

Big Smitty

Big Smitty

Joined
Aug 30, 2007
Messages
509
Is anyone using the self built etcher by Bob Warner that I found posted on Chris Crawfords site? I need a little guidance on the use of this machine.

I built it to the specification, but am having trouble etching for depth in the DC mode. When I use the DC mode it is smoking stencils in about 15 seconds. It is running really hot in this mode. I am using salt water as an etchant (is this the problem?

In the AC mode it does a good job of providing a nice black stamp and does not burn the stencil. if anyone can give a basic run down of how they use this etcher it would be greatly appreciated.:)
 
I use the same etcher. I have the etching solution from TUS tech, at least that is where I think I got it, it was a long time ago. I etch on dc for about 3 or 4 five second bursts. I have gotten about 50 or 60 uses out of the same stencil. It may be in how you are doing the etch. When I first get done etching, the etch looks cloudy and the details are hard to see. I sand it with 1000 grit sandpaper afterwards and the details come out and the cloudiness disappears. I actually never use the AC part, because I etch all my blades in ferric after the logo has been applied and that seems to blacken up the mark. Hope this helps some.
 
Build one or get a Personalizer Plus.
 
Last edited:
Big Smitty said:
When I use the DC mode it is smoking stencils in about 15 seconds. It is running really hot in this mode. I am using salt water as an etchant (is this the problem?
Click to expand...


Yup. 15 seconds at a shot is too long... try it in 3-4 second bursts multiple times.

Nope. No problems with salt water... I use the same electrolyte from TUSTech, tho... a big bottle will likely last forever. Hope it works out for you!
 
I built that exact one. I had similar problems at first when I used the cheap "make your own stencils on a roll" and held the electrode on the blade too long. Now I use stencils from TusTech and only make contact in 3-5 second bursts. Usually I do 8-12 bursts. I use the same process on DC and AC. The electolyte should not be any problem. Make sure the stencils are tight against the blade and the felt is damp, not dripping wet. Mine make a clean, dark mark. A few passes with 2000 paper and it looks like I am a professional marker.
Chip Kunkle
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top