Bob Warner Etcher, Anodizer, Plater

69_knives · Mar 4, 2009

Though I have nothing to etch, anodize or plate, I thought I'd share this build.

I received the variac I won off Ebay today so I wanted to make sure it worked OK. It was guaranteed working but the cord was cut and it was a little banged up but for 30 bucks...

The case was dinged in one area so I straightened out the case so the internals no longer rubbed and installed a new cord, then I built the circuitry to make the etcher/anodizer/plater work. Mr. Warner's instructional video is very easy to follow. Here are the results... I think even my DC maximum voltage is exactly the same as Bob's. I don't think Bob put an On/Off switch on the unit but I put one on just for fun

Fellhoelter · Mar 4, 2009

Good for you man.

A variac is the only way to fly...

James_Terrio · Mar 4, 2009

Geez, I've been looking at etchers that run up to $300

Unfortunately, I've never wired anything more complicated than a lamp...

69_knives · Mar 4, 2009

James_Terrio said:
Geez, I've been looking at etchers that run up to $300 Unfortunately, I've never wired anything more complicated than a lamp...

It's actually quite easy. Aside from the variac the only thing you REALLY need is the bridge rectifier but the DPDT switch is handy to put your output onto two leads. I could probably draw up a diagram if needed.

The guy I got the variac from deals with a lot of them, and he had a few more when I got this one. PM me if you want his name. Just be forewarned that it may not be in pristine condition.

The little case, switches, bridge rectifier and terminal strip cost around $40.00 and the two power cords and hunk of wood were scavenged.

RUGUR · Mar 4, 2009

Congrats on finishing your machine.

go mike · Mar 4, 2009

Do you know of any ways to have homemade stencils for these things too?

69_knives · Mar 4, 2009

Bob Warner, in his video, shows how to make the stencils and a light box to cure the UV activated resins.

I was thinking about making my own and still am thinking about it, actually trying to come up with my own way to do it.

I may just order some from http://www.erniesknives.com/Etching Stencils.htm though.

Fellhoelter · Mar 4, 2009

Buy them from TUS Tech, it saves a TON of frustration....

69_knives · Mar 4, 2009

RUGUR said:
Congrats on finishing your machine.

Thanks!

Actually 'now' it is complete. I put in a keyed socket and cord set from a portable DVD adapter and a couple alligator clips to finish it off.

69_knives · Mar 5, 2009

I've added a schematic to my profile photo album for this unit if anybody is interested. I'll just add that all credit, AFAIK, should go to Bob Warner.

Fellhoelter · Mar 5, 2009

Well done...

I posted a schematic a while back, and everybody jumped my a$$.
I took it down.

Yours seems to much better received.

indian george · Mar 5, 2009

Where did you get the housing for the switches and etc.???

69_knives · Mar 5, 2009

Hmm, I could sorta see some reasoning behind jumping on somebody for that IF, it were a patented design or idea but I'm fairly sure that Mr. Warner wasn't the first person to put together a few of the simplest electronic components to create a unit such as this. It's not like I'm posting a transcript or clips of his video. Aside from that, there is still a lot of information in Bob's video with regards to doing the actual processes for etching, anodizing or plating and making stencils.

69_knives · Mar 5, 2009

indian george said:
Where did you get the housing for the switches and etc.???

I got the switches, case and terminal strip from these guys

they have a store locally so I just picked them up, I don't know if they are on their web page or not.

Edro20 · Mar 5, 2009

indian george said:
Where did you get the housing for the switches and etc.???

Radio shack will have stuff like that as well.

indian george · Mar 5, 2009

Thanks guys:thumbup:

logem · Mar 6, 2009

Here's my schematic in PDF format: Schematic

Here's my web page listing components, etc: Here

Mike L.

James_Terrio · Mar 6, 2009

You guys that have built an etcher, pm me if you might be interested in building another and selling it to me. (I hope I'm not breaking the rules by asking in this thread)

Personally, I already have plenty of projects going on, and I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing build one, instead of me trying to figure it out

:foot:

RUGUR · Mar 9, 2009

Can this machine be used as a carbidizer?
I don't understand exactly how a carbidizer works. It seems like you use a tungsten carbide electrode and short it out so that the carbide fuses to your workpiece.