chasing down a logo etching problem...

Kentucky

Kentucky

Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
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Alright, I need a clear head on this one..We have a monode 45 etching machine. Its a good quality machine and in the past has always worked perfectly. I use img stencils and #94 electrolyte..I do have a homemade handmarker..I use cotton pads on the homemade marker..My electrolyte is old and down to the last few drops so I need to order more..
The last several knives Ive etched, Lisa has had to grind away the etch to redo..It is not coming our right now for some reason. Its not nearly as deep as it was is mostly the problem. It seems to be gunking up the stencil worse than before..
possibly the hot or ground cable needs replaced? not good contact? It seems like its not getting the volts to the steel..Before if I put the etcher on the highest setting (C) it would make smoke come off the etch and make a mark so deep it looked like a stamp..
Im sure its something Im doing wrong but Im too dumb today to figure it out..Any ideas?
Heres a pic of a knife with the etch like it normally was..Very deep and dark..

 
Perhaps, and I say just perhaps, you are not placing your wand down firmly and or removing it too quickly? I had this develop over a period of time and it took me ages to realize what nI was doing wrong.
Frank
 
Just a WAG but you mention a homemade marker. I use one myself and have to clean with sand paper between uses to insure good electrical contact with the pad. Other than that got no clue. Could put a meter on leads and make sure your getting good voltages but doubt that's the problem.
 
Yea the marker, mines brass can get pretty funky so I have to keep it clean with sandpaper to.I may make a new just to make sure.It may also have something to do with what frank said...It also may be the old alligator clips I have on the leads..they are getting a bit rusty and may not be giving good contact ? Im going to try several things and see what happens.
 
I have a carbon block pad(I use a Personalizer Plus unit) and I find that cleaning (sandpaper) helps.
 
Do you guys like the carbon block pads? I was going to order some pads that go on them to try but usaknifemaker is out right now..
 
I have a personalizer + with a carbon block and I use plain old white synthetic felt from the fabric store for pads. I get it by the yard and cut it into pieces and store them in a zip-lock bag. Works fine for me.
I always clean the block after use and never have an issue. I may be wrong but it sounds like your not getting good current flow.
 
Kentucky said:
Do you guys like the carbon block pads? I was going to order some pads that go on them to try but usaknifemaker is out right now..
Click to expand...

While my own results are based on a homemade etcher and not a factory made unit, I noticed a fairly significant improvement in my etches when I switched to a carbon based etch pad.

I made mine from an industrial sized motor brush.
Here's a little bit of an overview on how I made mine:
[video=youtube;Cf4FfjmMcTw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf4FfjmMcTw[/video]
 
Mine is homemade too. I have an aluminum block and use the felt pads. I got a "set up" from a fellow in Oklahoma (I believe) and still use his electrolyte.
Frank
 
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