Cheap electro-etching device

R

R.C.Reichert

Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
1,006
Found this neat little AC/DC adapter complete with built-in clamps at the local Princess Auto today for $15.99. Works great for electro-etching.

10ccac90ab926750a6342e1ad4c2047e.jpg



Of course a person could always just make their own if they wanted...
 
That looks pretty reasonable to me. I've only done a little etching, but I've gotten what I think are pretty fine results using a homemade setup. I wasnt gonna spend $200 bucks or anything. Here's what I have used in the past, and the results. I might switch to that, as I run through the 8v batteries pretty quick.

View attachment 661554View attachment 661555
 
That's fine for the etching, but you need AC current for darkening. It's a 2-step process and you're only getting half of it with a simple transformer.
 
True, Atlas. I'm wondering if there's an equally simple/cheap AC device commercially available.

That said, sometimes I'll do just a deep etch, without the dark, and polish it out with Flitz or similar.
 
What do you use for a pad or whatever?

I was going to buy a benchtop AC/DC power supply as I could use it for multiple things, but I don't know exactly what I'd need to put together for the etching pad.
 
Atlas Knife Company said:
That's fine for the etching, but you need AC current for darkening. It's a 2-step process and you're only getting half of it with a simple transformer.
Click to expand...



I found you do not necessarily "need" AC current for darkening if you are using carbon steels. Darkening is as simple as running a few dabs of cold gun blue over the area you etched and then some fine sand paper to highlight the area. I darkened this etch using gun blue...

6a9c7df689978237706bcdbedefa7011.jpg
 
Last edited:
kuraki said:
What do you use for a pad or whatever?

I was going to buy a benchtop AC/DC power supply as I could use it for multiple things, but I don't know exactly what I'd need to put together for the etching pad.
Click to expand...


I just used a Q-tip soaked in a solution of vinegar and salt, or you could probably find some felt at a craft store to use as a contact pad. The etch I posted above is after 30 seconds of intermittent contact with salt and vinegar using that little AC/DC converter. The etch is almost half a milimeter deep or better and you can feel it's depth when you run a fingernail over it. I was quite happy with the etch since for all intents and purposes it feels and looks as though the mark was stamped in with a metal stamp.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Jason Fry said:
I'm wondering if there's an equally simple/cheap AC device commercially available.
Click to expand...
Yep.

Search for AC/AC Adapters where the output is in VAC instead of VDC.

16VAC output is common. I use the AC/AC adapter from an old office calculator. Cordless phone systems use adapters with outputs in VAC. Door bell transformers also have VAC outputs.

Fleabay, Jameco, and DigiKey have AC/AC Adapters, all under $20.

GSOM built his own switchable AC/DC etcher ...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...r-and-using-electrochemical-etching-on-a-BK12
 
I found a Tyco model train power supply for really cheap. 18 volts, AC and DC. But it really should have an easier switch between current sources to work out, or so I think after a few attempts.
 
Question on the subject. if you etch before HT, do you still need to darken it?
 
Open any of these old walwarts you sure have around from an old device, open it, remove all the electronics, just leave AC cord attached to the transformer and the secondary wires, bingo, you now have an AC transformer, its AC voltage is DC volts/1.4

An old (the heavy ones) dichroic lamp transformer does the job too.


Pablo
 
Here is what I use. Variable voltage AC/DC power supply and a motor brush and felt for the marker. Good for etching and other electro chemical tasks and cost me about 65$ total.

-Clint

IMG_0438 by Clint, on Flickr

IMG_0439 by Clint, on Flickr
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top