damascus after etch question...

[Ken H>]

Making twist Damascus is a two-man job once you are ready to twist.

My biggest problem twisting Damascus is the rod trying to twist too much in one spot, and not twisting evenly all the way up 'n down the rod. Maybe I could get my wife to help when I'm trying to twist? She could squirt (mist?) water on spots that are trying to twist too much compared to rest of rod to try for an even twist full length of rod? Nice idea, but I doubt she'd be interested

 

[vikingGoalie]

I hope you all don't mind me posting work in progress as I go
But I think I'm starting to get there.

https://imgur.com/a/czE5QlC

This after a couple more etch cycles, this time I'm using 1:5 ratio on fc to water and each cycle is 5m. I found that is working better.

 

[Scotchmon]

https://imgur.com/a/vI5oj0u

so trying to grow my skills which is why i bug all of you...
So first time making damascus, i alternated 10 layers of 80crv2 and 15n20.
I used ferric chloride mixed 50/50 with distilled water, dipped for 5 minutes. (perhaps overly aggressive)
Neutralized with windex afterwards. hopefully images i linked show.

So the one with the pliers is right after coming out of the etch.

you can barely make it out but you can see the 15n20 coming through in spots. How do I brighten the 15n20 parts without messing with the etch i got on the 80crv2 parts?
and i should point out in normal light, those pics are in a well lit room, light is a little more dim all you see is black
after i sort through this part this will be my first hidden tang knife, first brass guard, etc, etc. I have to say I might not yet be at the level i want to be at, it sure is fun just doing this stuff...

Yes it is!