DIY Electro etcher under $20

True enough daizee, lol :) But unless you have it laying around in your house (or shop in my case) it's gonna cost you gas money to go get etc, and in that case it's probably cheaper just to use an old AC or DC adapter, that most people DO have laying around from old devices that no longer work.

I can't tell you how many thousands of power supplies I've thrown out over the years that would work fine for this procedure. I gave a buddy a batch of 5 Sun computers once, that I got from a large auction and didn't have any use for. He used them just for practice, he was taking a college computer course at the time. I never did play with Solaris myself, though I would like to one day. Anyway I don't want to derail here, it's easy to go off on a computer tangent hehe.

You can just short the two wires mentioned, the color varies but the wires USUALLY are in that shape I mentioned. I have a paper clip stripped on the ends and bent over to make it a bit thicker on the ends, and jammed in the ATX connector to run 2 of my LCDs in the shop here. Been going for a few years that way.
 
well yall are way over this country boys head!:) zeph...if it aint too much trouble could you post a link to a 12vac you prefer so I dont try to get the wrong thing? I might be asking a question you already answered and if so i am sorry!
 
Thanks for all of your help!...I think I will try this one because it looks a little simpler to me. One more of my dumb questions...what is the bigger black box with the wires? I am assuming the smaller one is the 12vdc. Thanks again!
 
There are no dumb questions, only dumb teachers. Actually, the smaller one is 12VAC and the larger is 12VDC. It really doesn't matter though, as long as you have both. Both are directly connected to the 120VAC coming out of the wall and both output to the DPDT switch which then outputs to the leads.
 
Ive been kind of scrounging around and have found a 12VDC Transformer and a 9VAC Power adapter. Also I have found an AC/DC Adapter that says out put is 12.0V it is kindof like a deal you would use to plug in a laptop. Remember I am not good with this stuff.....I know I can use the 12VDC....could I use it with the 9VAC or could I use the other laptop AC/DC?
 
I just messed with using an old model train transformer. The variable DC didn't appear to etch much even on full power but the AC side (accessory output) gave a very nice mark. I'll have to try the DC accessory side next. Regardless, just figured I'd report. The transformer was a MRC Tech II, Railmaster 2400.
 
I've been tinkering with a small 6amp battery charger. Seems to get the job done and it was freeeeeeeee
 
Sorry to revive an older thread but I have a question on the VAC transformers.

Would a doorbell VAC-VAC transformer work for the AC side of the etcher? Found them at Lowe's for like $11, 16VAC (10VA).

Like this:
http://www.rlalighting.com/Products/46064-craftmade-t1610.aspx?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=link_image&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}&gclid=CNfq1_iQhbQCFQf0nAodRC4APA
 
Fantastic! I'll pick one up shortly. I get a discount at Lowe's through my fiancee. It's a shame they don't have but like 3 choices for toggles and none of them DPDT :P
 
Anyway we could get a detailed or closer picture of the way you have the DPDT switch wired up? I cant wait to try this.
 
Blue is in the middle and is the switched output.
Orange is AC and green is DC

Make sense?

etcherspins.jpg
 
Here's another question. What is too much power and what is just right?

That doorbell transformer has a pretty hot AC output at 10A for 16V, compared to, say, the center tapped transformer that Stacy suggested. Most I've seen people use is a 12/24V - 2A.

Can that doorbell transformer be wired up to a bridge rectifier to get 16VAC and DC with the same 10A output?
 
Having built both .16A and 3A etchers, I didn't see much difference between the two. From all the etching tests on my stainless steel desk top, I can't tell the difference between the two and I give both 5-10 seconds to etch. The problem with 10A is that you need bigger wires everywhere and 160 watts is going to produce a lot of heat inside the box.

What is just right? Personalizer uses 3A transformers and I use 3A transformers in the ones that I sell. I'd probably be happy with 1A because I think the .16A is just a bit small. However, I can't find 1A transformers reasonably priced so I use 3A.
 
Thanks-I think I understand---Blue goes to the leads (etching), Orange to AC transformer output and Green to the DC transformer output. Am I correct? I do not have alot of electrical knowledge.
 
GrizzlyBear said:
Here's another question. What is too much power and what is just right?

That doorbell transformer has a pretty hot AC output at 10A for 16V, compared to, say, the center tapped transformer that Stacy suggested. Most I've seen people use is a 12/24V - 2A.

Can that doorbell transformer be wired up to a bridge rectifier to get 16VAC and DC with the same 10A output?
Click to expand...

That doorbell transformer has 10VA, not 10A. That works out to about 10 watts of power.
 
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