electro etcher help...

blgoode · Mar 27, 2004

well..I bought everything from IMG and my etcher makes a nasty mark without the stencil so I know it works. I can develope the stencil fine but when I use it to make my logo NOTHING happens....at all......can someone help?

I have electrolyte for tool steel (O-1) and my stincel is a blueish color from IMG....
Thanks

blgoode · Mar 27, 2004

eighter I get a mess....or nothing!!! I don't like this

John Andrews · Mar 27, 2004

Don't take this wrong, but are you using the right side after you remove the protective tape? Or, maybe you are using too much echant. You don't want to have the pad very wet, just really damp. Blot the extra after charging the pad. I have one of the little etchers and have had to follow the directions very closely. I have done signiture logos on knives by using the stencil material and a ball point pen to sign my name and then transfer it to the blade. By the way, I do an etch and stencil combo, to have a dark etch. Practice on a tang to see how it is going to work for you. Also,you trying the right echant?

Bob Warner · Mar 27, 2004

I would be willing to bet you have not developed the stencil enough. Some people do not realize there is plastic on both sides that need to be removed. Some people also develop until their names or logos show up well. However, the logo or name must be WHITE. Not off white ot green tinted. Remember, you are going to pass electricity through this with the help of moisture, therefore the moisture must pass through the stencil to be effective.

I develop mine until it looks right, then I try it, if it does not work correctly, I putit back into the developer a little longer. Keep it up until is does work.

blgoode · Mar 28, 2004

Don't take this wrong, but are you using the right side after you remove the protective tape?

I do remove both clear sides.....is there a correct side to expose?

I'll keep trying....

Tuck · Mar 29, 2004

Had the same problem myself, Bob Warner is right, put it back in the developer for a while. Also helps to keep records on what seems to work and what doesn't. Exposure time, developer time, what etchant works good with what steel etc.. Its easy to forget all those little details if you don't do it all the time. Keep at it! - Tuck

blgoode · Mar 30, 2004

here is what I am getting.......

Terry_Dodson · Mar 30, 2004

try swapping your lead around and see what you get, i had some that looked like that, swapped the leads and had nice etching, of course what i was using as a stencil wasnt any good, but the etch was nice and clean.