Etched My 18

The Warrior

🇺🇸 INSANE VIKING 🇺🇸
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Worked on etching my 18 a few weeks ago, decided to finish it up on this fine snow day. Had a few problems I've never encountered before etching. This is from an old tutorial 91bravo 91bravo did some time ago.

Setting up for it. Radio Shack etchant:



Started on the BK18, Rune side:



After an hour session:



Reapply, etc:











For some reason, after 4, one hour sessions, it seemed to not etch as deep as I remember.

Other side:











That side seemed to do better.

Spine:





That side seemed to do well also.

Today, I cleaned the logos best I could, then did a few more sessions per side. The results:











to be cont...
 


Finally, I applied gun blueing to the etched logos. Some of the shots have paper towel lint in them. Also, most of my photos really sucked:





Turned out fairly nice. But when I did the BK18 side, the one that seemed difficult to etch, it wouldn't take the bluing very well. I cleaned them all very well before bluing:





I cleaned and reapplied several times. You can even see where I left the bluing on it for a few minutes. It seemed to stain the coating:



Anyways, these are the final results:







 
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Finally, I applied gun blueing to the etched logos. Some of the shots have paper towel lint in them. Also, most of my photos really sucked:





Turned out fairly nice. But when I did the BK18 side, the one that seemed difficult to etch, it wouldn't take the bluing very well. I cleaned them all very well before bluing:





I cleaned and reapplied several times. You can even see where I left the bluing on it for a few minutes. It seemed to stain the coating:



Anyways, these are the final results:








That looks good Warrior! In between etching sessions, I used a steel bristled brush to really brush out the logos. I learned how to etch using a 9v battery and some salt water and can etch in half the time now. I need to write up how I do this. It's so easy a cave man can do it!
 
I used a tooth brush, with dish detergent, then alcohol between etchings. When I did my RAT 6, 4 hour sessions, the etchings were deep.

Etching is weird sometimes. I've run into the same thing you have etching some Beckers before. Some etch really well, and some not so well. You just have to keep going until it's as deep as you like it.

How did you do the rune etching and your name on the spine?
 
Etching is weird sometimes. I've run into the same thing you have etching some Beckers before. Some etch really well, and some not so well. You just have to keep going until it's as deep as you like it.

How did you do the rune etching and your name on the spine?
 
That’s awesome, I’m a huge fan of the Highland games. I’m Irish but my family is originally from Scandinavia I guess. Found out when I did a google search of my last name: Swedish: patronymic from Siger, a personal name formed with Old Norse sigr 'victory' + -ar 'warrior'. I thought it was pretty cool.
 
I want to etch my Machax when I get it back. It’s an uncoated steel. I think I need to practice on some scrap steel first. I don’t wanna screw this one up. Dubz your blade looks awesome.
 
I want to etch my Machax when I get it back. It’s an uncoated steel. I think I need to practice on some scrap steel first. I don’t wanna screw this one up. Dubz your blade looks awesome.
Thanks man. I may try to give the BK18 side a go again, just not satisfied with it.

I Have thought about getting a vinyl cutting machine for ages, but have yet to take the plunge. Unlimited possibilities with one of those. I thought about getting a Cricut model. There's tons of tutorials on youtube. Here's one I've enjoyed:

 
looks deep :thumbsup: Did you ever strip the coating on your Rat 6 ? Just wondering if it still looked deep:thumbsup:
The PCB gives a nice smooth surface looking at the result. It may be deep enough. 9v and saltwater gives fast results but not as smooth a surface.You don’t notice it unless you look up real close. But less than 1/2 hour both sides plenty deep. Maybe next time if you want a faster way :)
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Your 18 looks Great :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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You can see how deep the etch was after 4 or 5 one hour sessions on the RAT6:






I did my esee 3 with a battery and salt water just yesterday
I was going to strip the coating off anyways but it discolored the coating badly so I wouldn't have been able to leave it nice like how yours looks.
15 minutes and I achieved a great result
Dan

 
I did my esee 3 with a battery and salt water just yesterday
I was going to strip the coating off anyways but it discolored the coating badly so I wouldn't have been able to leave it nice like how yours looks.
15 minutes and I achieved a great result
Dan

WOW! I’ve never had that happen. Did you use a 9 volt?

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The coatings are so thick it can be deceiving. Make sure you go a little below before stripping it .
 
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