Etcher Transformer Suggestion?

[JTknives]

If you etch with DC and the wires are switched you won’t get an etch. It will have a little mark on the blade but not a deep etch. Just swap the leads around

 

[Drew Riley]

You can verify with the meter, but (IIRC) you want the negative lead going to your etch pad, and positive clamped to your blade. Or, like JT says, just swap leads and see if there’s a difference. No meter necessary.

 

[J. Keeton]

You guys just saved my bacon...

Swapped the leads and it worked like a charm. I got a little too aggressive and roasted a stencil I think, but the mark is deep!

Thanks again. I was worried because troubleshooting this system's wiring is a little out of my depth.

JK

 

[JTknives]

Yep there you go, looks good and deep.

 

[Drew Riley]

Careful not to etch all the way through the blade!

Looks like you've gotten off to a good start. It'll take a couple before you get the times down, and part of that will vary with voltage, how well your pad conducts, what kind of electrolyte, etc.... but you'll get there.