Etching a mark on AEB-L

[Dave Hub]

so I tried etching my mark on a aeb-l using a salt water solution. It didn’t seem to work. After several passes, it only left a light cloud on the blade. The metal was smooth and there was nothing etched.

Is there a trick to it? Wrong solution maybe?

 

[john april]

tell us what you are using for the etching machine, and the voltage. ac or dc. has the same technique worked well on other metals? more details may help diagnose it.

 

[Dave Hub]

I am using a 12v car charger at 2amps. The technique worked on ats-34 before.

 

[DAMNENG]

Dave
I too have problems occasionally when etching.. It has always been lack of electrons---I didnlt plug in the etching machine.
If you had it plugged in check your polarity, negative to electrode and positive to the blade.
If this doesn't cure the problem, test your setup on a piece of mild steel to prove the system is operational.
Merry Christmas
Jim A.

 

[Dave Hub]

Ha! That’s exactly the problem! I had the red and black leads reversed.

Thanks guys.

 

[jdm61]

Lack of electrons!! Funny stuff. I had that happens once myself. The lack of the little red light on the front of my etcher should have been my first clue.