etching blade with ferric chloride

[pike3e]

I have some radio shack etching solution and am getting ready to etch a 1080 blade. What dilution should I use and how do you store the liquid once it has been diluted or is it only good for one etch?

Thanks

John

 

[Patrickknives]

I use one part of ferric chloride to 4 parts water. Try it and you can always add more fc or water. This mix is not real agressive and I can make 3-4 wipes of the solution to get the etch I want (for a hammon). I just mix a small amount and dump it after but you can save in a clean glass jar, put plastice wrap over the top to protect the lid.

 

[bobbywett]

John,

I picked up a neat storage idea while at the recent ABS Hammer-Inn down at Haywood Community College, Waynesville, NC. Get a section of 4" PVC (no more than 2') cap the bottom and seal with plumbing cement. Let it dry for a day and then just store your solution in it. I also put a screw cap on the top to keep containment's out.

I'm still very new to this knife making venture, but I am having decent success mixing the Radio Shack Ferric Chloride, White Vinagar, with distilled/rain water at a ratio of 1-1-7. I've not tried it on Damascus......just carbon steel to bring out the quench line. I will try it on Damascus, hopefully in the future once I begin to experiment with forge welding.

P.S. Quick Tip, after you have built your storage vessel for the solution, grab a wire coat hanger or similar length of scrap wire/rod and shape two small hooks at either end. This will keep you from having to reach into the mix and retrieve your blade. Simply drill a hole in your tang and suspend in the solution.

 

[sharpeknives]

I mix mine 1part FC, 1 part white viniger, 1 part water. Gives a good etch. I clean the resadue with 0000 steel wool soaked in viniger. Then polish with Fitz

 

[Dakota 11]

im not sure were i read this but i have seen it on numerous occasions, but using distilled water is prefered. I used RO/Di water at a 4 to 1 ratio. the ro/di water has a tds of less then 2 ppm. what does this mean? it means its pure water not water full of calcium copper and cholrine. which i believe gives better more consistent etchs

 

[oconeedan]

I use a cleaned out liquid laundry soap bottle, with large screw lid. Works great and has a handle.
Dan

 

[pike3e]

thanks for the info. I used ferric, vinegar and water and wiped the solution on the blade a few times and let sit for a few minutes. I got a hammon on my first try. After the blade is actually close to finished I will have a bunch of questions regarding polishing it up after etching.