Etching machines

D

DukeHarley

Joined
Apr 11, 2014
Messages
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Going to order an etcher this week and was wondering if the Personalizer Plus was worth the extra over the base model?

Also I have seen posts awhile back where it was mentioned that there is a knifemaker who makes a very nice unit that is highly recommended and is reasonably priced. I just can't remember his name and was wondering if anyone knew who I may be talking about.?

Any info on either of my 2 questions would be of great help. Thanks guys!!!!

Jay
 
I don't think so. I remember it some saying it was a knifemaker who makes these in the side. It was a guys name I believe.

Jay
 
I have the atlas mini and it works well. It was $100 and then I ordered a hand pad to replace the q-tips.
 
I sold my "Personalizer" machine and bought the "Personalizer Plus" and I am glad that I did. It has more voltage and does a better job in my opinion. Larry
 
I don't think he is making the Atlas etcher anymore.

I bought one when he first started making them and made a carbon head for it and used good etchant and it really makes a nice clean mark.

Your best bet is the personalizer plus. It is really popular for a reason
 
The other thing about the personalizer plus is it has a dial to vary the power whereas the personalizer has an on/off switch. It's nice to be able to dial in the power that works for you. i had to play around with the settings to find the sweet spot.
 
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AH an alternative is buying an AC/DC powersupply.

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-XP-625-AC-Power-Supply/dp/B0002DVEZA $129 New (I got a scratch and dent for $55)
Aligator Clips $9
Felt $5
Graphite Motor Brushes $5

This is almost twice the amperage as the PP and has a amp/volt readout on the front of the unit.

The only thing you really have to "make" is a holder for the brush which can be a piece of 1" dowel rod with a hole drilled through it. I also plan on using mine to gold plate screws and anodize timascus. I ordered everything but the electrolyte solution from amazon for ~$100. Perfect etches every time.

-Clint
 
Sorry, but until I move to my new location this summer, I won't be making any more etchers. I just don't have the room.

Ernie Grospitch sells an etcher, and you may have heard the name Bob Warner or Chris Crawford relating to an etcher. I don't know anyone else who attaches their name to the etcher.
 
Atlas Knife Company said:
Sorry, but until I move to my new location this summer, I won't be making any more etchers. I just don't have the room.

Ernie Grospitch sells an etcher, and you may have heard the name Bob Warner or Chris Crawford relating to an etcher. I don't know anyone else who attaches their name to the etcher.
Click to expand...

So you're saying mine has now become a collectors item since it's no longer in production? Anybody want to make an offer on this rare collectors item?:D Kidding aside I am pleased with mine.
 
No, I plan to make more eventually, just not for a while. I've still got the circuit board plans and my supply chain, I just don't have room to build them anymore. I can always crank out one or two if someone asks really nice.
 
The Personalizer-plus is a great etcher. Far and away worth the extra over the basic Personalizer.

If you are electrically apt, you can build a very good etcher yourself. If not, buy a full power unit. You need 0-24VDC and AC output and enough current to get a good etch. You want large enough a carbon block and felt pads. Wire connections need to be with proper banana plugs. A meter is needed for voltage readout. Lights are needed for AC/DC and ON/OFF. A foot switch to start/stop the etch is a great add on.
 
Wow lots of great stuff! I do believe it was Bob Warner. Thanks a lot guys.....you always come through.

Jay
 
rcetroy said:
The other thing about the personalizer plus is it has a dial to vary the power whereas the personalizer has an on/off switch. It's nice to be able to dial in the power that works for you. i had to play around with the settings to find the sweet spot.
Click to expand...

What he said! ^^^ Go with the Personalizer Plus. Been very happy for years and I have the folks there make my stencils.
 
If you use eBay there are many good deals. I have bought several commercial grade teachers BRAND NEW for less than a personalized.
 
Kosa: Very nice and clean etcher you built there. I'd like to see a capacitor added to smooth out the DC output. As you have it now, your DC turns on and off at 50Hz. A small capacitor would make it constant DC.
 
Augus7us said:
AH an alternative is buying an AC/DC powersupply.

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-XP-625-AC-Power-Supply/dp/B0002DVEZA $129 New (I got a scratch and dent for $55)
Aligator Clips $9
Felt $5
Graphite Motor Brushes $5

This is almost twice the amperage as the PP and has a amp/volt readout on the front of the unit.

The only thing you really have to "make" is a holder for the brush which can be a piece of 1" dowel rod with a hole drilled through it. I also plan on using mine to gold plate screws and anodize timascus. I ordered everything but the electrolyte solution from amazon for ~$100. Perfect etches every time.

-Clint
Click to expand...
I got a decent power supply and normally use a saltwatered qtip in an alligator clip as an electrode. Things work but I wouldn't mind improving if possible.
How do you build yours with graphite and felt?
 
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I used a piece of brass for mine. Do you think the graphite would do better than brass? I also bought some #94 etchant, hoping to improve the mark but haven't tried it yet.
 
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