Etching problem?

D

DannyDiablo

Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Messages
176
Hey guys..It seems that every time I etch my logos onto my blades I get a stain around where I have etched..Am I using too much power? I use a personalizer plus and run it just over 4 with a 10 second on 10 second off cycle for 10 reps on both mark and etch..I wind up having to go back over it with a fine grit and then another buff which take the sharpness and darkness out of the etch! Is there a way to do it where there is no going back over it? Thanks Dan
 
I had the exact same problem with personalizer plus. The cloth should be lightly moist and not soaked in the electrolyte fluid. Still if you do everything right it will still be inconsistent. That thing pissed me off so bad I broke down and bought an engraver. Problem solved. Good luck man
 
^This

I agree - I had a similar problem, turned out I was using too much electrolyte, it soaks through and under your stencil and still carries the current, thus the cloud shape. Use a little less and you'll be golden. If the problem persists (unlikely) look into getting a new stencil.

Gazza
 
Brian Fellhoelter recently posted a good video of his marking technique here. Among other tips, he says that putting a light spritz of Windex on the blade before laying the stencil down helps prevent the "ghosting". Seems like it would be worth a try :)
 
Thanks James...I actually saw that after I posted this! unfortunately not before I etched this blade.....anyways here is a few pics of what I mean!
2013-01-18_17-43-38_913.jpg

2013-01-18_17-43-29_164.jpg
 
Man I hated when that happened to me. I feel your pain. That's a great looking knife by the way.

Doesn't it just drive you completely insane when you have poured all that work into something and that happens.

Look on eBay for a new Hermes engraver and some fonts. Then sale you personalizer plus.
 
Danny, I was having the same problem but not as bad...but my etches are not as deep as yours. I use a personalizer plus also and never got reliable etches until I asked for advice on this forum. I was advised to use Marking Methods Green stencils from Marking Methods in Brea California. They set me up with new stencils that work great. At the same time I was advised to use IMG electrolyte number 94 for stainless steel. They have other electrolyte for other steels and will advise you which to use. IMG is in Utica, New York. I think you might be marking ( on AC) too long with too wet a pad also...just my opinion. I have stenciled over 250 knives and my last 15 or so have been nice and sharp using the new stencils and electrolyte. Some of the guys only use Ac to etch their knives but they won't get as deep an etch as yours unless they turn up the power and etch for a long time. I like to etch a knife inside of a minute because I do several at once but I want a perfect mark. Everything that has ever worked for me has been trial and error but asking for other opinions is the best way to eliminate problems. I hope this helps. Larry Lehman Bakersfield, Ca
 
DC to etch ( remove metal) AC to mark ( deposit black metal oxide).
If you have a halo, you probably have too much electrolyte, or poor quality stencils. If you have a dark halo, you are spending too long on AC. If you have a light halo, you are spending too long on DC.

Use a just barely damp pad ( blot it on a paper towel)
45 to 90 seconds on DC and then 10-15 seconds on AC
Neutralize well and then clean up with 3M polishing papers between 400 and 4000 grit.
This should eliminate the halo.
 
Thanks guys....I'm going to check them out today Larry...I'll give that a shot Stacy, I have been doing 10 second on 10 seconds off for 10 cycles on both dc and ac, that could be my problem! I appreciate the input gentleman!
 
I think you're underestimating how quickly steel etches. Jump to 2:30 in this video and see how quickly it etches. It took only a few seconds and that was one letter at a time. You can etch deeper and darken longer, but it doesn't take much.
[youtube]A3Gu_Xdcn_Q[/youtube]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top