Etching stencils

Bfusmc03117

Bfusmc03117

Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
697
Anyone have any recommendations as far as etching stencils? Looking to get some new designs cut out clean for my stencils. Looking to see what you guys reccomend?
 
I worked with Patricia at www.img-electromark.com for my stencil. She was a real pleasure to work with. Her fees are competitive and the stencil itself is top quality. She won't be satisfied with the design until you are. I highly recommend giving her a call. Contact info should be on the website.
 
TUS in New Bedford, MA is great.
 
They don't come any better than Patricia.
And there's a reason why - she is a TRUE graphic artist.
She just doesn't copy and use catalog fonts, etc.
Sue uses actual caligraphy and artist's tools.
She's the best out there.

Adam Buttry said:
I worked with Patricia at www.img-electromark.com for my stencil. She was a real pleasure to work with. Her fees are competitive and the stencil itself is top quality. She won't be satisfied with the design until you are. I highly recommend giving her a call. Contact info should be on the website.
Click to expand...
 
Karl B. Andersen said:
They don't come any better than Patricia.
And there's a reason why - she is a TRUE graphic artist.
She just doesn't copy and use catalog fonts, etc.
Sue uses actual caligraphy and artist's tools.
She's the best out there.
Click to expand...

I took a look at the website looked very professional so I sent an email inquiring about an etching machine and some stencils. What do you guys think of their machines?
 
Bfusmc03117,

I don't have any experience with their (IMG-Electromark) etching machines. After quite a bit of researching, I decided on the Personalizer Plus made by Electro-Chem Etch. It has variable voltage output, which was recommended to me by other knife makers. Although I haven't been using it long, I'm really happy with it so far. It's capable of producing a deep etch (about .006"), which I wanted, as well as a nice high-contrast mark.
 
I have stencils from IMG and I have some from Ernie. I much prefer IMG-Electromark's stencils. I include a sample of their stencils with all the etchers I sell.

PS I know a certain website lists Electrolyte 110 as suitable for stainless. It etches nicely. However, I've tried and tried but can't get a black mark on stainless with it. #94 marks great on just about everything, however.
 
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What are the IMG stencil cost?

I might like to try them when I need a new stencil
 
AVigil said:
What are the IMG stencil cost?

I might like to try them when I need a new stencil
Click to expand...

That's the downside they are a little pricy. The lower unit looks like around $560 and they have a smaller unit that says call for pricing so I contacted them on it still waiting for reply.

As far as the stencils do I create the artwork and send to them or can I tell them a general idea of what I would like and they do some artsy stuff to it? Sort of like a tattoo artist? Lol

Also what is the recommended size of the artwork to get to put on a blade? My blades generally run 9-10 inches overall with an average of 3.5-4 inch blade at 1.5-2 inch in width.
 
Adam Buttry said:
Bfusmc03117,

I don't have any experience with their (IMG-Electromark) etching machines. After quite a bit of researching, I decided on the Personalizer Plus made by Electro-Chem Etch. It has variable voltage output, which was recommended to me by other knife makers. Although I haven't been using it long, I'm really happy with it so far. It's capable of producing a deep etch (about .006"), which I wanted, as well as a nice high-contrast mark.
Click to expand...

Ill have to check more into that. Thank you very much on your opinion. That one is a lot cheaper too and is looking like the way to go for me. How do your black marks come out with it?
 
Bfusmc03117 said:
That's the downside they are a little pricy. The lower unit looks like around $560 and they have a smaller unit that says call for pricing so I contacted them on it still waiting for reply.

As far as the stencils do I create the artwork and send to them or can I tell them a general idea of what I would like and they do some artsy stuff to it? Sort of like a tattoo artist? Lol

Also what is the recommended size of the artwork to get to put on a blade? My blades generally run 9-10 inches overall with an average of 3.5-4 inch blade at 1.5-2 inch in width.
Click to expand...

Guys,
A DIY etcher is very SIMPLE to make yourself. I don’t want to step on any vendor’s toes but you can make a very good one for around 50 bucks. Do a Google search on DIY metal etching machine. I made a variable voltage one from plans on the internet and it works perfectly and looks decent to boot. You can get everything you need at RadioShack.
 
I built one of the Chris Crawford design ones. I walked into the local radio shack and handed a list to a nice young lady working there. She got me all the parts I needed right there in the store. The price did come out to just over $60. I had to go across the street to a big box hardware store for a power cord. total cost for mine was about $70. I did make another hand piece for mine like Ernie has on his site, but was able to use things I already had in the shop. I am going to get a voltage regulator for NM jewelry supply $20. So for a total of $90 I will have a machine I think is comparable/equal to the personalizer plus. You could probably do better on the cost if you tried. I just went to the store and got what I needed. Just my .02.

Another vote for Ernie on stencils.
 
AVigil said:
What are the IMG stencil cost?
Click to expand...

$40 Artwork fee- One time charge for each new design
$10 for stencil itself
$6 for shipping
So $56 in total. Patricia keeps your design on file so when you need another stencil, you just call her up and have another shipped. As long as you don't change the design, the cost of another is $16 in total.

Bfusmc03117 said:
How do your black marks come out with it?
Click to expand...

I will say, there is a slight learning curve with these machines if you've never used one. My machine marks well, BUT my marks seem to have a slight haze around them, which I'm still trying to figure out how to remove without removing the black deposit in the etch. It's been suggested to me to use a buffer, but I do not currently have one. My blades are finished with a super fine scotch brite, but when I tried using it, it basically removed the mark within the etch. So until I figure out a solution, or buy a buffer, I am resigned to just etching my blades. My experience is limited, so perhaps I just need to play with the settings some more. Luckily, this is where the variable voltage machine comes in handy.

Theiskell said:
Guys, A DIY etcher is very SIMPLE to make yourself.
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm aware they can be made and it's nice that the option is available for those who want to. I just chose not to go that route. It's kind of like, I could have built myself a grinder, but chose to buy a KMG.
 
Thanks I will have to give them a try when I order a new stencil
 
This thread has made me think it might be time to upgrade my "Crawford" etcher for a commercial one. Thanks.
 
I can't think of a reason to upgrade if you have a working etcher now.

I've got a thread on here showing how to build an etcher for around $20.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Electro-etcher-under-20?highlight=diy+etcher
Plans on how to build a DIY etcher that's a bit nicer quality:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ew-Electro-Etcher-design?highlight=diy+etcher
If you don't want to build one, you can buy one here:
http://usaknifemaker.com/etching-supplies-c-53/atlas-mini-etcher.html
 
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