Etching Stencils ?

D

Dixieblade57

Joined
Jun 20, 2007
Messages
1,361
Who is it that makes the stencils for electro etching? I think his name was Ernie something but I can't find where I wrote it down!

What is the procedure for using these stencils? I need to know the detailed process as I have never tried using one.
I have an AC / DC my son in law built for me off of this link.

http://www.chriscrawfordknives.com/cck/Etcher_Tutorial/Default.asp

My son in law is an elctronics wizz and he told me put in a heavier transformer than the on speced in the tutorial.

Also can a stencil be used more than one time? Anymore information you can share on this subject will be appreciated.
 
Wouldnt put in a Bigger Transformer unless you want to Burn up your stencils faster. Besides that one works well with that size bridge Rectifier.
 
I also made the etcher from his plans and I am really pleased. I get my templetes from

http://www.etch-o-matic.biz/

I get a couple of pages made at one time. I will use them for 4-5 knives at one time. I will not store a templete once used I just throw it away. I usually have a batch of several knives and etch all at one time.

I did stick with the recommened tranformer and my etch time is 10 seconds on each ac and dc, so you may want to be carefull too long and it will get blurry.

good luck
 
I'd never even seen an etcher work. I built the Chris Crawford one to the "T" ordered Ernie's stencils and other than the fact I had 2 wires crossed I had absolutely no problems getting a nice etch.

I mixed water, vinegar and salt with no measurements more than once.
First I taped the stencil to the blade and put a layer of electricians tape around it so that I did not etch outside the stencil. Dampened the felt with the salt,water, and vinegar and placed it over the stenicil for 2 seconds. Pulled it up for a second etched it for 2. I did that 3 or 4 times then flipped the ac/dc switch and placed the felt over the stencil for 3 seconds. Made a perfect etch.
 
Thanks for all the info guys!
I guess I should clarify something the larger transformer was free as well as evrything else. It was one my son in law had laying around at work. I showed him the tutorial and he begin to get all of it together.
The AC/DC output is on guages so I can keep up with it and he has also added extra fusing in case of an overload. Also he was the first to caution me about time spent on the material and setting the ouput to high!
I built the probes but have yet to test it out! Going to try it on some scrap today!

Ernie Grospitch, I have sent you a message about your stencil work! I hope you got it, if not feel free to contact me as I have need of your services as a stencil maker!

Guys this site is great! It is a pleasure to discuss this kind of stuff and folks don't look down at you because you are showing your still wet behind the ears, so to speak!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top