Ferric chloride

[JDegraw]

I was wondering, since I can't really find anything online about it, what the difference is when mixing ferric chloride with water or with vinegar? Or should I say which is the better mixture? I might be wrong, but I feel like vinegar might cause a stronger chemical reaction. I'm about to attempt my first piece of Damascus so the help will be much appreciated.

 

[CWL]

I doubt you looked that hard as BF has had several postings about this subject.

So you want to add an acid to an acid to make it stronger? In your case vinegar is only 5-8% acetic acid by volume while ferric chloride solution is around 40%. Since the rest is only water, you are in effect diluting the total solution of acid.

Have you tried first to warm (not boil!) the FeCl3 first to improve metal etching?

 

[Black Oak Bladeworks]

If you have never tried it before, just use ferric chloride 2/1 with distilled water. It should be plenty strong. If you don't have water, I have heard of guys using 60%ferric/40% vinegar but have never tried it myself so can't comment.

 

[Richard338]

Dilute with 3 or 4 parts water, skip the vinegar.
Royer has several YouTube videos about etching Damascus. Here is one:

 

[JDegraw]

I doubt you looked that hard as BF has had several postings about this subject.

So you want to add an acid to an acid to make it stronger? In your case vinegar is only 5-8% acetic acid by volume while ferric chloride solution is around 40%. Since the rest is only water, you are in effect diluting the total solution of acid.

Have you tried first to warm (not boil!) the FeCl3 first to improve metal etching?

I'm not too internet savvy and new to BF. But I appreciate the tip...I haven't tried anything yet but I definitely will try warming it..thanks

 

[JDegraw]

Thanks for the tips on etching...I see that water is the way to go and after watching that Royer video I have a better undrrstanding..much appreciated guys