ferric cloride ?

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
3,621
Where the heck do I get ferric cloride for etching temper lines. By the way, I live out in the sticks.. way out. :confused:

J.
 
I bought mine through the internet, mail order. Wasn't Radio Shack but something like that. It is used to etch circuit boards, guess you need a mail order place that caters for techno-geeks :)

Good luck
 
I'm not sure RS still carries etchant. Try warm vinegar (microwave it), which some folks use on damascus.
 
I bought some ar RS a couple of months ago buut if they don't still carry it any good electronics store should have it. You can also use muritac acid (Lowes) but do a test piece first. It is a lot stronger and needs a lot of water.
 
Originally posted by RARanney
Try warm vinegar (microwave it), which some folks use on damascus.
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In JPH's book "The Complete Bladesmith" he cites Bob Engnath's use of apple cider vinegar to bring out the temper line in clay hardened blades. I've tried a combination of this method and Terry Primos' method where you hand polish with flitz or simichrome. You repeat the etch/polish cycle several times for the best effect.

The vinegar etch on damascus will not have as great a contrast as FeCl.

Another etchant to try is good old plain naval jelly (rust remover.)

The reason that I avoid the use of FeCl is that you need to neutralize your bath, then PROPERLY dispose of it. That means a trip to the household hazardous waste dump. Vinegar, on the other hand, you can simply dump down the drain.
 
Vinegar (about a 5 to 1 part ratio) works very well on 10 series and O1 as well. The microwave is also excellent to get it hot. Just don't buff out your lines when they start to appear. Use at least a 1500 grade paper or better 2000. Lightly buff between treatments and I wouldent go over about 5 or 6 times because a rough grain line will appear at the transition zone (betwen hard and soft). I know cause it happened to me.
 
Originally posted by LaMess
My bottle of Radio Shack FeCl says I can dump it down the sink. Is this BAD?
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I was told by several sources that it is not good to dump FeCl down the sink. It's for removing copper from circuit boards. What would it do to the pipes?

I've never seen a RS bottle. Maybe it is OK, but I would neutralize it first. Personally, I'll stick with bringing it to the hazardous dump. Just like paint, solvents, or motor oil.
 
Originally posted by Centaur
I've never seen a RS bottle. Maybe it is OK, but I would neutralize it first. Personally, I'll stick with bringing it to the hazardous dump. Just like paint, solvents, or motor oil.
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I tried to find an MSDS on line. As far as disposal info, all I could find was "dispose in accordance with Local, State, and Federal Regulations."
 
Originally posted by Centaur


I was told by several sources that it is not good to dump FeCl down the sink. It's for removing copper from circuit boards. What would it do to the pipes?

I've never seen a RS bottle. Maybe it is OK, but I would neutralize it first. Personally, I'll stick with bringing it to the hazardous dump. Just like paint, solvents, or motor oil.
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Copper is not used in drains or sewer lines. It is used on the supply side only. It is not nearly as corrosive as some other "waste". Think about it the next time you flush...

C Wilkins
 
but i would neutralize it by mixing in baking soda or i think even dish washing dtergent works,too.
 
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