Finally did something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

Phillip Patton

Phillip Patton

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
5,380
I made a rack to hold my etching tanks. It has 3 slots, one for an etching tank, one for neutralizing, and one for rinsing.

etchingsetup1.JPG


The top is split and swings open so I can easily take the tubes in and out.

etchingsetup2.JPG


I made new tubes also. They're 4" by 24". I hope there's enough ferric chloride in Fort Wayne to fill one of these.... :rolleyes:

etchingsetup3.JPG


Here's my old setup:

etchingsetup4.JPG


The frame on the new one was made using all recycled materials, except the screws. :D
 
Can't tell for sure from the photo, but are those PVC fittings at the top of the tubes threaded for cleanout plugs? If not, you may consider doing that so you can cap off the tanks when not using them. Also, you may want to make the base of the rack broader so it doesn't tip over on you.

rmd
 
Yep, the tanks do have the cap ends for just that reason.
I'm not sure yet if the base is going to be stable enough. I can always add outriggers.
Thanks for mentioning it. :)
 
Phllip,
I was under the impression that the ferric lost it's bite after a bit. Not sure why you would want to mix up that much just to throw it away? I may not understand, so please enlighten.:confused:
Thanks,
Matt
 
mdoyle said:
Phllip,
I was under the impression that the ferric lost it's bite after a bit. Not sure why you would want to mix up that much just to throw it away? I may not understand, so please enlighten.:confused:
Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure ferric goes bad by being used, not by just sitting around...
When you etch steel, you're essentially neutralizing the acid a little bit at a time. Thats why ferric eventually gives up the ghost.
 
Spike it with a little HCl (muriatic) when it wanes. It'll re-establish the potency. Store the muriatic bottle outside inside a gallon pail. Don't seal the pail tight.
 
fitzo said:
Spike it with a little HCl (muriatic) when it wanes. It'll re-establish the potency. Store the muriatic bottle outside inside a gallon pail. Don't seal the pail tight.
Click to expand...

I tried that, but I didn't like the results. Maybe I added too much. Do you know how much it takes?
After adding the muriatic, it pitted the steel I tried it with.
 
I think you added too much, Phillip. I don't know if you remember the link I put up a year or so ago that explained what happens with ferric chloride. Essentially, you dissolve ferric chloride crystals in water and some ferric hydroxide precipitates. That leaves it chloride enriched, which, in the presence of water means hydrochloric acid is formed. So, it's actually a little HCl that does the etching. That said, it doesn't take much, and if you're used to leaving the blades in long, it would pit if there's too much.

"How much" would depend on how depleted and contaminated your pot of goo is, but it is always wise to add a little at a time. Much like salt in soup, you can always add more but you can't take it out.

Next time you get a batch of exhausted ferric chloride, add some cider vinegar. Even it helps some.
 
Phillip inspired some good discussion and established a very important point. Smart young knifemaker there.
 
fitzo said:
I think you added too much, Phillip. I don't know if you remember the link I put up a year or so ago that explained what happens with ferric chloride. Essentially, you dissolve ferric chloride crystals in water and some ferric hydroxide precipitates. That leaves it chloride enriched, which, in the presence of water means hydrochloric acid is formed. So, it's actually a little HCl that does the etching. That said, it doesn't take much, and if you're used to leaving the blades in long, it would pit if there's too much.

"How much" would depend on how depleted and contaminated your pot of goo is, but it is always wise to add a little at a time. Much like salt in soup, you can always add more but you can't take it out.

Next time you get a batch of exhausted ferric chloride, add some cider vinegar. Even it helps some.
Click to expand...


I left the blade in for about 5 seconds and it pitted... Maybe it just doesn't like W2; that's what I was doing. I etched some damascus, and it did alright with that.... I'll start out slower next time. :)


Phillip inspired some good discussion and established a very important point. Smart young knifemaker there.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you're referring to here, but thanks. :)
 
Phillip Patton said:
Not sure what you're referring to here, but thanks. :)
Click to expand...

I got threads confused, Phillip, and had just been reading the old O1 soak thread when I got interrupted. I added 2+2 and got 3 1/2, so to speak, coming up short. Sorry about that.

I was referring to your inquisitive nature and desire to learn to incorporate a higher level of understanding into your knifemaking. You read metallurgy books...that right there says something to me.

There was a reason Kevin was thrilled you went out and cooked that O1 for so long. I agree.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top