Forgive another etching question

[Whoever Wherever]

OK, I searched several pages of etching questions but they all seem to revolve around building them, making stencils or what fluid people use. I was going to build an etcher but I have been informed I am getting a Ron Claiborne etching box for a late fathers day present and am a bit confused.

On the page showing the etcher it says DC setting for making a makers mark and AC setting for darkening it. I was under the impression that one setting did black etching and the other the frosty white etching. I also thought in general you would only use on of the settings to make you mark on a knife. What gives?

Also how does the process of using a stencil and an etch box differ from the photo method described in "How to Make Knives" by Mr. Loveless if at all?

Last I have heard about things like vinegar bieng used. Is that as good as the etching fluids sold online? I would obviously like to achieve a strong and crisp mark on my blades. Is there any tricks I need to know to get such results?

Thanks for any help. If I missed a thread with these answers you can just link it for my sorry behind

 

[Tnsejed420]

Well its my first post ( I believe) but I can answer the question to #1.

The DC setting removes material. I.E. making your mark deep. Just leaving this mark will leave you with a mark that is "frosty" i guess, in color, and it will be etched down into the steel.

Now the AC setting removes and re-applies material. (Think of the current flowing). This darkens the mark. So if you just did AC you would have a dark mark but it will not be deep.

The other two questions I do not know as I do not make my own stencils and I've never used anything but the standard etching fluid