I keep messing up my signature etches

[Don Nguyen]

I keep botching up my signatures... (@*#@()#!!!

I'm using this method: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ades-(My-way)?highlight=industrial+paint+etch

Ernie Grospitch also has a similar tutorial on his site. They use different products than myself, so that might be another factor also, but for the most part the paint marker that I'm using is usually effective at resisting the etch.

For some reason, the signatures on my knives are getting all splotchy and sloppy. It's like the etch starts eating through the paint in spots. Am I etching for too long - is there a point where I etch too far and the paint starts to break down? I'm going for one second intervals about 20-30 times, with the q-tip method, using etchant from USAKnife.

I'll have to try some test pieces again and really break down the method. Other than that, do you have any pointers?

 

[MadBug]

Don,
Sounds like you are too hot.You say that you are using different products. What power source are you using?
I built my own etcher, and was getting etches that sound like yours. Then I realized that I was running it at 24 volts. I rewired it to run at 12 volts, and now they look fine.

 

[Don Nguyen]

I'm using Chris Crawford's design, so I'm not sure what I'm running at or how to rewire if needed.

It does seem very aggressive though, so maybe it is 24 volts.

EDIT: I think I found my answer here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ford-Etcher-from-24v-to-12v-Stopping-the-burn

Thanks MadBug for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

You need a fine finish, 400 at least

Make sure the blade is very clean

Etch for one second on, one off to let gases escape - if your steel is getting hot go more time between etches

Spray your blade with windex in the area it will be etched (before you apply the stencil), that will help with spotting

I always sand or do some sort of post etch finishing, sanding will almost always remove any errant spots or blotches

 

[Sgt John]

When you guys are referring to voltage, are you talking about your etch (DC) or your mark (AC)?

 

[SteelSlaver]

I run the same voltage on both DC etch and AC mark. When I used to run just salt water I had to use 12 volts or it would fry my stencils. Switched to real solution from Knifemakers supply and now run 24 volts with no issues and get a much better mark than with saltwater.

 

[Don Nguyen]

Thanks for the tip guys. I'll test out all of the above and if I still get wonky results then I'll try 12 volts.