Maker’s mark on aeb-l

D

Dave Hub

Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
57
What’s the best way to put a mark on aeb-l steel? Etching? Stamping? If you have had good results etching, I’d really like to know your process.

I have been using stencils from Ernie, salt water, and a 12v car battery charger. The results just aren’t what I want. Should I invest in a personalizer plus? Different electrolyte?

Thanks in advance!

Dave
 
For such a critical part on a knife that's almost finished I do not see this as a step to cut costs. I would highly recommend getting the personalizer plus and some electrolyte.
 
Good machine and good solution. We have all been there, tried to save money on etching and we all got tired of the results...
 
Buying electrolyte made a world of difference for me, compared to an unspecified amount of salt/water/vinegar. I still use an AC/DC power supply and not an "etching machine" but it's variable voltage and not exactly skimping.
 
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I stamp which works fine but at some point I will be moving to etching.
 
I've been getting an excellent stamp on AEB-L, using a Personalizer, Ernie's stencils and electrolyte from TUS. Per Ernie's advice, I'm using the highest setting ... apply the electrode for four seconds ... repeat four times total.
 
Dave Hub said:
What’s the best way to put a mark on aeb-l steel? Etching? Stamping? If you have had good results etching, I’d really like to know your process.

I have been using stencils from Ernie, salt water, and a 12v car battery charger. The results just aren’t what I want. Should I invest in a personalizer plus? Different electrolyte?

Thanks in advance!

Dave
Click to expand...

Car battery charger provides lot of current which will result in coarse surface and edges of etched logo. You need to use supply with low current (0,3-0,8 A should be fine). You can find schematics for DIY etcher on this link. It is very simple, easy to make but useful. I made it and I am very satisfied. Etched example here and here. I use salt water.
 
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Why not build your own etcher, it's a quick build and pretty cheap. I also buy quality electrolyte and use a stamp made of graphite.

Edit: Forgot to add, I also use IMG stencils. They are great!

8X9WcQK.jpg


Pr6PeqY.jpg


5D6MfaR.jpg
 
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For those of you using TUS electrolytes, which one are you using? It looks like there are a few options: EX-10, EX-9B or EX-D20
 
Call this folks: http://www.img-electromark.com/table/ and talk to Patrica. She's VERY helpful and won't steer you wrong on the proper electrolyte - you might even wish to talk with her about stencils.

For making your own etcher, look on ebay for a train transformer. Seems to be about the cheapest way to find a working setup. Look for something with at least 18vdc and around 1 to 2 amps at least. You current draw is determined by amount of "open" in the stencil and electrolyte and will usually run <1 amp.

A lot of the train transformers have both AC and DC output. Here's an example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222806705315?

Look in 3rd picture to right and you can see the specs - this one is 16vdc which is "ok", with 19 volt AC which is just right. Problem is the 7VA rating - that's only 1/2 amp which isn't really enough. Need something with at least 20VA rating and more is better. Looking around this morning I didn't find anything just right at the right cost. Seems the costs is more than when I was looking at them a few months ago.

If you can turn up a 18 volt transformer rated at least 20VA it's easy 'n cheap to build an etcher.

Ken H>
 
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I second IMG stencils. I get a much better mark with thiers than I did with anyone elses and I tried several.. We got lucky about 8-9 years ago and got a mislabeled marking methods machine off ebay for $25..This is a mark on cpm154 using IMG stencils..
100_9570_zpsccfcea4f by Lisa West, on Flickr
 
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