Personalizer vs Personalizer Plus Etching

[Stark Knives]

I've been wanting to mark my blades for a while but couldn't decide if the Plus model was worth the extra money for the variable voltage. I did some googling but couldn't find the answer for this question.

I primarily work with AEBL steel if that matters. Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not the cheaper one would work well for it?

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I find the variable ability well worth the cost.

 

[Stark Knives]

I find the variable ability well worth the cost.

What would you say are the advantages of being able to change voltage?

 

[Varga Knives]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Etching-machines?highlight=Personalizer+plus

Discussion not too long ago may help.

 

[Stark Knives]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Etching-machines?highlight=Personalizer+plus

Discussion not too long ago may help.

Yeah I saw that one thanks! I was mainly just curious whether the base one could do AEBL or other stainless steels and what the advantages of having variable voltage were.

 

[LARRYZ10]

I agree with Mr. Apelt, The unit with the variable voltage is also 24 volts at 3 amps versus the basic unit which is 12 volts at 3 amps. The variable voltage is worth the extra money to me and I have owned both units. Both units will do a good job but the "plus" unit gives you a little more control over both the etch (DC) and the mark (AC) . This is just my opinion though. Larry

 

[Stark Knives]

Well I just bit the bullet and went for the Plus. Just need to finalize my stencils with Ernie. Thanks guys!

One question, at what stage do you do the etch? Before the handle or after it's all done as the final step?

 

[LARRYZ10]

Erdbeereis, My opinion is do the etch last thing before sharpening the blade. That's what Bob Loveless and Steven R Johnson did in their videos which helped me learn to make knives. Maybe others have a different opinion but working with a sharpened knife is dangerous. Larry

 

[Varga Knives]

I think you made the right call but I got my Personalizer from Larry and I think it does a good job. This is on CPM-154

 

[LARRYZ10]

Mark, That is a great etch and a really nice knife. I like the design of your makers mark...it's very professional. Larry

 

[Varga Knives]

Thanks a lot Larry!! I was actually thinking about going script. More like yours.

I'm not sure if the Plus makes it easier but I had a steep learning curve on the standard Personalizer. Windex on the steel is a must for me and too much solution was probably my issue when I started. About 15-20 light swipes to mark the about 15 to etch.