Storing Etchant?

P

Philadelph

Joined
May 23, 2008
Messages
115
I couldn't find much detailed information on how people store their etchant for damascus (ferric chloride solution or the equivalent), so I figured I'd ask here. I've heard people say they make their own PVC tank thing, but I haven't really heard details about how. I was thinking of using a Ball jar, but I'd want something a little taller and narrower. I'd prefer something with a leak-proof lid in the unlikely event it gets knocked over. Any advice would be great! Thanks
 
Go get some pvc. Can make it with a screw on lid with a little imagination. Mine is a 2 inch pipe. Gotta make a stand but easy.
 
Look at 2nd hand stores, I found a glass cannister with flip top lid,must have been for spaghetti.
 
I am currently using PVC, but before that I used a container designed to hold arc welding rods.
Chris
 
I have several PVC etchant tanks from a 4X16 to a 3X36. They all have the PVC round cap that fits super snug. As a base I use a closed floor flange (PVC). The tank stores the FC fine. I use gallon plastic jugs to store the stock solution.
Stacy
 
I built 3 3" tanks a coupla weeks ago. Trader Horn had precut pieces (30 " long) It took 3 bottom caps, 3 top and 3 screw in lids. Total price was $21. Money well spent.
I'm not etching swords so anything I want to etch can be done.
one had FeCl, another TSP and the third vinegar.
 
I us a 2 quart plastic container made to hold things like juice. It has a screw on lid that has a small cap on top that pops off. I do like the pvc pipe idea. about a 16" piece of 3" with a closet flange for a base and a coupling on the top would be perfect. You can get couplings that glue to pipe on one side and have threads on the other. Using one of those would allow for you to thread in a plug when not in use. Jim
 
For the PVC route what do you use to seal it all together? Just epoxy? I'm not sure what does and doesn't react with FeCl. Thanks again for the great answers.
 
You do not need epoxy with PVC. When you use the cleaner and then use the glue it acts just like you are welding them together. If you think about it most piping in a house is PVC and it holds water under pressure with no leaks, so make a container to hold your etchant is not a problem. The chemicals are safe with PVC too.
 
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