This Work for an Etcher?

[Augus7us]

Found this on amazon and didn't see why it wouldn't work as an etcher. But wanted to get you guys opinions before pulling the trigger. Both state ac/dc outputs and variable voltage and the second is more money but more amperage.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DT0GU/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_01_04_t_ttl_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Variable-AC-P...ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A15QN6QABYC6HS

 

[logem]

You don't need or want much amperage for electro-etching.

The first link is a kit. You have to assemble it. For that price you could buy pieces from you local Radio Shack which is going out of business and build your own etcher specifically meant for etching things like knives.

The second link looks like a well sized and versatile power supply which may be good for etching. I use a (25.2V)x(2amp) transformer which is wired using the center tap which equates to about (12.5V)x(4amp) to do my etching. Yet for that price, you could still build yourself a dedicated knife etcher for a bit less money.

If you have need to use the power supply for other purposes, then go for it. Otherwise build your own using any of the available online instructions.

. . . .such as http://www.logiudicecustomknives.com/knifeshop/etcher/index.shtml.

 

[Augus7us]

Thanks Michael, I've read your tutorial many times actually. I should have mentioned that in my original post. I have amazon gift cards and little free time at the moment so ordering something prebuilt is appealing to me.

Any advantage in variable voltage when it comes to etching?

 

[NeilJBorja]

I just wanted to say thanks for the tutorial Michael, Chris's is pretty good for those with no electronics experience, but I much prefer the parts list and circuit diagram over the step by step instructions. Just bought all of the supplies from All Electronics today, can't wait to build it and try it out! I used a 120VAC to 12VAC 2A transformer instead though, since it was smaller and I figure you're just wasting half the coils if you're only using the 24V's center tap.

 

[Overmountain]

Thanks Michael, I've read your tutorial many times actually. I should have mentioned that in my original post. I have amazon gift cards and little free time at the moment so ordering something prebuilt is appealing to me.

Any advantage in variable voltage when it comes to etching?

Variable voltage is nice to have. You can go the cheap route and just run one of those dimmer switch plugs from Lowe's to your etcher if you go by the online DIY models...

Anything North of 12v is going to be pretty hot and messy and burn up stencils. But if you want to say anodize titanium and don't want to daisy chain 9v batteries it can be helpful.