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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2008 22:12:04 GMT
Well, I finally got some stencils made and began testing the salt water etching method (electro-chemical etching) on some old knives. I'm quite happy with the results, though I get inconsistent discoloration (I would prefer having all of the marks darkened). Here's what I've done so far... My method is about as crude as it gets. You get your vinal stencils (I got two each of five designs, $20 and they were ready to pick up later the same day I ordered them), apply them to the clean blade, and then get started with your basic electro-chemical etching gear. I used a 9v battery, and a couple sets of alligator clips. Positive went to the blade, negative to a q-tip well wetted in a salt water mix (doesn't require a very specific solution either). Then, you apply light pressure on the q-tip to the parts of the stencil to etch. If it works, you'll hear hissing and there will be visible whisps of ozone coming off it. Generally I apply it for six seconds at a time, rocking it a bit, and moving about the stencil until I get fairly even coverage. When the q-tip gets too coated in metal residue, I change it for a new one. Each etch took 3-4 q-tips. Also, if any salt water goes off the stencil it will eat into the metal out there, so I usually edge the stencil with electrical tape to make a larger resist area. If anyone knows of a way to make more consistant darkening, I would love to hear about your method. But, for starters, this seems to work well enough. It's not nearly as complicated as I was worried it would be. -Jonathan
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2008 23:24:52 GMT
Awesome, I didn't know it was that easy! (At least it sounds easy, this is not putting your work down in any way)
What's in your salt water solution? Must try this myself.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2008 0:53:03 GMT
I'm quite pleased to say it is very easy. I was actually hoping as much, as none of the other options for engraving my sword seemed like they would work out well. Of course I had to learn the right method, and I did have an accidental case of electro-plating when I first started out (if you use the reverse polarity when hooking it up, it plates instead of etching). Care to guess where the extra metal came from that ended up on the blade? My salt water solution consists of a mixture of water and salt Basically, a bit of table salt in a small glass of water, well mixed. Doesn't seem to require a specific ratio, I'll say I had probably 5 to 7.5% salt. I'm going to do another tonight and take pictures of the process/equipment, so you can get a better idea of what's going on here. -Jonathan
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2008 5:36:14 GMT
Very cool !
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2008 4:19:08 GMT
I can see myself getting electrocuted doing this, but you seem to have done a good job on it!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2008 7:55:06 GMT
I think it would be very hard to electrocute yourself with a 9v battery :-)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2008 16:44:29 GMT
I think it would be very hard to electrocute yourself with a 9v battery :-) I'd find a way.
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