Just curious. . . . I make jewelry in copper an sterling silver. I wonder if this would etch those metals also? I would be interested in getting one if you are marketing them.
Part 2 -- Is there a benefit for me to build a unit like you have or just use my power supply and reverse leads for "etch" and "darken" modes? Will I cause damage to my power supply doing this? Also while researching this, I found that Wayne Goddard recommend 6 VDC as best voltage to use. What is your thought on this? One last question. How do you make reusable stencils? Thanks in advance for your time and answers, it is much appreciated. -TMFA-
Part 1 -- I have another question. Why would you need to have AC for the Darken operation? I noticed that this is also how it is set up on Chris' etcher. I tried out some etching today with a little 600ma 12 volt power supply, when the (-) was on the pad it etched and when the (+) was on the pad it darkened. Seems to work pretty good so I pulled out a variable voltage DC PS that puts out 2 amps. I was going to try using this.
@TheManFromAlaska To answer why your 12V DC powersupply etches one way & darkens the other, I think it has to do with how the electrons flow. IIRC, the pad needs to be the neg. side for a good etch with DC, as you saw with your test. As for darkening via the + terminal on the DC power supply, I don't know how well that will work compared to an AC supply. I know plenty of guys have opted for using power supplies as make shift etchers. I'd see about getting an AC for darkening though.
As far as I know, it should be able to etch any metal that conducts electricity, which would include aluminum. You may benefit from a specific electrolytic solution other than salt water to get the best etch though. That I don't know for sure.
I think that if you could sell those etchers for under $120 that they would be a big hit. I've looked at etchers that are nearly $200 and they don't come close to etching that cleanly or that deep.
Thankyou ! I have been trying to find this for a while. Thx for sharing !
trvscarpenter1 1 month ago
Just curious. . . . I make jewelry in copper an sterling silver. I wonder if this would etch those metals also? I would be interested in getting one if you are marketing them.
Msigwanza 1 month ago
Part 2 -- Is there a benefit for me to build a unit like you have or just use my power supply and reverse leads for "etch" and "darken" modes? Will I cause damage to my power supply doing this? Also while researching this, I found that Wayne Goddard recommend 6 VDC as best voltage to use. What is your thought on this? One last question. How do you make reusable stencils? Thanks in advance for your time and answers, it is much appreciated. -TMFA-
TheManFromAlaska 9 months ago
I'm just gonna send you a PM, as my answer will likely be too long for the comment box... hahaha
ARCustomKnives 9 months ago
Thanks for the response.
Part 1 -- I have another question. Why would you need to have AC for the Darken operation? I noticed that this is also how it is set up on Chris' etcher. I tried out some etching today with a little 600ma 12 volt power supply, when the (-) was on the pad it etched and when the (+) was on the pad it darkened. Seems to work pretty good so I pulled out a variable voltage DC PS that puts out 2 amps. I was going to try using this.
TheManFromAlaska 9 months ago
@TheManFromAlaska To answer why your 12V DC powersupply etches one way & darkens the other, I think it has to do with how the electrons flow. IIRC, the pad needs to be the neg. side for a good etch with DC, as you saw with your test. As for darkening via the + terminal on the DC power supply, I don't know how well that will work compared to an AC supply. I know plenty of guys have opted for using power supplies as make shift etchers. I'd see about getting an AC for darkening though.
ARCustomKnives 9 months ago
As far as I know, it should be able to etch any metal that conducts electricity, which would include aluminum. You may benefit from a specific electrolytic solution other than salt water to get the best etch though. That I don't know for sure.
ARCustomKnives 9 months ago
Can it etch 6061 aluminum?
TheManFromAlaska 9 months ago
I would like to make a few more in the future. When I do, I will probably sell them for somewhere around $100-$120.
ARCustomKnives 1 year ago
I think that if you could sell those etchers for under $120 that they would be a big hit. I've looked at etchers that are nearly $200 and they don't come close to etching that cleanly or that deep.
mainetrapper 1 year ago