KYSIGN 233 Posted August 2, 2014 WARNING: Don't Electrocute yourself. WARNING: Do this in a well ventilated area. The process creates Hydrogen Gas which is very flammable! WARNING: Wall of Text. This was only a test. I made a stencil from some 651 and covered the rest of the blade with scrap vinyl creating a water tight seal. I placed the blade in a salt water solution and attached it to a DC power source. I let it sit for a couple of minutes on a low voltage to etch. Then I reversed the polarity to electroplate the etching with copper. I don't know if I applied too much voltage (I had my DC source on high during this step) but the center triangle of my stencil came off after a minute and I stopped. It looks like some copper started to coat the etching but I can't be sure. It was fun and I plan to try again after some research. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ravenwind / One Off Grafx 187 Posted August 2, 2014 Very cool. If the water got warm in my experience it will peal right off. when I engrave mirrors i just run warm to hot water over the vinyl and it peals right off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted August 2, 2014 Can't you just acid etch with out trying to fry yourself? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coaster36 327 Posted August 2, 2014 Or sand blast it. I do that for my work tools. Comes out great. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jarrotto 78 Posted August 2, 2014 I second acid etching. My dad acid etches all of his handmade knives that way. Edit: I read to fast. That would be really cool if that works out, i have never seen it done. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted August 2, 2014 we used to have a guy on here and vinylforum that electro etched - seams like he used something bluish for his solution - can't find it to save my life though - his username was thorsfoundry - did some really cool deep stuff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KYSIGN 233 Posted August 2, 2014 This was just an experiment using stuff I had on hand. I was hoping to create a fairly deep etch and then fill it back up with a different color of metal for an inlaid look. It was great fun and I may try it again after some research. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted August 2, 2014 seams like he talked about using toilet cleaner and something else for his electro etching solution 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KYSIGN 233 Posted August 2, 2014 seams like he talked about using toilet cleaner and something else for his electro etching solution This sounds fun and dangerous! I'll be right ba....... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
