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The Damascus Forum The art and study of Damascus steel making.

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  #1  
Old 05-22-2011, 01:30 PM
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J.Lec J.Lec is offline
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Damascus etch

I just got my first 2 damascus knives back from Rob at knifemaker.ca and I'm about to start the finish work on them. my problem is Ive called every radioshack in town and none of them carry ferric chloride. is there anything else I can use to etch the damascus that might be easier to source?
please help.
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  #2  
Old 05-22-2011, 02:14 PM
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would vinegar or lemon juice work? I have a small bit of extra from these knives mabye I'll do some experimenting....
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  #3  
Old 05-22-2011, 04:38 PM
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I think you can use a mild muratic acid mix..iv,e never tried but I think iv,e heard of people using it..
I also think the vinegar works but not as fast...
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Old 05-22-2011, 06:31 PM
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GHEzell GHEzell is offline
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Try asking for 'archer etchant' or circuit board etchant...
The guys at my local Radio shack had no idea what ferric chloride was...

Otherwise, vinegar will work. One guy was getting a nice etch using strong coffee, took a few hours though.


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Old 05-22-2011, 08:21 PM
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AUBE AUBE is offline
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Also you can ask them for "pcb etchant...for etching circuit boards" then describe it as a brown liquid in a plastic container.

Just like with Wade, the Radio Shacks near me used to carry it but never knew it by its chemical name. As of a few years ago all the Radio Shacks around me stopped carrying it. If you go on their website and look for the product it will tell you which stores should have it in inventory near you.

You can order ferric chloride online fairly inexpensively....they used to even have some on Ebay.

Hot vinegar works too but in my experiences it doesn't get as dark of a color and takes a lot longer.
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Old 05-22-2011, 09:30 PM
Kostoglotov Kostoglotov is offline
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Radio Shack can order it for you if its not in stock

You'll want to cut the enchant with distilled water at about 3 to 1
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  #7  
Old 05-23-2011, 05:35 AM
cappaletti cappaletti is offline
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gotta go with GHEZELL...the radio shack guys here dont kinow what ferric chloride is either..I had to go to the store and look for the stuff..it's marketed as "pcb etchant" or "circuit board etchant"...hopefully that'll get u some results...

vinegar will work also but it takes HOURS! I've also heard of using muriatic acid but have no experience with it...

make sure u use distilled water with ur etchant solution!!! VERY important...

Gene
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Old 05-23-2011, 05:23 PM
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Robert Mayo Robert Mayo is offline
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I found this company years ago and they always have a source close to anyone looking i buy it by the gallon for right around $20 can. .Save this link!
http://www.mgchemicals.com/distribut...ors_ca_al.html

Bob
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  #9  
Old 05-21-2014, 10:52 PM
archambault archambault is offline
 
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i etched a billet last night in vinegar heated to 130 for 30 minutes and it turned out great. Vinegar is cheap, completely safe to handle and again, cheap.
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  #10  
Old 05-22-2014, 06:31 AM
NCBoy NCBoy is offline
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I just purchased some Ferich Chloride from Janzt Knife Supply. I do not know if there is shipping issues with Canada but I know they carry it. Good luck.
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  #11  
Old 05-25-2014, 07:21 PM
Matt Walker Matt Walker is offline
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  #12  
Old 05-28-2014, 01:37 PM
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slatroni slatroni is offline
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Radio Shack has it on the shelf in my small town. I asked for ferric chloride and they didn't know what I was talking about. They go by PCB Etchant.
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  #13  
Old 09-22-2014, 05:03 AM
Hovinknives Hovinknives is offline
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I use 30% muriatic acid, works great and it comes out clean. Just wipe off remains of acid with some alchol solution.
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