Marking stencils

[Don Robinson]

Well, it's time to order more marking stencils. I have a "Personalizer Plus" etching machine, and have always ordered my stencils from them . I've just about used up my last batch.

The state-of-the-art may have changed in types of stencils since I was last interested. Maybe somebody can advise me where to get the best stencils now, and what material is best for stencils.

I've used the yellow ones with perfect results, but they soon turn transparent and I'm afraid to use them after that. The green ones are scratched when I remove the Scotch tape I use to hold them in place on the blade. I'm afraid the scratches will etch marks on the next blade. The green stencils are so stiff they retain air underneath and raise up between etching cycles. Makes my butt tense up if you know what I mean.

Anyways, I'd like to see other's thoughts on materials and application methods. Maybe transparent tape ain't the best way to hold the stencil on the blade??

I'm going to post a picture of my latest folder on the pistures thread if you're interested. That is, if I can figure out how to do it.

[Don Cowles]

I use the heavy green stuff from Marking Methods. There is a thread on Steve Johnson's forum on how he etches; works well for me, too.

[Iron Tree]

I'm certainly no pro but I would recommend using black plastic electrician's tape to hold your stencils on. It is very flexible and peels nicely off the stencil when you're done. I've been using the green stencils and have gotten many clean logos out of each.

--Mike Curry

[fitzo]

Here is a bit of research I did on stencils a while back:

http://www.ckdforums.com/showthread....hlight=stencil

Hope this helps.

[Don Robinson]

Thanks, Mike and Mike. I talked to Electro-Chem Etch and they also advised using black electrician's tape. I knew there must be something better than the Scotch tape; it tears the surface of the stencil when you peel off the tape.

I'm going to continue buying from electro chem etch.

I liked the test results, Mike. Good job.

[Don Robinson]

I just learned something that may be of value to everybody.

I called in my stencil order to Electro-Chemical-Etch and was discussing etching with SY. I said something about washing the stencils with the cleaning compound they sell as "AMC Cleaner". He says never to use that for cleaning the stencil. AMC is only intended to use after the etch on the steel blade, never to clean the stencil.

And that, dear folks, is why my yellow stencils have always turned transparent after a few uses.

Wash the stencil between marks with ordinary soap and water.

I've been doing it wrong for 15 years!

[Don Cowles]

Good tip, Don- I've been doing it wrong too!

[OutWest]

Been using the blue masking/painters tape without a problem for holding stencils. Usually the same piece works for 12-15 knives but I keep the etch solution off the tape.