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Fit & Finish Fit and Finish = the difference in "good art" and "fine art." Join in, as we discuss the fine art of finish and embellishment.

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  #1  
Old 05-10-2016, 09:00 PM
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Andrew Garrett Andrew Garrett is offline
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Built an etching machine in 10 minutes

I followed an online tutorial.

Dug an old 12 VAC power adapter out of a box which had a few of them it.

Paid a few cents for a 6 AMP rectifier diode at Radio Shack.

Soldered as indicated.

If I put my clip over the diode, I'm etching into the steel.
If I bypass the diode by clipping under it, I'm making a dark mark onto the steel.

I had Ernie make me some stencils, and 'Tada!'

Works great!
I will be making a custom pad just big enough to cover my stencil, so I can etch the whole area all at once. The Q-tip thing works, but I can do better.


[IMG]
https://scontent.fmci1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13178770_1094664277246344_6986577576522877498_n.jp g?oh=d4293e6fca7faf79c762143c1b67f64e&oe=57AF1A0B[/IMG]



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  #2  
Old 05-11-2016, 10:11 PM
jimmontg jimmontg is offline
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I used a 6 volt lantern battery for my first etch and it worked well, but took practice. I never thought about using an old train transformer. It's adjustable too, not like the 1.5 battery charger I use now. It just puts out 12 volts @ 1.5 amps and you have to be careful not to etch too long. I should take some pics of not too good etches?
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Old 05-11-2016, 10:13 PM
jimmontg jimmontg is offline
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Looks nice

Need some stencils instead of my nail polish method.
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  #4  
Old 05-13-2016, 12:39 PM
WNC Goater WNC Goater is offline
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I thought you used a diode when you need to change from AC output to DC, which allows etching into the metal, or use a DC output transformer. That transformer is a DC output already. ???

Anyway, I did the same thing as you with a 12v DC output transformer and it works great for etching into the metal. I just didn't use a diode.


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  #5  
Old 05-16-2016, 07:37 AM
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Andrew Garrett Andrew Garrett is offline
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You may be right Goater.

I'm not electronics guy. Just followed a diagram on the web.

If you are correct (and I'm sure you are), then that is ok because I just want the etch, not the black.

Looks like I could have saved the few bucks on the diodes. lol!


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Old 05-16-2016, 12:37 PM
DAN VAN DAN VAN is offline
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Glad to see other people are using inexpensive etching machines. I have been experimenting with an old train transformer for a while, I just have not made the time to determine how long to etch to get the best etch. Dan
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  #7  
Old 05-16-2016, 12:56 PM
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I made a custom etching pad head out of brass and wood last night.

I'll try to post pics later.


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  #8  
Old 05-16-2016, 06:48 PM
LCooper LCooper is offline
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A diode is like a check valve in plumbing. Your use doesn't make it AC or DC. The band on the one closest end represents electric only able to go from one end to another not reverse. It would take a multiple tap transformer with two AC leads connected to two diodes both aiming the same way so letting AC 180 degrees out of sync to be converted to a steady DC current. Sorry to rain on your parade. Eaiest way would be to have two plug in transfomers one that puts out 12vdc and one that puts out 24vac. It only takes miliamps to etc.
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Old 05-17-2016, 07:29 AM
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  #10  
Old 05-17-2016, 07:39 AM
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I followed this diagram (at least, I thought I did) and got a nice etch.




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  #11  
Old 05-17-2016, 07:53 AM
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Andrew Garrett Andrew Garrett is offline
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I ordered a power supply with 12 VAC OUTPUT.

I'll try that one too.


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Old 05-17-2016, 08:46 AM
WNC Goater WNC Goater is offline
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Point is, they do indeed make a nice etching machine and at a low cost. One thing I have found, is multiple "contacts" of short duration is better. In other words, 5 three seconds with the pad in contact with the stencil is better than one 15 second or even 3 five second contacts. Seems the longer contact times damages the stencil and shortens the number of etches per stencil. Maybe heat buildup? Dunno. 12 volts is a lot. The steel will etch with half that voltage. But a 12 volt is what I could find and what I use. I just use it at multiple short contacts.


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  #13  
Old 05-25-2016, 12:38 PM
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New power supply.
My results in 1095 and CPM154
Various marks, etches and combos


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Last edited by Andrew Garrett; 05-25-2016 at 12:41 PM.
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  #14  
Old 05-25-2016, 12:41 PM
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My homemade pad:


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  #15  
Old 05-25-2016, 08:12 PM
WNC Goater WNC Goater is offline
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So tell me about the transformer you're using. Is it an ac output and how many volts? That looks like a mark as opposed to an etch. Details man, details!


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1095, battery, bee, blade, brass, cpm, custom, degrees, etch, etching, heat, homemade, knife, made, make, making, metal, polish, post, steel, stencil, supply, tap, tutorial, wood


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