nuetralizing FC

[dudeinthehut]

Hey gang.

I picked up some cheap, dry form Ferric Chloride on ebay. I am versed on how to use the stuff, and have been part of conversations concerning its use before. However, I am unfamilar with how to activate the dry acid and how best to nuetralize it after a lamp heated etch. I am assuming I can just flush the blade with copious amounts of water. I am concerned with the disposal of the etching tray contents after the acid is "used up".

Any tips?

Andy

[mete]

Water does not neutralize it only flushes away. The easiest thing to use is baking soda [sodium bicarbonate] .A good soaking in a baking soda solution after a thorough flushing with water is the way to do it.

[DiamondG Knives]

After etching, I use baking soda and a tooth brush, wet the blade and sprinkle on the baking soda, scub with tooth brush. Rinse in hot tap water, then to be safe, scrub it down with ammonia. Then rinse in hot tap water and dry. This is how I do my damascus.

Hope this helps

God Bless
Mike

[dudeinthehut]

Do you also start with dry FC? If so, how do I activate it? Thanks guys. I am grateful for all the help I get on each step of this journey.

Happy forging and grinding!

Andy

[Gunmen]

You have to put the FC in water... The package should say how much FC, and how much water.

Sander

[Bob Warner]

It is mixed with water. Ferric Chloride is not an acid but instead a salt. When mixed with water becomes acidic. Here is a good article an Ferric Chloride.

http://www.artmondo.net/printworks/articles/ferric.htm

[DC KNIVES]

Baking Soda or TSP will work but I found the easist is Windex with Ammonia.I learned this from Jerry Fisk many years ago at the Guild Show. Simple and no mixing.Dave

[Terry Primos]

Windex with ammonia is what I use as well.

[dudeinthehut]

Awesome help gang! Thanks a ton.

TKN has saved me more headaches than I can count, and I'm a new member! Love it!

Andy