Another question on etching

Keith Willis

Keith Willis

Well-Known Member
Hey guys,I am usually not one to beat a dead horse,however,I am going to ask another etcher question,and hope that is ok.

I rechecked my wires on my etcher(a pc power supply) and found two wires that were 11.86 VDC.I am not sure if I am suppose to put the pos.lead on the blade,or the neg.lead.Also if I swap the leads on my volt meter it reads
-11.86,but that may be the way it works.but I did put the pos.lead on the blade.

I took one of my finished blades that I have not yet put slabs on.I took one of my stencil and layed it out on the tang and taped it,I took my Q-Tip dipped it in my saltwater,I started going around the stencil.I would touch it to the stencil and count to 5 move it over,count to 5,I continued to do so untill I went all the way around the stencil.I could see that I was having the same trouble I was having the other day,where part of it was turning dark,part of it was doing nothing.After going around the stencil about 3 times,I could see that I still only had part of my letters were etching and the stencil was toast.

I took a Q-Tip dipped it in the saltwater and touched it to the tang with no stencil,every time I touched the tang it would smoke.
Is that something normal,or is my voltage to high?I have heard you guys say some use 12 VDC some use more.

I know some will say build an etcher,and I may have to do that in the near future,but it is frustrating to know I have used this same power supply many,many times,with saltwater,a resist and using the 2 wires with 7.5 VDC,and never had one it would not etch.I still say it must be something I am doing wrong.:( :bud:

Thanks for any help,I will do my best not to ask another etcher question.

These pic may not help,the first pic shows my etcher,the second is my volt meter with the reading

God bless,Keith
 
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You sound like you are doing everything right, The only thing I do different is only do a 2 count. then move my q-tip.
I would have to say it sounds like a problem with the power supply.
 
Your voltage is not too high but I to think you are staying too long at 5 sec.thats why you are burning up your stencils. The voltage I use is 26 volts but I do 3 etches of 2 sec each and they turn out beautiful every time but I did a lot of trial and error before coming up with this formula. Another thing to consider is this, the pc power supply you are using may not put out pure dc voltage. Try using a 12 volt battery and see if it turns out any better. Also I think you would have better luck with a pad that coverd your entire area to be marked instead of a Q-tip.
 
Thanks to all,for the help and advice.It took a couple stencils,but I think I figured it out.The last few I tried they came out good,or at least I am satisfied.
What do yall think?

Thanks again

God bless,Keith
 
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nice logo hope you got it figured out. I hold my etcher on 8 to 10 seconds for 2 to 3 sets if I hear the sizzle on the second time Thats all it needs . I have the cheap etcho matic and it works awesome. I did 60 etches in 1.5 hours when I first started to etch . kellyw
 
Hey Keith, did you find the parts you were needing today? It was good talking to you on the phone last night. If there is ever anything I can do to help you out, don't hesitate to call.
 
Thanks Murph.I did,I found it at the AutoZone off of 49.

Good talking to you also my friend.The first chance I get to be around there at lunch I'll give ya a call.If you ever just want to talk,give me a call.

God bless,Keith
 
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