Thread: Etching

Since I moved I found myself getting really bored. I can't run my bandsaw and belt sander at all hours of the night now so I have to find something else to occupy my time. I came across a video of someone etching a knife with PCB solution and figured I would give that a try. Turned out ok, but figured maybe I could do that with a razor. First try didn't turn out so well as you can see. I left it in to long and it got under the toner. Second try turned out alot better. Glad I had a few razors that weren't really worth restoring sitting around otherwise might have ended up using one that was. The second etch turned out deeper than I thought it would be. Going to have to keep experimenting to see how deep I can get it. The lighting was pretty bad, but I think you can see it. For a quick sketch I think it turned out pretty good. Now if only my artistic skills were better.

What is PCB solution? It looks like it is going to be really great once you get it dialed in.

Printed Circuit Board. It is Ferric Chloride. It is used to etch copper for when making circuit boards, but it will etch other metals as well.

I think you are on to something there, very cool. I envy your hand eye coordination, I can not sketch to save my life.

Charlie

Originally Posted by McBrautigam

What is PCB solution? It looks like it is going to be really great once you get it dialed in.

Radio shack,about 8 bux a pint

Dude, that looks really awesome.

Agreed, that is really really cool. So what do you use for a template that keeps the solution in place?

I just coated the razor with a sharpie and scribed the design into it and put the solution in a jar and dunked the razor in. The first etch I let it sit for about 20min since that is what I did on a knife and turned out fairly well. The second one I let sit for about 5min which didn't let it etch under the ink. The solution ate away the metal where the sharpie ink was scratched away. I plan on trying to draw a design and letting the solution etch the metal around the design. If anyone decides to try this I should point out that you have to cover the edge really really well or it will get eaten away. I was going to try brushing on the solution so I wouldn't have to dunk it in, but the ink just made the solution bead up. I also seen a video of someone using a 9volt battery and a solution of vinegar and salt, but I'm not sure how hot that gets so figured this would be safest.

Would something like petrolium jelly protect the edge better?

Not sure how well it would stay on. Wax seems to work since it will stay on once it dries. I only used ink on this one since it was a "garbage" blade and you can see where it still got under the ink and ate part of the bevel away. It is amazing how something that can eat metal won't touch ink, wax, or even tape. Also doesn't seem to effect skin either, but it will stain the skin. I know.