Thread: Crawler & His ERN.

Having already completed it, but needing to fix a spot or three, I applied a thin coat of another color of polish. I didn't have the first one with me at the time, but the different color helped to differentiate the lines for corrections.

"In need of a touch up..."




After fixing my boo-boo's:


Can you spot the fixes?:


And I'm pretty sure I kept perfecting (obsessing? ) the lines after those pics were taken. If requested, I can use the attachment that came with my 60x lighted loupe to take pics at higher magnification?

I'm pretty sure we get the picture. I am surprised that you are using a loupe. I would have thought that a visor would be easier but doubt they come that powerful, I think mine is 10X. There are some more powerful out there but have not really explored them. It is mainly use to check my sanding for scratches.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I'm pretty sure we get the picture. I am surprised that you are using a loupe. I would have thought that a visor would be easier but doubt they come that powerful, I think mine is 10X. There are some more powerful out there but have not really explored them. It is mainly use to check my sanding for scratches.

The 60x I was referring to is the one I inspect my edges with. The 5x "eye socket" type I used for this task was basically the first thing I saw under $10 and at least 5x. I spent less than a day of errands looking locally. And by that time, harbor freight was closed. IIRC, they have things suited for this (visor, "helping hand" thingy that holds & has a magnifier, etc.). The eye socket one I used is the root of the aches & blurry vision I mentioned earlier. Because of this, I'm still considering looking at the local HF offerings.

So, by this point in the project, the blade is more or less prepped to begin the etching process. This seems like a good opportunity to share where I sourced some of my info from.

These are not my only sources, as I habitually cross-reference any information I pursue with intent to use! As I said, it started down a web-fu rabbit hole named Google, which led initially to Instructibles/e-how's & the likes. From there, I look for more in-depth info & experience from others. For the use of these chemicals, I found forums for chemistry enthusiasts, and pool enthusiasts alike. (No judgement from me for one's choice of nerdiness! I shave with a SR, and like to watch anime.)

Bookmarks:
This thread was my muse, after deciding to not lose the etch:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...cations-3.html

One of my first stops in etching education (ferric chloride is not available locally) :
Stop using Ferric Chloride etchant! (A better etching solution.) - All

Not all-encompassing, but still an invaluable resource when it comes to knowing what is a BAD IDEA to try and use with chosen chemicals:
Chemical Compatibility Database from Cole-Parmer

I think I thoroughly read the following page in its entirety, trying to understand as much as possible:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid

This is helpful because they don't really manufacture containers for the purpose of at-home chemical etching (a rabbit hole in itself, to know what everyday items are made from which plastic & what else said plastic might be known as) :
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_codes

Those are just what was bookmarked, and do not include tertiary, corroborating sources that I also read over...

Important Notes!
*This is acid! It is dangerous! The particular acid I am about to use is an acid gas dissolved into water (think soft drink carbonation). The pungent, harsh vapors whiffing off from the liquid are acidic! If inhaled, they will cause damage; from a sore throat & swollen tounge, all the way to fluid in the lungs & death! You have been warned. Nobody can hold your hand and walk you through something from the internet.

*Pour acid into water! Not the other way around. Apparently, doing it this way helps the heat produced by the exothermic reaction of mixing them disperse safely. If you do it backwards, the mix has been known to fizz, splash, & jump around... so to speak.

*Hydrogen peroxide will play the part of my dilutant, also adding some catalyst.

*Don't forget to do this in a well ventilated area, with baking soda & a hose nearby.

Next up: the rig I've cobbled together to do my etching in! Its features include automated agitation of the mixture, containment of the fumes, and means to carry away & exhaust the fumes out of the house!

Don't forget a larger container for it all to sit in, to contain spills...


The airator.


One tube in, two out. It would defeat the purpose of exhaust if input was greater than output capacity.


I ran the exhaust tubes through some automotive weatherstripping I had lying around, to run it out a window without heating the outdoors.


Headed outside...


Any questions?

Hey Crawler,, if the cops see that setup through one of my windows, they ain't gonna believe its for straight razor repair & I'll need a new front door,,,

Busy day. Pics now, breakdown tomorrow (later today) when I've got a trainee doing all my work .

Junk metal swept up off the floor at work. "Testing..."


Faint/blurry view of the razor and MaCGyver'd airator.


Noted humidity in the two outgoing tubes.


Fresh out of the "vat"! I used polyester sewing thread to improvise a binding that suspended the razor parallel to the ground (more on that tomorrow).

Anchored at appropriate height.


Feeling really good about this!