Thread: Blade etch?

Originally Posted by mikeyr

I guess I wasn't too clear - I think I can do the etch part all right, I would like to be able to put the design back on after refinishing the blade. What I haven't figured out is how to get an exact copy of it on paper before I start sanding & polishing. I have tried the old engraver's tricks for duplicating designs, but these etches are too shallow to hold the transfer mediums. I'm thinking it would probably have to be photographic?..............Mike

You and I think alike. I've been hatching the same idea for about six months now. I've thought about coating the blade with ink and pressing white paper in the hollow leaving a reverse image. Then, scan away and clean up using a photoshop type program. Then, make your neg/etching stencil and you're good to go.

Chris L

Some possible info here?
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...atchopper.html

Originally Posted by Chris L

You and I think alike. I've been hatching the same idea for about six months now. I've thought about coating the blade with ink and pressing white paper in the hollow leaving a reverse image. Then, scan away and clean up using a photoshop type program. Then, make your neg/etching stencil and you're good to go.

Chris L

in that case I think a digital photograph loaded into a vector based program (like Adobe Illustrator) would be more convenient, and less messy.

I remember reading part of a book on knife making that was mostly about this. The author coated the knives in wax and then when warm removed the wax from the design and then eched the blades in strong acid.

I ordered a kit on the internet once to etch the VIN# of my car onto the corner of each of my windows; if someone wanted to steal my car, they'd have to replace every window to remove the vin numbers .

I gave the company my vin number and they sent me a package with the acid-compund, and precision cut vinyl stickers with the vin# cut out. Directions were to stick the sticker on the window, apply the stuff, let sit for 20 minutes or until dry, and remove the sticker and wipe it clean. It worked flawlessly, but I'm thinking that the acid used for glass is different then the strength you would need for steel.

There are many ways to etch metal, search for blade etching or electro etching or acid etching on google and you'll find more info than you ever wanted.

I recently built an electro etcher from parts found at Radioshack, thanks to a tutorial by knifemaker Chris Crawford: http://www.chriscrawfordknives.com/C...al/Default.asp

It works pretty well, better than an Etch-O-Matic I had been using. Fun to build too, if your into DIY stuff.

Originally Posted by marosell

I ordered a kit on the internet once to etch the VIN# of my car onto the corner of each of my windows; if someone wanted to steal my car, they'd have to replace every window to remove the vin numbers .

I gave the company my vin number and they sent me a package with the acid-compund, and precision cut vinyl stickers with the vin# cut out. Directions were to stick the sticker on the window, apply the stuff, let sit for 20 minutes or until dry, and remove the sticker and wipe it clean. It worked flawlessly, but I'm thinking that the acid used for glass is different then the strength you would need for steel.

Etching glass with acid at home seems a fairly scary concept.

This is because to my knowledge only hydrofluric acid will etch glass. That stuff is insanely hazardous, small spills result in limb amputations.

But it seems that the etching creams do not etch in that fashion.

Do not confuse using etching creme with traditional acid etching, which is done with hydrofluoric acid. This is an extremely dangerous acid and should NEVER be used by anyone who has not had extensive training. We have been personally acquainted with 3 people who have come in contact with only a drop or two of this acid and who have almost lost fingers or hands as a result. In addition, it is classified as a hazardous material and must be disposed of in a waste site for hazardous materials, a very expensive proposition.

link

Hahaha, I etched glass with HF acid in a chemistry class when I was in highschool! The teacher said to be very careful not to get it on us but didn't mention amputations!

Good thing no one got hurt, I wonder if she knew it was that toxic?!?!

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

Hahaha, I etched glass with HF acid in a chemistry class when I was in highschool! The teacher said to be very careful not to get it on us but didn't mention amputations!

Good thing no one got hurt, I wonder if she knew it was that toxic?!?!

It is not exactly toxic. What it does is if you get any on you, it goes to the bone and disolves them, even if washed off.

SO small amounts on the skinn cause serious bone loss in the area, and that is why amputations are common.

I am amazed that high school students would do this.