Downside to AC/DC variable power supply?

[Bühlmann]

I've searched and read all over, but can't seam to find the answer I'm looking for. I want to etch, but I don't want to pay $400 and I don't want to build from a bunch of random parts. Am I completely wrong in thinking that a scientific AC/DC bench test power supply unit would be the ticket for making an affordable etcher without spending hours with wiring diagrams and soldering? Is there a downside I'm not seeing or is my idea a complete non-start due to some electrical roadblock I don't know? I'm pretty dumb when it comes to electronics, and I intend to remain that way! Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Ken H>]

As long as the AC and DC are in the 18 to 20 volt range with at least an amp (or 2 to 3) you're good to go. The stencils won't know any difference. Some folks say you've GOT to have a 3 or more amp power supply, but when checking current draw while etching I've never seen more than 1/2 amp pulled from supply. The amount of current used depends entirely on the size of the stencil and how much "open space" there is for the etch.

 

[Taz]

I have a bench top power supply I use for my etcher and it works great. Got it used from Ebay for $65 shipped. You can also use an AC/DC model train transformer as your power supply as well; they are around $25-35 on ebay. They often have a variable DC output as the speed controller, too I believe.

How To - DIY Etcher WIP

I got one of the knifekits.com etchers; it is AC only, so it marks the blade, but doesn't really etch it depth wise, since it doesn't have DC. It does leave a nice mark, but I wanted something that will etch into the steel more so if I need to clean up the blade after etching, I can do so and...

www.bladeforums.com

 

[Bühlmann]

Thanks for the replies. I just scooped up a new/open box/cosmetic blem Elenco XP-625 for under $60 shipped. It looks like it should tick all of my boxes. The accessories are the easy part.

 

[Taz]

I was looking for the elenco originally and found this one. It should work really well for you! They are big size wise, but that is their only draw back

 

[Ken H>]

Elenco XP-625 for under $60 is a very good power supply. $60 is a GREAT price on that supply - you did good.