etching stencils

H

hobbit

Joined
Nov 16, 1999
Messages
25
I've been having a real problem with etching my name onto blades. I'm using a basic etchomatic with custom made stencils but the etches aren't constistent and seem blotchy (if that makes sense, some letters fading out). I make sure that I'm using a fair bit of pressure and then touching the lead to the blade and I'm cleaning the blade off with acetone first. There's nothing quite as frustrating as having everything finished perfectly and then screwing it up by putting your mark on it. Anybody ever had this happen to them?

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Just because you're not paraniod doesn't mean they're not out to get you
 
I use Marking Methods outfit. It has a deep etch and works best by not pushing hardly at all. The hand pad felt needs to be saturated but not drip. Rock it slightly to allow the electrolyte to flow though the stencil I count to 6 and lift, 3 times. Make sure the blade is grounded by using aluminum foil clipped onto the blade and ground wire. Make sure the electrolyte is the right one for the steel. There are several different ones offered. Try it on a scrap peice first also. Bruce
 
I used to have the same problem using marking methods gold stencils,i switched to their heavy duty green stencils,and it solved my problem.I wet the pad and blot it on a folded paper towel until it leaves a barely damp spot,use light pressure hold for count of 2 raise repeat 12-15 times.I use MM equipt.,but it might work for you. MJH

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MJH
 
Thanks guys, I think it may be either my stencils or the amount of electolyte I'm using. My source for stencils has since retired and I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to where I could get replacements.
 
I understand that there is a stencil you can put thru a typewrite or Dot matrix printer that you can customize yourself
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Anybody ?

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RHankins Available knives
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yes bob i bought a roll of blue/green stencil from jantz or k&g. found a old typewriter and that how i # and date my blades

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Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
So am I to understand the process of this correctly.....

1. Ground blade
2. Place stencil on blade

Questions
1. Does the Electrolyte go on the blade under the stencil....?
2. Do you need to attach it to the blade.......tape.....?
3. As far as the method to make a stencil goes....do you basicly draw it on the material (need to get some soon and am wondering how much "creativity" I can utilize with these things
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3. Attach foil and felt to positive lead and damp with Electrolyte.
4. Turn on and gently touch area of the stencil for various time lengths till you get the depth you want.

This about how it works?

Michael
 
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