makers mark etch problem . need help

L

ldoyle

Joined
Jun 29, 2010
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A few weeks ago I ask about a etch problem I was having when etching my makers mark . I use the personalizer to make my marks . I was getting a good etch [ depth ] and a good mark [ the dark mark ] but could wipe the black off my mark . Tried a new pad , and longer etch . Even put a brass bolt through a handle pin hole to try to get a better ground This has just come up recently . I used to get good dark marks , but something has changed . I`m at a loss as to what to do. Anyone have any thoughts as to why this is happening ? Doesn`t matter if it`s carbon or stainless .
 
I thought that might be the problem because my etchant was several years old so I ordered new etchant from texas knifemaker supply . Didn`t help .
 
The electrolyte is not really an etchant. It is used to provide contact through the stencil. Salt water will work. Since this is not the problem and you insured a good ground, the list of possible problems gets shorter. I would next check to see if your etcher is putting out voltage. Check both DC and AC with a voltmeter. Generally should be about 12 volts (or whatever the specs are for your etcher). If that is OK, check to see if you have a lot of corrosion on the contact under the felt. Also, replace the felt if it has been used a lot. You can get it cheap at Wally world.
The only other thing I can suggest is making sure your stencils are clean. As the are used, they get clogged and the current is restricted. I clean mine in a cheap ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Etching a mark is pretty straight forward. You send a current through an electrolyte in a pattern defined by the stencil.
Good Luck.
Chip Kunkle
 
Rusty ,
I do use acetone , and or alcohol to clean my blade before etching . Thanks

Kunklec ,
I thought it was a pretty straight forward process . I never thought about checking the voltage output . I`ll get a meter and give it a check .

Thanks guys
 
+1 on cleaning the stencil, they get clogged with corrosion off the blade and this hinders the etch. I sometimes clean mine in the middle of an etch with rubbing alcohol, if my pad is wet and im making contact but don't hear the right sizzle, a dirty stencil is usually to blame.
I know lots of guys like to use acetone but my advice is to use rubbing alcohol almost exclusively for degreasing. Acetone leaves an oily residue.
 
Pull the felt pad off the electrode and see if you have a coat of oxide on the metal surface beneath. I know I have to resurface my electrode every dozen or so etches. I assume this will vary depending on the electrolyte.

Jim Arbuckle
 
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