How to Etch Metal with the Silhouette Cameo

[@ProjectGin]

I had my cameo for like almost 3 years now.. and I just found this out. That’s amazing. Thanks for the video!

[@elizabethramos6454]

How thick of metal can the cameo cut? Where can I purchase the metal? Thank you in advance.

[@loriviccua4003]

Can I using the embossing/debossing blade in curio if I have an adapter as an alternative for the 3rd party metal engraving blade?

[@michaelstraughn3465]

don't look centered, plus, how did you set the thickness of the aluminum disk?

[@rebecaelizondo9880]

hi! I’m completely new in this craft world! Is there a way to engrave with color?

[@DesignBundles]

after you engrave you will use something like rub n buff to add the color

[@Alpha_DTF_Print]

✨ Unleash your creativity with Alpha DTF Print's UV DTF magic! What's your favorite holiday-themed DIY project, and how could UV printing enhance it? @‌AlphaDTFPrint

[@samanthaamaddox8505]

KOOL!!!! SXO GLAD TO SEE THERE IS SOMETHING THAT MY CAMEO "2" CAN DO!! I FEEL LIKE I'VE GOT A DINO!! BEING THAT MOST THINGS NEED THE NEWER MACHINES! I REALLY NEED TO BE ABLE TO CUT STYROFOAM SHEETS AND THATS NOT APPEARING TO HAPPEN ON THE OLE DINO ... LOL I'M TRYING TO SEE WHICH MACHNE IS MY BEST OPTION AND I'VE WATCHED SO MANY AND READ SO MUCH! I'M LOST AGAIN.. LOL HAND ON! ROUGH RIDE! THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALLLLL YOUR VIDEOS!!

[@louisemuirhead1621]

Hi. Late to the show here but wondered if you could advise. I am usinf Zoom tool with silhouette cameo 4 but the tool is not "hitting" the material? Thanks

[@MarceloGeoTomaz]

Congratulations, very nice. There´s a etching tool for Cameo 1????

[@donnab218]

Great tip on using the vinyl...thank you!

[@DesignBundles]

Thanks Donna! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! ---Becky

[@gracebradley9433]

Where did you get the medal circle from? Was the pre cut that you bought somewhere?

[@gingerthompson3874]

My hubby bought me a kit to do this but I’ve been afraid to try it! I can’t wait to try this now!!!!

[@DesignBundles]

You can do it Ginger! Let me know how it goes! ---Becky

[@pamnicholson8420]

your tutorials are spot on!!! TY so much

[@juliegaskey7123]

Is there a pdf of these directions somewhere? I am trying to follow directions, take notes and switch between my Cameo program all at once! And not succeeding! :-) Great video! I just need notes!

[@raduvladcg4218]

Will the etching work on the original cameo 1?

[@rosalindalozano233]

Any chance this is possible with Cricut?

[@moniquegolden4784]

Thank you. I’ve been wanting to make wine glass charms.

[@DesignBundles]

You’re welcome 😊

[@danieltarango6484]

Do you have a Tute on etching on Acrylic?

[@RebeccaBry]

Is the etching process loud? Seems like it would be

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Rebecca! It doesn't seem any louder than the actual machine noise. The Silhouette is rather loud all by itself, so the etching itself wasn't noticeable. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@JGEC19]

Can cake knives be engraved?

[@stauniqueprintwear2705]

I’m impressed. On my list to do this weekend. Thank you 😊

[@DesignBundles]

No problem, thank you for watching! 😊

[@dinobravo9976]

What types of adhesive vinyl did you use?double adhesive or what?

[@DesignBundles]

It was just a scrap piece of regular adhesive vinyl.

[@dinobravo9976]

@@DesignBundles Thanks

[@christinahensley6595]

When ordering the metal/aluminum rounds, do I get the disc with holes already cut, or does the Precision tip do that as well?

[@DesignBundles]

I would recommend getting the ones with the pre-cut holes.

[@reemsaja1]

Do you ride on Cameo 3?

[@dineshrewari9216]

Fabulously explained

[@DesignBundles]

I'm happy to hear that! Thank you for watching :)

[@johnippolito8100]

can you please give me a make and model of the Etch you used?

[@andip1967]

Hi, great video, can I ask which 3rd party blade you purchased please, i am over in the UK and I do not want to be getting the wrong item, thanks.

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Andi! This is the Chomas Creations Precision Engraving Tip. I think you can find it on Amazon, or Amy Chomas has a website. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@bdoz95]

Hi Becky. I have the Silhouette Cameo. Will the etching tool work with that machine? Thank you!

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Tnb, it sure will, that's what I used for this project here. Just make sure you purchase the correct etching tool for the type of Cameo you have (Cameo 3 or Cameo 4). Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@melaniekatwoodley]

Love your videos! Will this work with a Silhouette Portrait 3? Thank you

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Melanie! It should absolutely work since they use the same tool size. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@katbare1]

I did not get the name of the blade you are using? Can you put the link in the comments?

[@pequodexpress]

How many different types of adhesive-backed vinyl are there, thicknesses, etc? Are you using transfer vinyl to adhere the metal blank to the mat?

[@DesignBundles]

Yes, the adhesive vinyl adheres the metal to the mat but mostly is there to help know where to place the blank to line up your design. Most adhesive vinyl will be the same thickness although there are different brands. My go-to is Oracal 651. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@naziamahmood8021]

Amazing! Can this tool be used on a silhouette portrait 1?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Nazia! Absolutely, just make sure you buy one of the tools that are designed for the earlier model Cameos and Portraits. I would message into the seller if you want to make sure, better safe than sorry sometimes! Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@donnamae8987]

Thank you for your video. By any chance do you have one that can be done with a penny? Have a beautiful weekend.

[@DesignBundles]

Great suggestion!

[@marywilson5762]

Great video. Why did you place your vinyl so far down on your cutting mat?

[@DesignBundles]

Great question Mary! That is so that I can easily access that part (to remove or replace items like the paper backing and the metal round) without the machine being in the way. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@starrspoter]

can u use the curio tools in the cameo 4?

[@tracybaker9193]

I have a silhouette cameo and a portrait, (neither have a number so I'm guessing old lol) can I do ti's on either of them?

[@blackc0da]

also wanna know

[@DesignBundles]

Are you able to put different blades in? If so then yes, it may just need an adapter! - Brittany

[@mammamia5097]

Do you use business edition with this video?

[@DesignBundles]

No, you can set up this design with Designer Edition. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@epicdom68]

do you know the gauge of the disc you used for this? if you know the maximum thickness can you let me know

[@DesignBundles]

Hi there! This video is using a 2in disc and you can find similar ones here: www.amazon.com/s?k=Aluminum+Circle+Discs+stamping&ref=nb_sb_noss

[@salehrebaz]

thx a lot :-) which firmware you working with?

[@DesignBundles]

Silhouette Studio software.

[@jmd77797]

I hope you’re able to see this question and answer..lol What is the etching tool you’re using? I have the Cameo 3

[@gailemcnair8122]

Will it work on leather?

[@DesignBundles]

We have not tried it but that's a great idea! - Brittany

[@GrowingGreener]

Thanks for the information. Do you have a tutorial on making the shape for the tag you used? I have tags that are a different shape and have a planned home project for them. Thanks

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Shannon, I kind of do. I have a method where you can take photos of your items and upload to Silhouette Studio, then you can use that image to size and create designs to fit your shapes. Hope this helps! ---Becky kzbin.info/www/bejne/on3dm5WBpsaSndE

[@jaclynkaliszewski694]

can i etch on a knife server set for weddings, the knife or server blade part?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Jaclyn, I don't think I would use that method for the project you have in mind, since parts of the knife and server blade will be too large, it could cause complications. I haven't personally tried any other methods, but you may be able to check into something like sandblasting? Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@artempouriumarteveryonecan6703]

I'm not sure how you lined up the piece of vinyl to the nine inch mark when there are no numbers showing on your screen

[@DesignBundles]

Hi there! In Silhouette, even without the grid mark, you can follow the ruler at the top of the screen.

[@artempouriumarteveryonecan6703]

@@DesignBundles I must've turned the ruler off somehow, I don't see any numbers...just a grid.

[@jhisk]

Hi can you link where to buy the engraving tool?

[@DesignBundles]

Hi there! The metal discs and etching tool are from Amazon. Search for the Chomas Creations tool for your respective machine. Hope this helps! - Dawn

[@jhisk]

@@DesignBundles thank you! Ah this is a bit far away from me as I'm from asia but I will try to order via amazon

[@CsBeautyReviews]

Can this technique be used on sterling silver and gold filled labels?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Charlotte! I'll be honest, I'm not sure at all, I haven't use sterling silver or gold filled labels before. If I get a chance I'll order some to play with. Sorry I can't be more help! ---Becky

[@doen.8724]

If someone says it can be done, keep in mind that gold-filled parts have a pretty thin layer of gold. (Much thicker than gold plated of course). You might cut through it and end up with quickly tarnishing base metal lines.

[@emilychapman8236]

Im new to silhouette would the craft bad be able to do something similar?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Emily, unfortunately not, you'll need an engraving tip to be able to etch/engrave. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@emilychapman8236]

@@DesignBundles thanks! what does the craft blade do. Im looking to engrave on a dog tag I would need the engraving tip right?

[@lauramoore5643]

Love watching!!!!

[@upstatedoc3287]

Hi Becky, this is a great video. What is the name and where did you get the adapter for the blade. I searched amazon and didn’t come up with it.

[@sharibrucebruce2572]

I was looking for this info as well!!

[@DesignBundles]

Hey there! It's the Chomas Creations Precision Etching Tip. I'll link the Amazon search here for you. Hope this helps! ---Becky www.amazon.com/s?k=chomas+creations+precision+engraving+tip&crid=2YR2FVYLCSYPW&sprefix=chomas+creations+preci%2Caps%2C175&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-da-p_1_22

[@sharibruce7769]

@@DesignBundles I have the etching tip, but my cameo 2 didn't have enough clearance. What is the adaptor you used to make it fit the 4? (I got one for Christmas, but I haven't taken it out of the box because all my extras are for a 2).

[@cfranklin1976]

Love this tutorial. Can you please provide the link to the discs? There are a lot to choose from on Amazon...

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Cha Cha! You want to look for a blank stamping disc, and then any of those should work. I'll give you a link for some search results, I believe this video is using a 2" disc. Hope this helps! ---Becky www.amazon.com/s?k=Aluminum+Circle+Discs+stamping&ref=nb_sb_noss

[@cfranklin1976]

@@DesignBundles perfect! Thank you so much!

[@vegasgal47]

Thank you! Great video. Can you use the metal sheets that you would use for the Curio?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Arlene! Yes, you can use those, but I'm not sure how they etch (quality) since I haven't used them. What comes to mind with those sheets is the stippling feature, which is coming up soon in a video. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@vegasgal47]

@@DesignBundles Thanks! I only ask because I can't find my Curio. I think it's in a cabinet in the garage and that's a chore getting to. lol

[@laurabustamante7699]

Where to get metal blanks with adhesive?

[@DesignBundles]

Hi Laura! You can find these metal blanks on Amazon! - Dawn 🙂

[@juniorchristinavargas7302]

I think I am doing something different on your first step where you take the black color out and change it to transparency my words and image just goes away. Am I missing a step?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Christina! With the sketch you want to have your line color turned on and your fill color should be mostly irrelevant. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@kimmywhitt6112]

Thank you Becky.

[@DesignBundles]

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by! ---Becky

[@kHoPhAe]

Oh, the sorcery!

[@DesignBundles]

Thanks for watching!

[@sydneyestrada5343]

I want to start off by thanking you for sharing. I followed all the steps but came across an issue. It might be due to the complexity of the design but I found that there are etch lines in the spaces of the design. I lifted the pen but it’s part of the send tab when I zoom in it’s showing up there. I am also using a 1 inch charm. Please advise if you have any recommendations. Thank you

[@DesignBundles]

Hmmmm Sydney, I sure haven't experienced this. Do they show up on the design screen? Can you erase them? ---Becky

[@sydneyestrada5343]

@@DesignBundles Thank you for responding Becky! It does not show up on the design screen. I tried to erase them but it only appears on the send screen. When I zoom in it shows lines going from one path to another. So I click the design tab and it’s not there for me to erase.

[@salehrebaz]

@@sydneyestrada5343 hi, have the same problem here, did you find a solution??

[@Elbell1977]

Where do you get your metal blanks.

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Ellen! I scored these 2" circles from Amazon. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@Laniaa]

You are great!

[@shadowstar261]

where are the metal disks from

[@sassypuppyco9963]

Love this tutorial! Thank you for making it. I do have one question...is there a special setting to prevent drag marks between the letters when etching? I have the same tool as you and the Cameo 4, but am getting drag marks all over my pieces from the etching tool when it moves between designs. Thanks for any help you can offer!

[@DesignBundles]

Hey there! I don't have any settings that can adjust the height to prevent drag marks. If you can, try to maneuver it higher in the blade housing if you can, I've had to do that on a prior machine. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@lammerant5201]

Love this tutorial as well! I’m having the same problem! Let me know if raising the blade works or if you found another trick!

[@salehrebaz]

Hi, I have the same problem, did you find a solution to avoid tgos drag lines?

[@doen.8724]

@@salehrebaz Hello. I just bought the Chomas tool made for the Cameo 4. It does not need a sleeve to wrap around it to fit (don't remember the official name for it), it just goes into the blade holder. When I tried to engrave on a 1.5 mm thick piece of stainless, the tool did not even clear that, but ricochet off and tried to cut next to my steel piece. But, I just lifted the tool in the holder. At least this newer version of this tool can be seemingly perfectly tightened at different heights. This should help you with your issue of draglines.

[@salehrebaz]

@@doen.8724 Hi, thx for responding. I guess it is a softwareproblem. I try to downgrade to a older one. Maybe this works..

[@marie-josee-bouliane]

Cool and awesome ! Thanks !

[@carogg8654]

thanks for your tutorial! I love the idea of using the vynil! can you post where I can find the blade and the metal disc?thanks!

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Caro! The metal discs and etching tool are from Amazon. Search for the Chomas Creations tool for your respective machine. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@lisaalwaysandforever]

Would you know of a EU/British alternative to the brand of etching tool you used? Not sure what British version will fit my Cameo 4

[@suzannegingras7528]

The attachment you had on the chomas where can i purchase it

[@carlagoff7942]

Do you have a link for this tool?

[@DesignBundles]

Hi Carla! You can use a tool like this one here: www.amazon.com/Engraving-Precision-Stamping-Silhouette-Zoom/dp/B08H7CWFT8 which even comes with tags for you to etch! - Dawn 🙂

[@Salima-r9d]

can i use the cameo 2 ? ty for the video

[@DesignBundles]

Yes, absolutely, as long as you purchase the tool for the model of Cameo you have. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@brandifox453]

Can you control how deep it etches into something??

[@DesignBundles]

No, not really. It's not a very in-depth engraving, it's more a scratching of the surface to create an engraved look. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@maiab5145]

Lovely tutorial,just a quick question,does this machine cut gold and sterling silver?i mean the cut like small hearts or different models to make them in pendants?thank you

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Maia! My initial answer is no, because I know you need a fairly soft metal for this process, but I have never tried a more expensive metal like silver or gold, so the honest answer is I'm just not sure. Sorry I can't be more help. ---Becky

[@doen.8724]

No! Absolutely not. Gold or silver foil? Maybe. Any gauge of gold or silver sheet you would want to or could use to make into pendants is way too thick and dense for this machine. It is just not made for that. Engraving gold and silver, should be possible. It is reasonably soft metal. Leather or soft balsa wood, both much less dense than any metal, seems to be already a challenge for this machine.

[@johnpayne6177]

Can it also etch vinyl key fobs? Thank you for taking the time to show us what we can do with our silhouette machine

[@DesignBundles]

Hey John! Thanks for watching! By etch vinyl do you mean emboss leatherette? It definitely can, but it's not true embossing like you would imagine. Let me know if this is the type of key fob you meant. ---Becky

[@johnpayne6177]

Yes

[@johnpayne6177]

Always looking for ways to improve my product offers for my customers

[@lindareyes5015]

Thanks for the tutorial which is amazing. I have a few questions though: (1) I noticed that in the video the material shows cardstock. Does it matter if we leave it at that even if we are actually using a metal disc? (2) is there a minimum/maximum height of the disc we can use for this kind of project? (3) Will this metal etching work on cameo 3 as well? Thanks!

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Linda! The material type doesn't matter in my experience, because the Cameo does not adjust on a vertical axis. Yes, the Cameo 3 will only accommodate a 2mm thickness in materials, but this disc us much thinner. Yes, you can actually do these discs on any Cameo because they are so thin. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@darlahpotechin1668]

@@DesignBundles whats the thickness max you can use?

[@traceyklotz]

Love your shirt!

[@DesignBundles]

Thank you! :)

[@noraaferns6403]

I've tried etching on an aluminium disc with he Chomas tool and got lines across the disc. The text etched as you explained though. Am I doing something wrong?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Noraa! It sounds like your tool is just sitting a little low compared to the thickness of your blank (this can be tricky). I would see if you can perform some simple testing (think small designs on the blank you already used so you don't waste more discs). Maybe you can seat the etching tool a little higher before locking in the tool. Let me know! ---Becky

[@doen.8724]

Maybe try a disc made of a little harder metal? Aluminum is very soft. Brass perhaps?

[@Richard97402]

Since Silhouette brags about the strength/force capabilities of the second blade slot, why aren't these being used in that second slot, rather than risking damage to your machine in slot 1? At this point the second slot is basically useless unless you want to cut balsa wood, which is basically not recommended. I was excited to etch acrylic using my machine, thinking that the power of slot 2 would make that very doable. Instead Silhouette voids your warranty, and you get hit and miss results with tools that only work in slot 1. What a missed opportunity... especially considering Silhouette eliminating the Curio.

[@madhouse740]

Very cool and nice to know. Thanks

[@DesignBundles]

Thanks Madhouse! ---Becky

[@donnaessenmacher9017]

Where do you get the adapter?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Donna, it's from Chomas Creations, they make different types for most machines. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@jessdeo5118]

How long did the etching take?

[@DesignBundles]

Great questions Jess, it does take a while. This design was relatively small, so I would say 10 minutes? But the larger or more intricate, the longer. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@bmrs.g7108]

Love this thanks

[@RJ_KUSTOMZ]

❤ thank you

[@biznizmama]

I want to know what metal blank you used?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Janice! These are 2" engraving blanks from Amazon. I believe they came in a pack of 50. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@biznizmama]

Sorry thats not really helpful. Do you have a link?

[@jeannienebaker]

@@DesignBundles it would be helpful if you mentioned the type of metal, please! Aluminum? Copper? Can stainless steel be used?

[@sheilasurman3332]

Where do you get the metal blanks?

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Sheila! I scored these 2" circles from Amazon. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@أندروميدا-ش7ك]

What is the Blade did you use?

[@DesignBundles]

This is the Chomas Creations Precision Etching Tip. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@أندروميدا-ش7ك]

@@DesignBundles how can I buy it? Do you have link?

[@upstatedoc3287]

@@أندروميدا-ش7ك Amazon has them. Just type the name in the search bar and quite a few will show up

[@Jayneyardley5467]

can u do this with the cameo 3

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Jayne! You absolutely can, just make sure you are using the thin metal blanks, the Cameo 3 doesn't accommodate thicker materials (like regular acrylic). Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@monicacrummel235]

Ive tried and tried and Tried to set the Etching designs and i just cant get it set in SS. :( I have no idea what im doing wrong

[@DesignBundles]

Are you getting any type of error or is the machine just not doing it?

[@ScatteredKisses]

@@DesignBundles I figured it out.. ur video doesn't say to choose the etch line which is right under the etch pattern so as soon as i chose that it worked :)

[@jennifermccullar7995]

Love the tutorial but mine dose not work.

[@DesignBundles]

Hi Jennifer! Would you mind telling us what step was giving you trouble? We would be happy to help. You could also send an email to [e-mail] or join us in a live chat through our homepage!

[@ProfeCatita]

Love it! Can I do it using Cameo 3?

[@DesignBundles]

Yes, you absolutely can! And you won't even need the adapter, these tools fit great in the Cameo 3! ---Becky

[@ProfeCatita]

@@DesignBundles thanks Becky! I love your channel! Mine is just starting Best regards

[@nikkimackenzie7497]

Time to go shopping on amazon, thanks for the great tips

[@DesignBundles]

Yay! Glad to inspire you Nikki! ---Becky

[@navaizrashid5084]

Where can I buy these metal

[@nikkimackenzie7497]

@@navaizrashid5084 amazon

[@youngsoulja102386]

Sometimes it will etch and sometimes it lightly etched however it’s the same design and the same force and speed. I don’t know why it’s doing it though. 😔

[@DesignBundles]

Hey Matt! There are some things you can check: Is there anything stuck in or around your blade (dust? a small piece of vinyl?), Is it time to replace the blade? Can you try adding more force? - Dawn

[@artempouriumarteveryonecan6703]

These directions just aren't working for me with cameo 4 pro

[@DesignBundles]

Hi there! If you can, please send an email to [e-mail] and we can can help walk you through the steps that are giving you trouble. We are here if you need us!

[@geraldellis1177]

You a fucking genius

[@godrunner777sharon5]

Where are you get the metal?

[@DesignBundles]

These were Metal Discs from Amazon. Hope this helps! ---Becky

[@KyaraStAmant]

This is SO frustrating. I’ve destroyed 5 blanks now. Even without unloading, the etching isn’t in the right place. But, nonetheless, a good tutorial.

[@amorsoloarts]

Search calibrating cameo 4. This might be the problem same like mine.

[@DesignBundles]

What seems to be an issue? Could you tell us a bit more? - Agata

[@Free76Thinker]

Thanks for the video. We want to have a Cameo primarily for cutting vinyl but we also have a' hand-stamping' tags business.. Most of our tags are customs. With the Silhouette Curio you can set it up with a homemade template and make tags that are all the same size. Do you think it possible with the Cameo to do this? The Curio if you don't know has a tray that moves which is the primary difference. Here is the video I was referring to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKO1dKuinNuskKs Thanks.

[@leshall]

This is engraving, not etching.

[@doen.8724]

I agree, but most people using these machines do not know or maybe don't need to know the difference between etching and engraving:) Though the inaccuracy of calling this etching, has been annoying me as a metal worker too. But everyone talking about these machines, not only this nice lady, is using this (wrong) term.

[@leshall]

@@doen.8724 Gotcha. No problem.