Electro Etching Tricks of the Trade by Berg Knifemaking

[@dawnhirsh6263]

Wonderful presentation. My daughter and I just did a combined science experiment/craft making a key chain with a simple design, and I wanted her to appreciate some of the applications. Just beautiful, functional art!!!

[@barryburas5670]

Dan you are the "King of Etch"!! I will be putting my Cricut Maker to good use

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you Sir!!!

[@SarfaraazAlladin]

I wish I knew about your teaching resources when I started etching. These are all great insights!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you like them!

[@owlwovenintwigs]

Do you have a tutorial on how you made the etching plate?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I dont but is just a flat plate welded to a pc of steel tubing as the handle. I drilled and tapped a hole in the tubing for a bolt that secures one of the electrical leads.

[@owlwovenintwigs]

@@DIYeasycrafts thankyou!

[@owlwovenintwigs]

@@DIYeasycrafts does it matter what type of metal the plate is?

[@youtubeuniversity5336]

Good work, flour helps to see your stencil cuts,didnt listen to hear of this was mentioned.

[@kalgrave497]

Dude this video is absolutely wonderful, i been looking at something for something like this

[@KuntaBladesID]

Thank you for tutorial 👍

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Always welcome

[@ab-shop]

Gday and congratulations for your video: I'm very interested in electro etching, I would like to ask you what type of adhesive paper do you use? Could you tell me the name to search for, maybe on Amazon? Also I would like to know what type of electrolyte to use at what amperage for stainless steel! (only works with real stainless steel, not with aluminum? ) thanks, Alberto

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I use rolls of self adhesive vinyl from amazon. no particular brand. I make my own electrolyte solution. White wine vinegar and salt. Works great for stainless. 12v set at 2 amps

[@ab-shop]

@@DIYeasycrafts Thanks so much for your kind answer!

[@m1k4c]

This is awesome. I enjoy titanium anodizing, electro-etching, got a few tricks in my sleeve also. Thanks for taking some time to share knowledge!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Awesome, thank you!

[@joncoffman657]

What you use to place the gauze on and what kind of power do you use

[@K3Flyguy]

Very well done! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oliveroalfredo]

Are electro chemical etched knives good for food preparations? Really cool stuff.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Yes they are! Just give them a good cleaning before use

[@g.m.5412]

Great vid! Would packing tape work for transfer instead of clear contact?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

No I do not think it would. Packing tape is to sticky

[@g.m.5412]

@@DIYeasycrafts oh yes you're probably right!

[@stoneomountain2390]

I see a lot of people just etching. Have you considered using the same/similar method to do electroplating on small details, say deepening the leaves and copper plating them?

[@gottaprepordie]

Your work looks awesome!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you think so!

[@Alagachak]

Wow - I've been thinking about etching, or engraving, for detailing to my leatherworks. It does not seem that complicated :P Thanks for your tips! I am sure they will come in handy when I start learning this :)

[@johna.szczepanskiphd3007]

Where do you get a large etching plate, or did you make it (and how)?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I made it. Just a pc of flat steel I used 1/4 thick and welded a small pc of rectangular tube to it for the handle

[@mohamedhmaied6165]

Does it erode with time?

[@mohammadhunaiti8982]

Great ❤, could you please tell me what kind of laser cutting machine did you use for getting such logo !?

[@EvaderGuy]

Can I use an old electric iron as the plate?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Im not sure. I guess it would work as long as you can tap a hole to connect wire and wrap it with gauze

[@adrianfgaleano]

Thanks for the vinagre tip!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

No problem!!

[@christopherconkright1317]

Do you answer comments? Could I etch deep enough to make a touch mark at the end of a steel bar

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I do not think it would work. Touch marks are tapered in on an angle like a chisel

[@christopherconkright1317]

@@DIYeasycrafts My thought was to do taper it before I do the process. So I forged the taper in sanded the metal. the image came out good now i need to test it on some metal.

[@benrussellknives8828]

Looks amazing. Great info on etching. Thanks again.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeremydiener1559]

What is the machine? Voltage? Power supply? Is it a handmade etching iron? How did you build it and why?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Sorry for delay getting back to you. I use an automotive battery charger 12v 2 amps

[@DJJAW11]

... Hi,Are you inlaying some paint, or cermanic coating,into the etched pictures/logos ?. I guess this could also be applied to the likes of Exhaust silencers ?.

[@RuggedCrossKnives]

What equipment are you using to etch with?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

car battery charger 12v 2 amps

[@clintjohns1781]

Would love to see the electrode "sponge iron" that you used in this video. I usually submerge the entire metal object in a tub of electrolyte... Your setup looks a lot smarter!👍

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I just wrap gauze around my steel etching plate

[@silvergoldking]

Does he have a video on how to make the etching machine? I looked and don't see anything.

[@seankrake4776]

@@DIYeasycraftsdoes the etching plate corrode at all? I feel like a cheap solution would be a grout float because it has a flat steel plate, but if it does corrode it would be very thin

[@callyboygid]

Ridiculous, man.. So very skilful 👏

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Jasoncohenour]

Rad Technique !!! Love it

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you like it!

[@RunprodKnives-ve4hy]

great job, I also do metal engravings, in particular on knives. Are the drawings you use copyrighted ?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

It depends on which one you are talking about

[@vladimirdeming5519]

It is a wonderful illustration of how you do it. But very important information is missing: How many Volt and Amper used and reasonable time for etching. If you will add this information, then it will be really valuable for people.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You must have missed it. All the info is in narration. I etch 12v 2 amps Main deep etch about 2-3 minutes 20 sec at a time Letting the pc cool down at least every min

[@franotoole2702]

Some good tips dan! Going to be doing some of my own etching soon so ill definately give that gauze tip a try. Was even thinking it might work with ferric chloride aswell. Just let it rest on it for a bit.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

It actually might. Have never tried it

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

So sanding after the electro- etch won’t damage the etching?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I do a very deep etch. You can catch your finger on it. Sanding just cleans it up a bit makes the entire area have crisp lines

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

@@DIYeasycrafts The one I just did will catch your finger nail as well but I was afraid to sand it or use Flitz. Will the black/ dark area be removed if I do that?

[@oldfartsfarming]

I saw that you made little notches so that you could line up the vinyl with your knife. And I was wondering if you knew that you could take a piece of parchment paper or wax paper and kind of stick down your transfer pay burn one place but then keep the piece of wax paper on underneath it and the design won’t stick to it and that way you can move stuff around without losing your whole design. Hope it helps. By the way your names are beautiful and thank you for the time and effort that you’ve put into showing us how to do it

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Great idea. Will have to give it a try

[@GaetanBelisle]

Thanks for this great video. I'd like to see how you translate your image onto contact paper. Do you have a video on this topic? thanks again

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I use a silhouette cameo machine

[@TherealMandingo]

That's amazing great work

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@renral69]

Really cool process! I'm interested to see if anyone has yet to make lichtenberg fractal / electro chemical process combined in such a way as to make fractal patterns on metal. I'm sure with use of a variac and some adjustments to the process and device it would be possible. Id assume the flat surface of the metal would allow for some super crisp fractals too.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Not me that stuff scares me!!

[@seankrake4776]

I used a variac the only time I’ve etched. I didn’t try changing the settings on it at all because I was just doing simple runes and geometric lines. I’m planing on etching a space background on my next project, maybe I will try it there

[@bm5298]

how do you properly dispose of acid etch waste?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I electro etch so I do not use acid. I use either salt water of white wine vinegar and salt and electrolyte solution

[@wellnessworldshop]

What solution mix do you think is good for aluminum?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Unfortunately none

[@MrDoomcrust]

I find your videos very inspiring, would love to see you make a fancy custom slingshot/catapult.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Maybe one day!

[@richardbrandston9002]

What are you using for a power supply?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

12 volt automotive battery charger set at 2 amps

[@nwderby1]

Great stuff Thank You

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@w.crumbladesmith5020]

Great video. Def gave me ideas!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad I could help!

[@duraimurugan2998]

What paper you used for making the design sir ??

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I use self adhesive vinyl from Etchcraft

[@marshalltjones]

I want to do something similar to stainless dog tags. How do you darken the etch?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You can change from ac to dc. I have never done theat. For darker areas I etch for a longer time

[@j.chetwood9268]

Have you tried adding a dye to the electrolyte solution? I wonder if that would transfer at all?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I have not but do not think it would work

[@j.chetwood9268]

@@DIYeasycrafts probably right. Thanks for the response.

[@andrea25021974]

How do you achieve the black color of the etched area?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

For High carbon I etch prior to heat treating. Find that makes for a darker etch. On stainless it just the time and depth of the etch

[@trainwon5699]

Great thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are welcome

[@jimhawk3268]

Great video, can you etch resin buttons?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

No not with this method

[@jayf4210]

You could do resin buttons by doing all the prep as in this video up to finishing weeding the design out of the vinyl on the button and use a ‘sand blasting’ machine to create an etch that way.

[@baljazz]

Can you please list the tools and materials required. Thank you.

[@seankrake4776]

Awesome video, I appreciate the expertise. Have you ever made a starry or space background? I’m making a pair of fantasy scimitars that are sun and moon themed. I plan on doing a large fuller and etching it to look like stars and comets in space. Do you have any recommendations? I’ve only etched one knife before, and it was a pretty simple runic design.

[@barbballard3516]

What do you use to wrap your gauze around that gives you such a nice big surface area?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Its just a steel plate welded to a pc of square tube that I use as the handle

[@Lowbattery_fpv]

Awesome. Is this process the final step? I mean if the blade is just tempered with final bevel. Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

For stainless yes. For high carbon I like to etch prior to heat treating

[@Lowbattery_fpv]

@@DIYeasycrafts thanks. What if you etch stainless steel before tempering?

[@danhenri3310]

Great video, thanks! How did you make your etching plate? Or did you buy it?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I made it. Just a flat plate welded to a pc of tube for handle with a tapped hole for wire

[@robertbehimer108]

@@DIYeasycrafts The flat plate is made from what kind of material?

[@eugenejensen576]

That looks nice

[@dentonslovacek4932]

My wife a silversmith watch your video and is very interested in what she believes you call the "large etching plate"(iron looking with an electrode). She would like to know where to buy this or can you explain how to make one?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Made it from a pc of flat steel. Welded a small pc of square tube onto it as the handle and then drilled and taped a hole for the wire.

[@coulterjb22]

Very nice work! I just started looking into etching. I’d like to ask why you use this technique over toner transfer?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I go for a very deep etch that will last forever

[@coulterjb22]

@@DIYeasycrafts You use a vinyl mask instead of a laser printed sheet to transfer to image onto the knife. most do what you do but I was wondering why not use toner/laser prints instead? As the resist.

[@morrokbyo]

Can you do this to titanium?

[@shaneleizear8950]

The main problem I’m facing is where do you get the pre made vinyl stencils.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I cut them out with a craft viny cutting machine. You could hand cut simple designs

[@forestmorris2996]

Fantastic job! Beautiful workmanship! How do you go about making sure that the battery charger that you purchase will work for etching metal?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Not sure most of the new chargers have a short safety and will not work. Im going to try to find a 12 volt 2 amp power supply

[@forestmorris2996]

@@DIYeasycrafts Ok. Thanks!

[@forestmorris2996]

Tried my first two small etches with a 1.5 amp power supply. The etching depth came out great! But I was disappointed in the vinyl cutouts. I am no artist and the results of hand cutting the vinyl show! I am only trying to practice in order to etch an old axe I am restoring, and the etching on the axe will be pretty detailed. I have the image on paper, but I know I will not be able to cut it out properly. Unfortunately, I will not be doing it again, so I can't justify purchasing a vinyl cutting machine. :-(

[@Johnathan0055]

Love your videos!.. Electric etching is something I’ve always wanted to try!..my wife recently got a Cricut Maker..so I might have to try this! 👍 👊 🔪

[@DIYeasycrafts]

That is awesome!

[@MrBrettStar]

Does it matter what type of metal the etching plate is made out off?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Made mine from mild steel

[@bobkeller8383]

Awesome work. What are you using as your etch machine?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

12 volt car battery charger

[@حمزةالفاتح]

What is the value of the voltage that you work with?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

12 v 2 amps

[@حمزةالفاتح]

@@DIYeasycrafts شكرا جزيلا لك 👍👍👍💐

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Good tips

[@loiola712]

Such a good video and explanation!! In fact, I have 2 questions: which are de proportion used for the electrolyte in case of the high carbon steel? And can I use any metal for the etching plate? Thanks for your work

[@The-Bladeslinger]

I did enjoyed the video 👍

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Awesome thank you!

[@MortisheadUK]

Hi, this is great! how do you achieve the dark/black finish in your etches?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

For high carbon steel I etch before heat treating. For stainless the darkness is just a result of depth of the etch

[@gustavcarlsson6090]

You can use bluing liquid possibly

[@alibi6968]

youve just gained a subscriber

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Awesome thank you

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Do you think this will remain a viable method in this era of CNC machines?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Absolutely Most knife makers including myself do not have the resources to buy a cnc. This method is affordable and with practice can provide beautiful results.

[@LEO-xo9cz]

@@DIYeasycrafts I've done a bit of Etching/Marking on various things. I marked all of a mates tools recently. I'm seeing many people offering CNC marking.

[@PhoenixCreditSolutions]

What do you use for the 'iron-looking' device you've attached cotton?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Its just a pc of flat stock big enough to etch entire blade, that is welded to a pc of square tube. I drilled and tapped a hole in the tube where I connect to charger. I wrap with gauze wrap not cotton

[@kristycannon7923]

Will this work on zinc metal?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Not really sure

[@mohammadalhuniti6216]

Woooo that was very cool But I have one problem: Transfer film !!! What kind of machine that can make a transfer Film with high resolution such this !??? Haw did you make this “ transfer film “ , if You could tell me please 🙏🏽

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I use a silhouette cameo craft vinyl cutting machine

[@mohammadalhuniti6216]

@@DIYeasycrafts Thanks a lot Is there a specific model for tiny logos !!! What model did you use my friend !??

[@mohammadalhuniti6216]

@@DIYeasycrafts If there’s is one on KZbin you show it to me Please 🙏🏽 I’m looking for the tiny logos , like that you have Used in this video.. Thanks for being kind to me 👍🏽

[@DIYeasycrafts]

@@mohammadalhuniti6216 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Kvd5Rpn5tskNk

[@mohammadalhuniti6216]

@@DIYeasycrafts Thank you so much 👍🏽🌹👍🏽

[@froginhotwater4806]

Wow wonderful 👍🏻👍🏻

[@JoaquinDiaz-eo4no]

What about peel away spray paint?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Good idea. It might work. Have never tried it

[@JoaquinDiaz-eo4no]

@@DIYeasycrafts I'm SUBSCRIBED, awesome content! The peel away spray paint was a thought . But I believe finer details might be achieved. Seems plausible!! And the thickness might have a factor on the proper peeling. I wish I could physically build alot of things, but I mentally build everything all the time.

[@fisherman5572]

Очень красиво.

[@inking4517]

Hey man if I wonna etch out a BMx frame will it work and are there ways to make this process in a more convinte way without using those small tips

[@glasius22]

Maaan i love your vídeo, i honestly never considered that level of design on a blade, just a little logo and one word maybe... How do you print the design on that black plástic material again? Was it by hand or some kind of machine?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I use a cameo silhouette craft vinyl cutting machine

[@seancline8130]

no mention of the chlorine gas produced when using salt as your electrolyte. people should be made aware of the hazards and proper safety measures. how come nobody ever addresses this?

[@jayf4210]

Brilliant video sir! I’d love to see the etching plate in more detail. Is it something made or bought? Thanks!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I made it. Just a pc of square tube welded to a plate

[@rmandop2149]

@@DIYeasycrafts would an old metal iron work?

[@jamestompkins6183]

Can u show us the actual vinyl cutter? Is it laser cut? This is so inspiring.

[@ashleyrogers8915]

You can use a Cricut or Cameo machine. There are others but those are good to start with. Go with Cameo if you have a choice because their software is much better than Cricut. There are a ton of KZbin videos on how to design/cut :)

[@SarfaraazAlladin]

How did you build your etching plate? I have been thinking about making something similar but I don't know much about the electricity/ wire thicknesses aspects

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I have made them from angle iron. Most recent flat stock with a pc of steel tubing welded as handle. Then just drill and tap hole for wire connection. I just use wire from the automotive 12 volt charger

[@SarfaraazAlladin]

@@DIYeasycrafts brilliant. Thanks!

[@the.mr.beacher]

Is 3 or 4 tone possible? I'm interested in doing a portrait but struggle to make it look good with only 3 shades from 2 levels

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Yes just reduce the time for each shade. You can also change the texture. For example etch with gauze for on shade and then use paper towel between gauze and steel for the next. Etch will pu texture of the towel.

[@the.mr.beacher]

@@DIYeasycrafts thank you!

[@christopherconkright1317]

I’m looking at a 13.5 v 4 amp dc power supply would that work or should I get a 30v 5 amp machine?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I do all my etching at 12v 2 amps. Im not an electrician but would think the 13.5v 4 amps would be fine

[@scarto3887]

Serious cool my friend what Voltage do you use when etching,cheers from Melbourne Australia

[@blhornertube]

What kind of power source are you using

[@DIYeasycrafts]

car batter charger 12v 2 amps

[@serraphazel]

@@DIYeasycrafts What brand do you use (make and model)?

[@GHILLIESARCADEANDMORE]

Cool

[@matiasdicarlo2719]

Great video. What voltage and current do you use?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

12 V 2 amps

[@Sammy_Jar]

Never seen a rustier xacto in my life

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Just means it gets used a lot LOL. Actually the electrolyte solution is very corrosive.

[@virtusleather]

"gawze" 😂. solid vid tho bro

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you!!!

[@pedrosolis4835]

These all Damascus?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

No just electro etched stainless or high carbon

[@jimhawk3268]

How about making small stencils in Cameo 3, does any one know how to do this? I want to acid etch some 1" length x .5" height zippers with my brand logo.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Very doable but I would electro etch them.

[@jimhawk3268]

@@DIYeasycrafts Thank you so much for all your help, I enjoy your channel and will keep watching and learning!

[@michaelmattson2286]

thanks for the video im lucky my mommas got a cricut

[@DIYeasycrafts]

That will work!!

[@DJJAW11]

Brill 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@societalpreferences9182]

Gwaz