How to Build an Electro Chemical Etching Machine - Full Guide

[@RedBeardOps]

⭐ Etching Machine Amazon Store Parts List - www.amazon.com/shop/redbeardops?listId=1FCBJEHVVYRD1&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_redbeardops_dp_dT3aHmVnx64SB

[@mikegracia1475]

list seems broken? Is there a new list?

[@bm5298]

what bugs me about the diagram is it doesnt distinguish between the 18 and 22 ga

[@RedBeardOps]

@@bm5298 sorry about that sir. I wasn't as through back in the day.

[@markalbrechtsen]

@@bm5298 do research as to which gauge is best for the voltage, albeit the Amazon link to wires is for 18 ga.

[@frankrayiii738]

I just completed the diy etching machine and it worked perfectly. Used your list on Amazon and the items were slightly different than the video but it didn’t smoke when I turned it on 🎉

[@Cole-Baker]

I built this whole machine in judt a couple hours. It worked right away and still does. I highly recommend it

[@CullenGrissom]

This is one of the better DIY videos I've used. The wiring diagram was a most helpful addition. I built one of these based on your video and parts list. I have had great success using it to make caliber markings on custom guns. Thanks for your effort on this. Well done!

[@RedBeardOps]

Cullen Grissom thank you very much for your comment sir! I’m really glad it helped you out!cheers 👍

[@CullenGrissom]

@@RedBeardOps I will also second using T.U.S. Technologies for the stencils. I tired several different ways to make them but the ones I got from them are the most rugged and precise. Good call

[@RedBeardOps]

@@CullenGrissom Heck yeah, you can get a lot of uses out of one of these!

[@andymeresse6930]

Will it get the requisite minimum .003" in depth for FFL sales?

[@rroberts8501]

Update.... I got the final part for my DIY etcher today. Let me say that if anyone is on the fence on this, just do it. James explains it well enough that even I could do it. Got power and started to try an etch. I used some etching solution that came with my old Etch O Matic. Got everything connected up for the first test and.... Imagine my surprise and horror when it didnt etch hardly at all... So I then tried just regular salt water. Bingo. Etched like a champ! Thanks again for the easy to follow vid. Anyone debating this just do it. The links he put up will take you to all the items you need and it's a tedious, but easy project!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, thanks for your comment. I've always just used salt water. This is good information to know for others who run into issues. Cheers sir!

[@RedBeardOps]

I know this one is tedious! Here are the time stamps: 0:20 - Intro / Motivation / Links / Wiring Diagram 1:11 - Major Components 3:45 - Drilling 4:42 - Front Panel Install 7:20 - Power Cable Options 7:50 - Transformer Install 9:00 - Bridge Rectifier Install 9:57 - Power Cable Install 10:17 - Wiring it all UP! 16:52 - WIRING OVERVIEW FINISHED 19:44 - Closing up the box 20:25 - Making the Etching Tool / Electrode 22:13 - How to Use the Etcher 23:20 - AC vs DC etching 24:00 - AC vs DC after sanding (Deep vs Dark)

[@robertkeith7484]

i would just like to say you rock, i have used so many of your diy and grinding videos. i just built the etcher . thank you so much for your chanel

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome, thank you! Glad to help, Robert.

[@betog2025]

I just want to thank you for such a detailed video more a totorial it was a great help to make one, I got all my parts from your links and i asamble it this weekend and put to a tests with such a great results, Thank you again for shearing your knolage

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah Beto! Thank you for sharing!

[@aaronhope8366]

Thanks for the lesson! I didn't know you could etch with AC without digging out the steel. Thank you much.

[@rlm98253]

Awsome how-to-build-it video. It would be less confusing for some if you adhered a standard wiring color scheme. In North America, green or green with yellow stripe is usually reserved for ground. For DC, the black wire is the negative wire, while the red one is positive. For AC, white is neutral, black is positive. Being consistent in the use of correct colors for each wire will make final assembly much easier. No criticism intended, just trying to be helpful.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, 100% agree... I was using wire that I had in the shop. You're 100% right though. I made it way more confusing with all the random colors. I hope the attached wiring diagram is enough to help people do it themselves. I'm a just a cheap ass sometimes.

[@internettrihard2955]

No Black is negative white is neutral

[@davebuckeye2dabone481]

You hit the nail on the head, hard to follow with all the ground wires. He literally should be using any color but green. But color coding would help follow what he's doing.

[@brianmarshall7214]

Yes Rim, I agree with you completely. Not using the correct wiring colours is very, very dangerous, especially where AC is involved. I only use the 'normal' convention: green/yellow earth, red or brown, (Europe), positive or load and black or blue,(Europe), negative. Even your convention of black negative DC and positive AC, is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@engelbertodelapena9526]

how to make the stencil thanks

[@DitchDocc]

$110.70 as of 03.30.2020 on amazon. The commercial ones are $265 and up. Good way to go with a good video. Thanks Red.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed this one. I like saving money.

[@rroberts8501]

OK... so I did it. I watched this vid some time back and decided to try an Etch o Matic. It works, but doesnt etch very deeply. So I re-watched this vid again and again and just ordered all the items I need to build this one. I should have done that from the start and saved buying the Etch o Matic. Live and learn! ...next I'll be looking at is the PID for the toaster oven...haha. Thanks for the vids... you're great at explaining and inspire confidence in people like me to try different things. My next knife project will include bolsters so will see how that turns out!

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah sir! Glad the videos are helping out! Good luck with your build(s). Have a great week!

[@astormofwrenches5555]

Yeah thats it right there. Definately inspires confidence. I've been watching shows and videos for a couple years, they are more aspirational then educational. It was watching you break it all down so well that made me think I could actually do it myself.

[@howardanderson144]

where did you find the parts list?

[@rroberts8501]

@@howardanderson144 Full parts list is in the description of the video.

[@mathesburke3796]

Thank you for the detailed video and the wiring diagram. I used your Amazon link to order the parts & built my own. I’ve had great results using it. Many thanks.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah! Thanks man; glad you liked it.

[@markalbrechtsen]

Phenomenal video. If I could give you more than one thumb for how much this has helped me out, I would.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Mark! Glad you liked it

[@mrenkil]

I followed your tutorial and it works like a charm. Thanks to you and Chris.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah! Thanks Mike. Glad to hear it.

[@daviddelp7250]

Awesome DIY video. Yeah, all the green wires were a little hard to follow, but this is an excellent example of how a DIY video should be along with the amazon parts list and schematic. So very helpful. I will be building one and using the affiliate links.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TriciaCory]

I made this last week, it is works great, thanks for the awesome videos

[@RedBeardOps]

Great to hear!

[@ScrapMetalTherapy]

Wow mate! Definitely in favourites, because one day I'll use this guide to make me own etcher! Thanks for this video!

[@RedBeardOps]

Good deal man! It's a long one... but I figured I needed to show the whole thing. It's a complicated build for sure if you've never done anything like it.

[@OutOfHisElement]

Just built this and it’s awesome! Thanks form the UK 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you like it! Cheers!

[@mattstratemann7430]

Awesome build! I’m definitely making one of these. Thanks for the step by step walk through.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir! Good luck with you build! Thanks for your comment.

[@nathangrover9088]

Thanks for the video. Love your content! It’s really helped me get into the hobby!

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad it helped

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I don’t know why I was intimidated by this project. Looks simple tonight. I could have saved 150 bucks !!! Great video James

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! This one took some patience on my part. Wiring is not my strength.

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

Just wanted to say I love the channel, especially the how to segments like this one. Just got all the parts and I plan on putting it together while I’m in quarantine for an upcoming medical procedure. Not sure if you’re open to content suggestions, but I’d really like to see your take on a heat treat oven build. There’s several videos out there, but nobody goes into quite the detail that you do with specifics, wiring diagrams, material links, etc. I’m quite sure most of your subscribers would love it. Again, great content. Keep up the good work .

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Jason, thanks man. I am for sure considering doing a HT oven build! Cheers

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

@@RedBeardOps Great! Can't wait to see it. And if you're taking requests, I'd like to get some detail on your PID programming when you do it (material specific). Nobody else covers that. Thanks again!

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

Also, Jameco has an equivalent transformer listed on their website (P-8662-R )...I'll let you know how it works out on the etching machine.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks Awesome! Please let me know if it works out for you

[@Anderson-HandForged]

im in the process of building mine thanks for all the links to materials appreciate it also subbed and liked

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome, thank you!

[@browndog171063]

Thankyou for the effort you put into this video sir! Though it was only thanks to the wiring diagram that I managed to wire it all up.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Awesome! Thank you Red Beard Ops!

[@RedBeardOps]

Any time!

[@bctruck]

Great tutorial!! I shared! This will get lots of views over time.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! I know it's a long build, but I wanted to show the whole process. Cheers.

[@CrooksThaGrunt]

Fantastic video sir. I will preface this by saying that I am not a professional electrical engineer, however I do believe your + and - on your rectifier are your DC voltage side, and your ~ is your AC. Not that it matters, after all the only difference would be the labeling.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir! Thanks!

[@01Tubee]

Thank you for a great tutorial! I just finished the build and did a test. It worked great! Next... the surface grinder! Wish me luck.

[@RedBeardOps]

Wow good luck Earl! I hope that project goes well for you! I love mine. Cheers sir! Have a great weekend

[@The08roadking]

Thanks for the video and knowledge.. That was a really nice looking etch. Looked clean crisp and deep!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Toby! Appreciate the comment!

[@davidgallops7923]

Just finished building one of these works great thanks for the video made assembly a lot easier.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah! Glad it worked out for your David!

[@ThatPNWGuy2024]

Nice build!! I got lazy and used a 12v dc power supply for the penetration and then hit it with a ac fan controller turned almost all the way down to get the darkening. Electrical taped them together like a savage too.

[@RedBeardOps]

THanks! If it works it works!

[@dougwaterfield4951]

Thanks for this, finished my build yesterday and while I did a few things differently it's working great.

[@dougwaterfield4951]

By the way, I tried to post a list of what was different but my comment kept getting deleted. Not sure what I was doing to set off the bots! Main thing was using heat wrap instead of twistons, really helped with keeping things less cluttered. Also used a computer cord and receptacle for power.

[@RedBeardOps]

Great to hear!

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

Rewatching this all the way through. After following your heat treat oven video. You definitely made the right choice on the oven getting the terminal blocks. When you finally went to wire it all up, saw the big rats nest of wires staring at you, and you said we're going to take the green wire and connect it I loled.

[@RedBeardOps]

lol, yeah. It's the only color I had on hand. If I had to do it again, I'd use other colors to make the video easier to follow. This etcher has been doing great thou! I still use it on every knife

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

@@RedBeardOps I could still tell what was going on. I just thought it was a funny moment. Yeah, it seems like a solid little device. Only a few parts, not a lot that can go wrong, and it definitely looks like it gets the job done.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Great video, thanks for the probe idea. I don't need to AC etch & I have a Radio Shack 12V regulated power supply, so I will use that.

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome Thomas, glad you got something out of it!

[@solarstorm50]

Great video. Just finished mine. Was easy to follow and creates a good looking product.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank You! You made my build easy!

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, glad it worked out William!

[@Watchfuliz]

Also a cheap plastic ammo can works great for this and if you add top over the electronics gives you a storage place for your leads, etcher, and pads.

[@RedBeardOps]

Sounds like a good solution!

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Thank you! That was an outstanding video! I wish that other people on you tube presenting how to videos would be as patient and as thorough as you are. I can wire a house easily enough but when it comes to electronics I am lost. You did a great job. Congratulations. Can you do a video on building an induction heating coil? The ones on You Tube seem to be done in such a way that you need a degree in electrical engineering to understand them. Have fun, be safe.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you greatly sir! Man, that's not something I'm versed on. There may be a heat treat oven in the future though.

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

@@RedBeardOps l. Looking forward to that. Have a great day.

[@TheGuncage]

thank you very much for the speedy response for the wiring pdf

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers!

[@ImCash-bq6ot]

Works great, thanks for the great video

[@RedBeardOps]

Great to hear!

[@dalewright7908]

Had most of the parts on hand and just built one of these. Thanks for the detailed how-to my friend!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad I could help! Good luck Dale!

[@mdedgeworks4805]

Don’t know if it’s added, but step bits are great for drilling these holes. Don’t grab like regular drill bits do. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@RedBeardOps]

Great tip!

[@williamemerson1799]

Excellent tutorial!👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@K3Flyguy]

Green wire!!!!! Lololol laughed my butt off! Great video! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, thanks man! I should of switched it up with my colors there.... Glad you liked it!

[@johnnorton7861]

Cool tutorial. I plan on making one this weekend

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah! Good luck John

[@shauntheknifeguy]

Thanks dude, this was awesome

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it!

[@Antlersandarrows]

Finally building this. Had to use a transformer w out center post. I'm guessing just ground it to bottom? Or do you even need a ground w plastic box?

[@RedBeardOps]

Gosh it was so long ago... I don't remember the reasons behind some of this. Sorry sir! Be carful with that electricity!

[@kyleconnole6044]

I just got all my stuff to do this. The transformer I got off his list also doesn’t have the center post. Did you get it figured out? If so, what was the answer?

[@Antlersandarrows]

@kyleconnole6044 I honestly can't remember what I done. I think I just grounded it to the base of the transformer

[@zlatko8288]

Thanks for the help with diagram! I have one problem tough, it seems i am getting only AC on my leads, doesn't matter on what position is the switch

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry to hear that, I'd go over your wiring one last time. Also maybe check the hardware you bought. I say this since I know hundreds of people have now built this etcher with success. Cheers

[@zlatko8288]

@@RedBeardOps Oh sorry, I didn't mean it could be a problem on your end, I know I messed something up! Thanks!

[@TobiasEngelssmurf]

Grate Video Build it for my own. THANK YOU

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad it was helpful. Cheers, have a great weekend!

[@NinjaMidget1969]

Thanks for the awesome video! I just got mine put together :)

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah man! Really happy it worked out for you. Thanks for commenting and letting me know.

[@Aija1990]

Hey! Thanks for this video. What material is used for tencil?

[@RedBeardOps]

Not sure i buy mine from TUS industries

[@markkerr874]

Just found this. NICE!! My materials just came in, getting ready to build. Thank you so much for posting. I will be able to put my car charger away and now have A/C as well. Comment: the DC & AC look to be labeled incorrectly on your DPDT switch in the diagram, Although no difference in performance. I'm adding LED's to indicate when in AC or DC mode.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Mark! Good luck with your build!

[@JohannSwart_JWS]

I find step drills work great for thin panels, metal and plastic. Nice round holes, no grabbing or jigging around.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip!

[@briman1234ify]

Thx for the awesome video! I know wire colors aren't an important part of the video, but on the wiring diagram and as built here, the positive (red) and negative (black) banana plugs are wired opposite. So, your applicator is wired up on the negative (even though colored red), which would make it consistent with other etchers (like the personalizer plus).

[@RedBeardOps]

10-4, thanks for pointing that out. Glad you liked this one!

[@chood73]

James, I love your videos and had a quick recommendation for this build or others. If you have to run a power cable through the back like that. A good way to cheat is throw a zip tie on it. The tape gets gooey when it gets hot sometimes. Also, when you mount stuff to the box, I keep a bunch of 6-32’s and nuts handy. They are great to mount stuff down in the box without buying computer standoffs. Again, I love your videos!

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, thanks for the tips Chris!

[@Slide4949]

I noticed you had your stencils soaking in water, I guess it was water, is there a reason for that? Just finished my build went great works great. Thanks for the video

[@RedBeardOps]

I've always kept them in a water/windex or soapy solution... which I think keeps them cleaner long term, but not 100% sure

[@tonyb83]

Ref the 3 wires comming out of the transformer. Presumably two wires are the + and - for the 12volt dc output. What is the thirde wire? Thanks.

[@RedBeardOps]

Did this project years ago, don't remember the details. Check description

[@jasonmpd2946]

Somewhere an Underwriters Laboratory employee is stroking out. Haha. Good tutorial!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it Jason, be safe!

[@geraldszaal7791]

Man your quick I asked you about this last week and bam you got her done. Only one problem, all those wires reminded me of spaghetti and now I have to go make some. LOL Thanks for the video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Yeah... I cut them a little too long! Should of been more color coordinated too, but hey. It works. Hope you get something out of it and hope you enjoy your spaghetti!

[@Ianvs_Maximvs]

Could aluminum be used instead of brass for the etching tool?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm actually not 100% sure... never tried it... but I bet it would work.

[@cfcrawfordyout]

Hey man, Great Job! I'm gonna update my tutorial with your parts list and link back to this video, if that's OK with you.

[@RedBeardOps]

They Chris! Thanks for commenting! No way I could of put this video together without your tutorial! I've been using this design for over a year flawlessly. Thanks again sir! 🙌

[@davidhumbrecht5079]

Just curious but doesn't the wiring diagram have AC and DC reversed at the DTDP switch? Won't matter as I'll check outputs before labelling but want to know for understanding

[@RedBeardOps]

Well I've seen some comments report this; it was so long ago that I can't remember what was the "right" way. I haven't had issues with my system.

[@davidhumbrecht5079]

​@@RedBeardOps Right on. Thanks for the video... it's paved the way for me to get etching for about $500 less than I was going to spend. I'm seriously excited. Bought the parts and waiting for them to arrive.

[@Slide4949]

does it matter which lead you connect to blade? in video you have the neg.(black) on blade pos.(Red) on dapper

[@RedBeardOps]

I think this can affect the outcome

[@albertoestrella5098]

Hello I have a question for you I build mines whit the same instructions to the video but the red light does not go on can you please tell me what did I do wrong it looks just like your and where can I buy a piece of the brass like the one you build and what size of brass do I need to build the handles please i would like to send you a picture of the project

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I'd advise checking your wiring again. Not sure what's going on from your comment, but I know this wiring works. Any online metals supplier can get you a piece of brass. I used 1'' wide by 1/2'' thick.

[@MrAssis9]

Hello Red Beard, thank you for more one wonderful vídeo. The wiring diagram is shown on the switch AC for the bridge and DC for the transformer. I think it's the opposite, am I right?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I'm not sure, but I know this orientation has worked for me (with that diagram exactly)

[@Doug77h]

This is correct. On the schematic the AC and DC labels are flipped.

[@calebkeel6119]

I built one identical to this a few years ago it works perfectly! No need to spend all the money on a personalizer plus

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Caleb!

[@scottdavidson716]

Wonderful build. I built this one about 5 years ago. It worked great for several years. It seems to have worked better for the first few years. Now it works but does not etch deep. I wonder if the transformer has gone out. Or if I could replace it with a bigger transformer. Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Scott! Man, I'm happy Chris put out these plans!

[@brighttendaimuvirimi1905]

Great tutorial, I just etched my sub on your channel

[@anthonystrunk5360]

Another awesome video! Thanks !

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you Anthony!

[@johnwilliams242]

That is an awesome video..... so for about a $100 bucks you can make a kick ass electro-etcher..... time to get after it

[@RedBeardOps]

Yep, love mine. Still going strong over here. Just take your time with the wiring and you'll be golden. Make sure to have the box closed before plugging it in... for safety. Takes me about 12 passes (1sec each) to get a nice deep etch.

[@jamesadams8572]

Awesome thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

No problem!

[@seanwilken6979]

What about the heat produced by the transformed. Will it not melt the wires close to it. I am sooooooo confused after this.

[@RedBeardOps]

Nope, this etcher has been going strong since I made this video. Build at your own risk. Cheers

[@nathangrover9088]

Thank you so much for the video and the information you put out for the knife making community! You make it easy for folks to get into this hobby! Does the contact plate need to be brass, or can I use some other scrap steel laying around? Not sure where to get a piece of brass like that

[@RedBeardOps]

Man, I’m not 100% sure, but I bet steel or stainless would work. You can get brass from just about any knife supply shop or Amazon

[@PewPew4QQpuffs]

Hey Brutha, the ac/dc switch in your list is momentary push. Not sure if you meant for that to be there. You would have to hold the switch in what ever direction you wanted in order for that switch to work. Freakin love your channel!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, thanks for letting me know. I didn't notice that! Thanks for point it out! Sorry for the inconvenience if you ordered it.

[@blackfox3082]

Cant thank you enough! This was a lot of fun to build (even though I was afraid of burning the house down)! Is there any problem with over heating?

[@RedBeardOps]

Nice! Glad it was helpful! I have not had any overheating issues to date with this machine

[@Slide4949]

are you using the brown version or the see-through gold version stencil from TUS

[@RedBeardOps]

I think it's the brown version; not sure

[@auto5man]

great video...thanks for the time and effort involved. Quick question...are the stencils through and through cut outs on the brown paper? Sounds like a silly question, but looking at the stencil papers you are soaking in the bowl (and also when applied to the knife), it looks like a solid sheet of paper. Probably an optical illusion b/c the logo is so small.

[@RedBeardOps]

I gest my stencils from TUS industries. I store them in soapy water to help make them last longer

[@tonyb83]

Any chance of providing a circuit diagramme with simple lables, please?

[@RedBeardOps]

the one in the description is it

[@hwyman02]

The ac side of mine has quit working. I will be taking it apart this weekend to see if I can figure out what the issue is

[@RedBeardOps]

Ouch, sorry to hear that! Good luck with the tear down.

[@dudleymoe1]

What material could i use to make my own stencils?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm not 100% sure. I've never done it. I get mine from TUS

[@joshuahill9071]

It may be in the comments but which pieces use the 18G wire and which ones use the 22G? I get the transformer is 18G and it looks like the light is 22G. Not sure about the rest

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Joshua, it was so long ago that I built this that I forgot. I would air on the side of thicker wire.

[@Lowbattery_fpv]

You're the best.

[@RedBeardOps]

Wow, thanks!

[@mrki4937]

As far as I know, the gas causing the bubbles is O2, H2, Cl and HCl which is explosive when exposed to UV light. Do you know if there will be created enough gas to be dangerous following your setup?

[@RedBeardOps]

Make this kind of stuff at your own risk, but I don't think gases are given off while etching. Could be wrong.

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

Do you think 1/4 inch thick brass flatstock will be good enough for the contact on the electrode. Or do you think I should get something thicker?

[@RedBeardOps]

I think that woudl work just fine

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

@@RedBeardOps thanks!

[@sonnymilby4991]

I hope you or someone can offer some advice. Built this and I can't seem to get it to etch the steel. All it will do is blacken the steel. Any thoughts on why?

[@RedBeardOps]

Sounds like you're etching in AC and not DC power. Not exactly sure what you exact issue is, but I'd go over the wiring one more time.

[@Watchfuliz]

In the schematic on the dpdt switch, isn't it reversed..AC at the bottom and dc at the top?

[@RedBeardOps]

I honestly don't recall

[@ericu9397]

Are the stencils cut through? Or let the current through somehow? So confused about the stencils.

[@RedBeardOps]

I get mine from TUS industries. Not 100% cut though.

[@ericu9397]

@RedBeardOps yeah I saw that in the video. I have a brothers stencil maker with the thermal stencil paper. Was wondering if it's the same. Appreciate your response. Great video.

[@Monsterman32]

Does it matter if the steel is hardened or not when you use it?

[@RedBeardOps]

I've only ever etched hardened steel, but I don't think it matters

[@Monsterman32]

@@RedBeardOps thank you. I'm buying the suff today. It looks a lot more reliable than cold stamping soft steel.

[@stevenlittle2896]

Do you have a wiring diagram , i cant open the Dropbox one and I cant see the one in the video

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Steven, I just checked the drop box link. It's working for me. Here is the link here - www.dropbox.com/s/s5h90beb5uen9oq/ElectroChemicalEtchingMachine.jpg?dl=0

[@stevenlittle2896]

@@RedBeardOps I got mine built Saturday , works great ...Thanks for the help

[@tonyvolbeda952]

nice job. some small advise for future electrical fabrication.. 120volt and above; green color denotes ground and should only be used as such, don't see were metal box is grounded. white should stay on neutral or common side of the 120 volt side and all other colors (except green) used for the "live" side. would also use more colors to denote different parts of the circuitry

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tips!

[@HighDesertForgeIronworks]

@RedBeardOps I want to make one too, but if I have questions how might I contact you? I know you put this video up 4 years ago but I’m hoping that you still get these notices on it. Such as: Is it possible to use a power transformer from a laptop computer power supply? I have one that has an output of about 2.75A at 19 VRectified DC; could that work? I guess I’m trying to take the Easy Road and find something that puts out the required voltages. I do have a suggestion on this tho: after it is all up n runnin’ and before you close it up, tape a wire diagram to the lid; that way when you ever may need to repair it you don’t have to tear your shop apart, or your hair out, trying to remember how you wired it. Jus' a Thought

[@RedBeardOps]

Good suggestion. I honestly don't remember the details of this build and don't know if what your asking will or won't work.

[@osirisbladeworks6219]

I know with the commercial etcher u can change the voltage or amps or something like that... is there any disadvantage to not having that?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm sure there is! This etcher has worked great for me though... haven't had any issues with it.

[@osirisbladeworks6219]

@@RedBeardOps yeah I've done a ton more research since that comment and it doesnt sound worth the extra money for the feature.... thanks for the write up, I'll be making it soon

[@SpiralOut09]

Hey, I just wanted to chime in because I had some difficulty hunting down a transformer that would work with this project. I ended up ordering a center-tapped transformer from Jameco (Part no. 221-373). Hopefully this will help someone! Thanks so much for the tutorial. The machine works perfectly. I also designed a 3d printed case with heat-set inserts as well as a printed handle to use in place of the wooden block. I can upload to Thingiverse if anyone is interested.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, thanks man!

[@mattcarpenter8880]

Did you ever upload it to Thingiverse?

[@hannesnortje2573]

thanks for the video, got you on homemade tools, will definitely build me one.

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome! Glad to hear it. Thanks man

[@triggerguard1]

After using this setup for a while, would there be a need for a variable voltage regulator dial in the system? Just curious if adding that in would allow you to realize some more control over the etch on different materials.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I'm sure it would give you more control. I've been extremely happy with this units performance though. No issues here.

[@williamcunha9136]

Hello, awesome built and thank you for taking the time the make the video. The transformer is no longer available on Amazon and all I can fine is the 3 amp ones. What do you think?

[@RedBeardOps]

Damn, that's unfortunate! Took me a while to find that one. I'm not a pro in this realm, but I think it could worth a shot. May just end up burning though stencils faster?

[@ianmcallister8509]

Hi nice vid. I want to try to build this however I am in Australia with 240v. Do you have any suggestions for a Centre Tapped Transformer that would be suitable for 240v? Tks

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey ian, I don't. Sorry about that. The guys on bladeforums.com may be able to help you out in the "shop talk" section.

[@terrylanig5948]

I got it built but now I have a question. I know your not an electrician but when I have it in DC it’s around 24v and when I switch it to AC it’s also around 24v. Can you tell me if your also says this by testing it with a volt meter?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Terry, I have no idea. Is it working in it's intended purpose?

[@terrylanig5948]

@@RedBeardOps it probably will I was just wondering if the AC was 120v or was it supposed to be lower. FYI I really respect a KZbin that actually communicates with there followers. A lot won’t reply.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@terrylanig5948 All gravy Terry, I didn't measure anything, but the one I built is still trucking. Cheers

[@chrisharrison4424]

Great Video, thank you! Any other suitable metal besides brass for the etcher? The little town I live is lacking in certain commodities it seems.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Chris, I haven't tried anything else... but I bet copper or stainless would work.

[@chrisharrison4424]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks for the quick reply. The transformer you listed wasn't available but I believe the one I purchased will work, though it's DC only. Wiring will be a little different but not much. I did think of another question. What were you stencils soaking in? I've seen various solutions for different metal types. I'm currently working mostly with 1095. I'm very new to knife making, just finishing up my third one. Struggling with grinding the bevel. I'm using a jig and a 4" X 36" belt sander. When I pull from the left side, I believe I'm bumping a protrusion and that is creating a hump, if you will, in the grind line. Trying to determine exactly what I'm hitting but it creates a lot of work to correct. Maybe I can remove some material from the jig once I find it. I thought it was just me at first but after 3 knives I'm pretty sure I'm hitting something and that bounces me a bit. Live and learn. I'll figure it out as I'd hate to have to move to another machine after only 3 knives.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@chrisharrison4424 I just have them in some water with soap. I feel like this keeps them cleaner over time. I'd advise working with 1084 over 1095 for home heat treating.

[@chrisharrison4424]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks, I'll give 1084 a try. I'm not real happy with the edge retention on the first couple of knives and maybe going to 1084 will help.

[@lannabulls]

First of thanks so much for your excellent work, easy to understand instructions, etc. One simple question: looking at your circuit schematic, about the bridge rectifier, from the positive and negative pole You get ac current, from the other 2 poles dc. It should not be the opposit, usually from a bridge rectifier positive and negative pole you get dc, from the other 2 ac, could you please explain? Thanks so much, really mean it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Luca, I don't know enough to answer your question. Sorry about that.

[@lannabulls]

Thanks so much! Just to make things easier, from your connection schematic you are getting an output dc-ac of 24 volt, "a little less to be precise", therefore you are etching and marking at 24 volt. For the dc side I suggest to wire a capacitor between the bridge rectifier and the DPDT switch, like that you are going to smooth the dc side resulting in faster and smooth etching. Thanks again for your excellent work, really mean it!