How To Etch in Steel With Stuff You Already Have Electro Etch

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

We etch quite a bit of stuff, like label plates for switches, my son's logo on various things, and marking Dillon reloading tool heads with the caliber. I found this video to find out where the positive lead goes. We use a 0-30V 10A variable power supply to power the etching.

[@crandalllogan584]

If available, it is also good practice to go over the vinyl stencil with a heat gun after you remove the clear transfer tape- especially if the surface is curved. It softens the vinyl making it easier to form to the surface, helps remove bubbles, and strengthens the adhesion to keep a sharp image.

[@Yoshikaable]

Fantastic advice!! Thank you

[@guskoerner75]

I haven't finished the video yet, but if you need a small quantity of vinyl sticker for a template cut out, buy a cheap bumper sticker. It works great.

[@m.a.h.lifecrafting5960]

My wife just got a circut! This is perfect timing. I'll add this to my list of projects inspired by James. Keep up the great content!

[@justplanebob105]

Ooooo. Science-y stuff. My wife is a crafter with a Cricut. They also make an etching cream that will etch on glass using the same stencil method. This is cool and I'll have to try it. 😁

[@DrKahnihoochima]

I personally use an old DC power brick instead of a battery. I think that the voltage is even lower (~1.5-3v) because it takes a while. And I have cut my own stencils from black electrical tape.

[@2000sborton]

Amazing. I am quite surprised at how simple and cheap this is. At 72, surprises don't happen to me that much anymore. Thank you. Also of note, etching is an old school printing practice. So you can etch, say your business card, into a steel or copper plate and then use that to print your own hand etched custom business cards.

[@randyb168]

I love your video, the way you presented is great! Now i need to get my wife the stencil cutter she has wanted😂

[@julieslocum4196]

Worth EVERY penny!! Love love mind!

[@ezeedoesit]

I remember Chris Fix did this to tools. He etched sizes on sockets and put his logo on wrenches. He used a car battery charger, decals, and I think he used vinegar instead of salt water. Turned out really good. He laid down the decals, covered them in nail polish, and picked out the decals.

[@omicrondec]

Chris used vinegar, salt, and water. 👍🏼

[@carlericvonkleistiii2188]

Thrift stores have all kinds of chargers for phones and other devices. They only cost a couple of dollars, and you can easily add alligator clips for leads. If you use DC current, it works well. If you can get a charger that outputs low voltage AC current, it will also work, but it sort of birns the metal where it is being etched, leaving behind a black surface where the metal is etched away. It actually looks nice, and it is permanant.

[@davidquirk8097]

I had to mark individual serial numbers onto the inside face of a large number of piston rings and had to find a way of marking them in a way that would not change them but that would survive 500 hours in an engine. I did a lot of research and found a process called Bordeaux Etch that is almost the same as what you've done here but with the difference that it use Copper Sulphate solution, rather than salt, and a flat Copper electrode. The resulting etch is dark and, as you said, can be deep if you have time and or higher current. I use a 12 Volt bench supply as my power source and shellac knotting solution for the etch mask. My partner, she of the neat handwriting, use a needle to scratch the numbers through the shellac. Things to watch: if the power is too high or you spend too long in one spot enough heat builds up to soften the shellac and give a less than clean edged etch. Keep cleaning (by dabbing with an absorbent cloth) the gunk that forms as you etch. It gets in the way of the etching process and is effectively 'spent' so adds nothing to the process. Using Copper Sulphate and a Copper electrode lead to a little Copper plating in the etch on some of the trial pieces I was playing with. I believe, if you can obtain it, that a Potassium Permanganate solution gives a really black etch on steel.

[@MWDFrancis]

I like your style, friend. Thanks for keeping things simple, real, and thrifty.

[@craigsawyer6453]

My catalytic converter has been waiting for this video.

[@pietercronje6938]

This CAT was stolen from ***** if presented for purchase I presume?

[@EliasArcher]

Another way to do deep etching is with ferric chloride. Same general process, but without using electricity. Instead, you pool the chemical on top of your pattern and wait. Edit: James does mention acid etching. But still, if someone wants to try, ferric chloride is sold as an etchant. It can etch steel, brass, nickel and copper. But please be careful, it is highly acidic.

[@davidquirk8097]

Ferric Chloride is nasty stuff to use, not so much because of the acidity just the potential for mess. I've use it in the past to etch circuit boards and the mess, even when being careful is hard to avoid. (These days I just design the PCB and fire it out to one of the many PCB houses who, for very little money, etch, mill and drill the boards in a few days)

[@julieslocum4196]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. We want to engrave a handful of medals for our sports banquet. So happy to watch a video that isn't trying to sell me something!

[@bellaluna423]

Wow, what a great thrifty tutorial. Another thing to check out for the stencil if you are attempting finer detail then the vinyl can achieve is called Press and Peel Blue transfer film, used in the creation of copper circuit boards. it's an inkjet printed, iron on stencil that can handle very fine details. Just something else to check out! Thank you

[@maililistaalterego]

Wow! What timing. Just yesterday I was thinking how would I etch a sawplate as I've got a few of those cheap S&J saws waiting to be retoothed and tuned up. This is much easier than what I had in mind! Looking forward to the next episode of Steel by Wright.

[@ping170]

Interesting technique 👍 Alternatively, you can get a 9v battery connector by ripping off the top of a used 9v battery 😋

[@blacknorce]

I love that I keep finding new videos that you have made. I always wanted to etch a plane or saws. Keep up the great work

[@tonybrock5288]

To blacken your etching, keep the stencil on, wash the salt off and dab on some ferric chloride (also used for etching printed circuit boards). It leaves a great black finish in the etched bits. Be careful to not spill it on other parts of the metal.

[@creepyloner1979]

instead of using q-tips, pull apart an old felt-tip marker and use a small screw to attach the lead to the back of the felt tip. if it's a big enough marker you can even stick an 18650 li-ion battery in it and connect the other lead to the back end of the marker rather than using an external battery.

[@Henrik.Yngvesson]

You can do fine line and small text stencils for electro etching. I think they take a fabric and cover it with a sealing photoresist paint and then expose it with UV and a print and then wash it off. Then you have a stencil you can lay over and do a quick etch with a sponge.

[@yvonnedare6124]

This was AWESOME. Thank you so so much for this! I want to etch a design on my throwing axe head, but don't have tools to do so. This was absolutely perfect!

[@MadMFox]

"Snide remark" Thanx for the recognition. ;) Great how-to.

[@MexicanKneecap]

straight up explains what's needed to etch and how. criminal this only has 120k vies, great vid

[@alvagoldbook2]

I’ve learned quite a lot from you and it’s kinda cool that I get to return the favor in some small way. Before I ever got into woodworking I was doing electronics, particularly music related stuff. Building my own stomp boxes and guitar amps. Anyway etching stomp boxes is a big thing. This may be impractical for something as big as a saw blade, but when it comes to something smaller like a plane blade, I think you’ll much prefer to results from acid etching instead of electro etching. Acid etching will be deeper and more uniform and in my experience has better definition. The problem with electro etching is that it’ll never be uniform. Acid will work more evenly and you can stop the etching instantly with something like baking soda dissolved in water. Acid also works pretty quickly once you get it dialed in right. I’ve done a lot of etching of home made PCBs using copper board and ferric chloride. Not sure off hand what would be ideal for steal, stomp boxes are cast aluminum. Regardless, make sure to vent things or even better do it outside. Keep making awesome content. Just got me a set of Narex Richters!

[@pettere8429]

How about making a small, shallow "tank" using tape just where the stencil is? You would have to mask of the rest of the work piece to avoid stains when tipping it out when you are done.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

that is very true, but today i was trying to show a cheap and simper way of doing it. there are many big benefits to acid. that is how I normally do it. in this video I wanted to just show a very cheap and easy way that people can do it with things they already have on hand.

[@thereddufus]

@@pettere8429 This is a really nice way to go. Personally, I prefer either hot melt glue or caulk, but you can make tape work.

[@thomasbrubaker4627]

You make it look easy! Opens up some interesting possibilities. Thanks.

[@vmoutsop]

Very cool project. Amazing how we forget our high school science class projects or old school project kits from the 60's, 70's & 80's

[@laurensiemens1436]

That looks awesome. I like science stuff. I wish my dad was living still he was a science teacher...he always liked stuff like this

[@gregsnewyt]

Surprisingly, Japan varnish is used as a masking agent in jewelry etching and would work here as well. It is not the same as traditional japanning but is varnish mixed with asphaltum. Nice work and great results.

[@GeneDarleneBremmer]

⁹ppp1

[@tablier8509]

That's so cool ! And looks neat with a stencil. I suppose as long as it can conduct electricity you can electro-etch on it

[@corveramoenglish7275]

Hi bro, A great etch can be achieved on iron/steel with copper sulfate (blue vitriol), you will know its correctly etched by the copper color on the steel, which can be wiped or protected. Thanks for this idea

[@lambrosk3790]

Appreciate the tutorial. Great info and explained simply and concisely. 👏👍

[@peterclifton7069]

Great results from a simple technique. Thank you.

[@artswri]

Great stuff! Never would have guessed it would be that easy! Gotta try it! Thanks much!

[@nickmastro9287]

Thank you for the video. What an easy way to personalize a metal surface. I always find your videos informative and entertaining. Keep up the good work!

[@PaulSmith-rd8yc]

Can’t see it because of the eyes but it sounded pretty good. My Blind club owns a cricket cutting machine so deafly come up with a quirky sign for my garage using an old soul I see how we get on great video though

[@FullMetalJago316]

Apply water under the stencil when you apply the acid. I was using an electric etching machine. Get a nice clean etch. Newer the stencil the better. Works nice on stainless. Know what you mean though. Acid smells horrible.

[@NeilGates]

Rio Grande sells gold solution that yiu can do this same process with as well. Great job in making this a simple process for people that do not have a rectifier at home.!!!!

[@x_CrossHair_x]

Thanks for this !! I Was surprised it's just salt water (not dangerous acid) I would use an (Adjustable) power supply set to 9 or 12v (But that's just me) .. Again Thanks. 👍👍👍👍

[@NajibRahman-xb1pq]

love the tips and I will definitely try this. Thank you for sharing this technique❤

[@TheSMEAC]

This method can also be used with gun bluing. Thank you for the video brother 👍

[@mogbaba]

Thank you for the upload. As I have never worked with Vynil I was amazed that you have to have a special machine to cut it. That's why I checked another faculty here on the University of KZbin and found a video titled 'My four favorite ways of cutting Vynil siding'. I thought he must be the man who knows this stuff. He mentioned his favorite ways in which a dedicated machine was not included. He used a snipper, an angle grinder, a miter saw, or a circular saw. During the video, he cut a small bit with an Olfa cutter. In fact, my initial idea was that one might use a cutter or a snipper to cut this material. Are you using a different material?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

This is different from siding. This vinyl is a sticker that would be put on cars. You can cut it with a sharp knife by hand. The vinyl cutter just cuts an intricate design automatically.

[@vivianwarran8804]

Very nice! Thank you for your video. I want to work with aluminum and steel using the bath method, but I'm not sure what metal or wire to use for the negative side. I appreciate any help you can give me with this. Thank you.

[@chagildoi]

This is amazing! I am totally doing this.

[@scottmedcalf4475]

they make a p-touch stencil tape for engraving that works very well if you are only doing text.

[@jul371-y5p]

nice demo thanks ive done brass bronce copper with chemicals takes time unless you heat it up, but its the same except the electricity iron tetrachloride CF4+ i believe is the chemical formula other than rust on any iron or steel (even inox) is way safer than using chloridic acid but takes a loooooot longer if you need something fast you can use the acid and neutralize its ph with sodium carbonate/bicarbonate it will no longer corrode the metal or skin and can be thin with H2O2 to make it less aggresive acid for etching need to be arround 25% concentration and for the nail polish you can use anything, paint, lacquer, a sharpie and the white liquid paper for pen ink corrections the old method for doing PCB bakelite boards can be a good guide for doing this

[@jul371-y5p]

another tip its doable with a old phone chaarger or any CC voltage source a router/modem source of 12vcc works well, or an old laptop charger also works usually are from 17-19vcc

[@davidlynn7161]

Great video James. An even cheaper way to make a stencil is to use a laser printer paper transfer. There are you tube videos on how to do it.

[@lynxg4641]

Neat one James, so simple and effective and such an easy way to personalise/mark your tools. But seriously, 2" painters or masking tape is all you need for transferring the vinyl - If using regular masking tape, just stick on your shirt a time or two to reduce stickiness and you're GTG.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

the problem with masking tape is it can be hard to see if the pattern is positioned correctly. it will work

[@darylthomas4522]

A problem with masking tape is bleeding along the edges ruining the straightness of your lines,this happens with all grades of stickiness,with paint it is fixed by painting the 'wrong( base) 'colour to seal the tape before the right colour is applied

[@lynxg4641]

No ones talking about using it as a mask to paint anything, we're talking using it to transfer a vinyl decal. As to not being able to see the design easily, that all depends on which brand/one you use, but honestly not an issue I've had in all the years I've used it for just this purpose.

[@darylthomas4522]

@@lynxg4641 I was not talking about painting specifically but about the bleeding along the edges and how to deal with that as regards painting and as paint is a liquid just like salty water the same problems could occur

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

he is not talking about using the masking tape as the stencil but as the transfer backing. in the video what I used is clear.

[@MCsCreations]

Actually, James, if you can get a 12v transformer, like from a really old power supply, or old electronics (like a VCR or DVD Player), you can make a 2 step etching machine. (I believe I have the stuff to make one, but I need to make sure.) Either way, using that you can use 12v AC for etching and 12v DC to make it darker. You know? 😉 The rest is exactly the same as you did. 😊 The advantage is that, if you use a small plastic box, you would've made a small machine! The feeling is the same when you finish a woodworking project. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@lostfound8112]

Thumbs up. Thanks this sounds perfect for my needs. Well done video

[@ga5743]

well that looks like something i could do thanks James

[@JuanRivera-wm2um]

Informative and interesting as usual. Keep up the great work.

[@iainmcculloch5807]

I'm guessing the UV-sensitive film that we used to use for making printed circuit boards would probably work well as a resist too.

[@derrickcook1824]

For more intricate custom designs you can use spray paint and just scrape the paint away.

[@glencrandall7051]

Well presented. Simple process.🙂🙂

[@anthonywallace8534]

I am impressed good Video keep the tips coming 😊

[@johnford7847]

Very slick. Thanks, James.

[@JYChin]

Thanks for sharing this cool technique

[@larryohara6513]

I use an old model train transformer with AC/DC connectors in lieu of the 9v battery. AC gives you a darker color etch and DC gives you a deeper etch (or it could be the opposite, can't remember). In lieu of a Q tip I use a wired brass bolt with cotton cleaning patches as the salt solution holder. Windex w/ammonia is my cleaner of choice.

[@ruzla]

what's the ratio of salt to water? Great Vidya!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

No idea. I just put in some salt. It does not need much to conduct electricity well. But there is no upper limit as long as it devolves.

[@chrisemens4022]

Most libraries, around me at least, have vinyl cutters for public use.

[@myrawright282]

Ok!! I absolutely love that t shirt!!! 🤣😂🤣❤️

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

Try using a transformer, and make sure you can switch between ac and dc; with the ac you can really blacken the groove that you etched into the surface.

[@kevinrippeto]

I use silk screen for the mask of my makers mark to electro etch.

[@colininscore1286]

Thanks a metric Ton! Is that more than a ton?

[@phungphan2245]

Genius! Thanks for the tips!

[@boyzclub24]

I've already watched several videos about this and similar techniques, and I keep wondering (when it comes to smaller metal parts): Why not dip instead of dab with a Q-tip? Wouldn't that actually result in a much cleaner and more even finish? Thx 4 the Video :-)

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

The problem with dipping is you have to protect a bigger area and you need a much higher voltage to cover the whole area.

[@boyzclub24]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo Well, that sounds logical, of course :-) However, I was wondering about it in the context of being curious about what the result would be if you covered the motif and etched everything else!? Then the motif would remain highly polished, and it should be enough to simply connect two 9-volt batteries in series. Have you ever tried how something like a dog tag would look if you etched it inverted!?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

With something the size of a dog tag, you might be able to get away with it. If you connect two 9 volts together in series, you'll end up with 18 volts but the same amperage and it would be better to connect them in parallel so that you would still have 9 volts but higher amperage. At least that would be my guess. If you're going to go much larger than that, you're probably going to need a power supply that can handle more.

[@danej7335]

very nice! Have you tried Boric Acid? It is readily available at the pharmacy. I like the other comments to use a wall wart power adapter... That is what I use, 12v 1.5A(I think). I dont think the polarity matters as much for etching as it does for plating. Use the cotton swab as long as possible, the black goo is carbon and/or metal oxides and seems to help the process, albeit messier.

[@andrewbell316]

Thanks for the DIY; do you know if this would work on silver metal instead of steel?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It will work. But it is slower.

[@justinsane332]

if u have an old battery charger it works great for this

[@jonathanbanks9500]

Does this q-tip method work with copper also?

[@MikeBinkowski-z6u]

Do you think painters tape would be enough of a barrier to keep the lines somewhat crisp?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Most of the time no as it is not water resistant

[@QlueDuPlessis]

I didn't even know those cute baby vinyl cutters existed

[@mattf9096]

Would it work the same if you built up a wall around the design and poured in the salt water, or is there a benefit to rubbing it on the surface?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It is the electricity that actually removes the steel. the salt water is just a conductor. so if you made a pool of it then put the electrode inside it would remove steel every ware the saltwater touches, but the most the closest to the electrode.

[@omegaflameZ]

that is the method Michael Cthulhu has used in a lot of his videos. Seems to work out well enough but can be messy if the wall fails mid-etch.

[@michaels.8663]

Very cool! Thanks James!

[@threestarsandasling]

Awesome tutorial brother! Cheers!

[@DrOctagonaduck2]

Hi I super enjoyed your video and I’ve already gotten some practice in! I could use a little help though, I etched two stainless knives for practice, and so I just used stencil stickers that you get for kids. I was able to get a decent question mark and exclamation mark done! However, it took me forever, whereas this one took you minutes! I bought brand new batteries and everything. Would there be something wrong with the concentration of salt or my technique? Thanks again for the great video😁

[@DrOctagonaduck2]

I forgot to add, on my second attempt I actually ate through the alligator clip connected to the q-tip😬 I’m wondering if that was just not cooling down the clip often enough or again, something off with my mixture.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Then you have the wrong wires on the wrong ends. If you're eating through the alligator clip that means the electrons are leaving the alligator clip and going to the knife. You need to go the other way around.

[@DrOctagonaduck2]

Thank you so much for the timely response! It was such a simple mistake, things are working properly now!

[@lalloorameez]

Will this work on normal steel. I think it's mild steel. The normal plate steel you get from the welding supply store

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes it will.

[@mikeevans3766]

How did the older saw manufacturers do their etching with such fine detail? I wonder if there is a market for precut stencils for those wanting to restore their antique saws? Another great video James.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

there were different methods over time. some used chasseing to carve it. some had pre cut dies to cut stencils. there was some electro etching though acid was more common.

[@corvanphoenix]

I wonder if you could dye steel using this method with different metal salts!

[@erik61801]

worked well marking my leatherman with my name

[@brolovski_brodog]

Excellent video. Really appreciate it.

[@mattkendle9770]

Thanks for the video. I'm just wondering where you get your saw blank material? I would like to try this

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I got it from Blackburn tool works. But you can buy blank plates of 1095 spring steel.

[@lorddiablo8575]

Will the result be better and quicker to etch IF I use a higher voltage battery with higher out put ... say 12V & 5A battery ? ?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It will be faster.

[@lorddiablo8575]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo Thanks !

[@kitlings5847]

Can you use this method to etching the Silver?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I would think so. But I have not tried it

[@JayarBass]

could you just rest a gauze pad (dipped in the salt solution) over the whole logo instead of using a q-tip? or do you have to trace it? thanks for the vid!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

The electricity will take the shortest path and if you spread out the small amount of electricity for a 9-volt over the whole thing it wouldn't do very much other than what is closest to the electrode. So putting it on a small q-tip allows you to focus exactly where you're putting it.

[@brolovski_brodog]

Hi James, where did you get the saw plates? I want to make my own but struggle to find sources for plates or even shim stock in Ireland. Thanks

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I purchase mine from BlackBurn Tool works or Florip saws. I think Jared green also sells them.

[@GoCreateSomething]

Good demo. Thanks! Anybody tell you that you sound like Max Headroom? rofl. Maybe it is the speaker I'm using..

[@grammieof6_1964]

Can you this process on stainless steel cups???

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes

[@emilydavis5762]

Do you think I could I etch a pizza steel without it rusting? I imagine any kind of oils that would be added to prevent rusting would not be food safe.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Sure. Most simple oils are food safe. You could even use butter. you can also do this to stainless steel.

[@LeviticusMoriarty]

Does this work with stainless, specifically aeb-l

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes it does

[@removegovernments]

will it work if i make a silicon border around the logo and flood the area with saltwater? Maybe to get a more even etch?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Unfortunately the wonder the contact area the less it etches. If I push too hard with the swab and spread it out it has little affect.

[@kevinline]

Would this process work on aluminum base?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I would assume so but you might need a different voltage. I have not tried it though.

[@edlehr1374]

You can do this on wood without electricity using oxalic acid.

[@andrietsa]

Would this also work on a tool that has more mass? I'd love to try this on a hatchet.

[@blackraven8805]

Totally.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

sure. the thickness does not matter at all.

[@ricos1497]

​@@WoodByWrightHowTo unless you drop it on your toes.

[@ralhmcc47]

How about etching a plane, it's made from cast iron.?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It will work on that too.

[@ianhenderson8305]

That is super cool!

[@jonrost5574]

Great video! I really appreciate this.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks Jon. and congrats on First!

[@thijspluis9998]

Can I ask a question here about something else? Do you have a place where I can get no 62 sweetheard blades?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

usualy the contact me on the page or email are best for questions as that is my ToDo list, but most of the time I get them here. if you are looking for antique parts then I would look at the parts dealers listed on HandToolFinder.com or even the normal sellers will often have parts available. if you are talking new. I do not think the modern Stanley sells them. but Veritas and Hock sell replacements for them.

[@thijspluis9998]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo ok thanks a lot. Doe the veritas irons fit the stanleys?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

yes they are made to the same measurements.