Electro-etching

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  • KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    Requires raw stainless or aluminum, but for anyone not familiar, a relatively low cost to get BATFE compliant engraving of reasonably high quality. After some research I found that the current available best option is a machine known as the “personalizer plus” which best price around and in stock is from Texas Farrier Supply (here - https://texasfarriersupply.com/shop...personalizer-plus-etching-machine-kit/p/13497 )

    I’ve been testing it out on some less valuable items (e.g. a couple old yeti tumblers, some scrap aluminum) and gotten great results. I’m hoping to use it to mark a few more relevant items this week and I’ll update with pictures. For now, here is a test engraving I did to appease the Mrs below. Hoping anyone not aware of this option for marking might find it interesting (and those of you that have done it before, if you have any tips I’d be happy to hear!)
     

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    Rab1515

    Ultimate Member
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 29, 2014
    2,081
    Calvert
    How does the masking process work? I assume this works the same way as ECM, I have done and fired barrels that way. To bad it wouldn't work for anodized stuff.
     

    KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    How does the masking process work? I assume this works the same way as ECM, I have done and fired barrels that way. To bad it wouldn't work for anodized stuff.

    Correct, no go on anodizing. I am using a Cricut to make vinyl templates on the fly that are as custom as you want. Dog fight ink will also sell a host of roll mark stencils to make a clone. I just weed the vinyl stencils I make, use transfer paper and mask the edges with electrical tape. When I get to the intended use in the near future I will post a few pictures to document the process.

    I’ve seen people use a few batteries and salt water, but the results seem to be hit or miss (as I understand it, DC works well to etch in the manner of a deep engraving, and than AC actually renders the mark black)
     

    magnumpi

    Active Member
    Jan 16, 2013
    377
    Westminster MD
    I have done a couple lowers and Yeti cups. I just used a auto battery charger, Qtips, and vinegar and salt as my solution. It was easy and they turned out great. I was wondering if this would be deep enough to satisfy NFA engraving rules?
     

    bratgirllcp

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 13, 2013
    2,795
    Grasonville MD
    Requires raw stainless or aluminum, but for anyone not familiar, a relatively low cost to get BATFE compliant engraving of reasonably high quality. After some research I found that the current available best option is a machine known as the “personalizer plus” which best price around and in stock is from Texas Farrier Supply (here - https://texasfarriersupply.com/shop...personalizer-plus-etching-machine-kit/p/13497 )

    I’ve been testing it out on some less valuable items (e.g. a couple old yeti tumblers, some scrap aluminum) and gotten great results. I’m hoping to use it to mark a few more relevant items this week and I’ll update with pictures. For now, here is a test engraving I did to appease the Mrs below. Hoping anyone not aware of this option for marking might find it interesting (and those of you that have done it before, if you have any tips I’d be happy to hear!)

    That's a nice touch good job! :thumbsup:
     

    KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    How do you control depth and is it consistent throughout the pattern you are etching?

    Basically consistency of application pressure and count time electric is applied. On something flat the size of a roll mark it is way to keep it consistent.

    I have done a couple lowers and Yeti cups. I just used a auto battery charger, Qtips, and vinegar and salt as my solution. It was easy and they turned out great. I was wondering if this would be deep enough to satisfy NFA engraving rules?

    If you use the correct solution, current and time yes. The machine I linked to is an upgrade from the model below it specifically to hit NFA requirements or better.

    That's a nice touch good job! :thumbsup:

    Cheers!
     

    KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    Managed to get markings done for the 2011. Absolutely meets (and exceeds) NFA depth requirements. I need to clean these up with a 400 grit equivalent wire wheel to unit on the color (the black is residue as I didn’t mark with AC, but only etched with DC). Damned happy with the results (results attached as well as the templates while plucking the vinyl).
     

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    teratos

    My hair is amazing
    MDS Supporter
    Patriot Picket
    Jan 22, 2009
    59,775
    Bel Air
    Managed to get markings done for the 2011. Absolutely meets (and exceeds) NFA depth requirements. I need to clean these up with a 400 grit equivalent wire wheel to unit on the color (the black is residue as I didn’t mark with AC, but only etched with DC). Damned happy with the results (results attached as well as the templates while plucking the vinyl).

    What machine are you using to cut the stencils?

    Looks fantastic!!!
     

    Joseph

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 13, 2009
    2,760
    Clinton MD
    Managed to get markings done for the 2011. Absolutely meets (and exceeds) NFA depth requirements. I need to clean these up with a 400 grit equivalent wire wheel to unit on the color (the black is residue as I didn’t mark with AC, but only etched with DC). Damned happy with the results (results attached as well as the templates while plucking the vinyl).

    Nice job

    Is it the font, masking or picture quality that makes the edges of the letters look a little squiggly?
     

    KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    You are doing it wrong, I bought the cricut machine for my wife for Christmas!.......she has never used it LOL

    If I only had that level of patience! I made a few designs to start for her...

    Nice job

    Is it the font, masking or picture quality that makes the edges of the letters look a little squiggly?

    A little bit of each? There were a few letters on the stencil that didn’t transfer perfectly straight that I didn’t notice, but you need to zoom way in close to notice. Here is a close up on one of the original images I posted.
     

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    Joseph

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 13, 2009
    2,760
    Clinton MD
    If I only had that level of patience! I made a few designs to start for her...



    A little bit of each? There were a few letters on the stencil that didn’t transfer perfectly straight that I didn’t notice, but you need to zoom way in close to notice. Here is a close up on one of the original images I posted.

    The letters in the close up look nice and sharp.
     

    KIBarrister

    Opinionated Libertarian
    MDS Supporter
    Apr 10, 2013
    3,923
    Kent Island/Centreville
    Can I ask which Cricut model? It looks like there are several out there!


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

    https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/c...-maker/cricut-makerr-machine-champagne-1.html

    Cheaper on Amazon, even cheaper on eBay if you wait for an auction listing.

    Just a follow on - I’m using the permanent version “premium vinyl” by cricut. They make some vinyl specifically for “stencils” but I don’t think I would trust that to seal out the etchant. I have some of the stencil vinyl I will test on some scrap and I’ll update if it works well but I’m not expecting it will.

    Also, you can either “swipe” (very slowly) or blot and slowly rock back and forth when actually etching. Swiping can be problematic with small letters that have interior outlines like “A” and “R”. Results above are using the blotting method.
     

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