Toner Transfer System Review

[cwp]

Hi all,

I didn't get the tutorial done this weekend, but I got a new workbench and started to make my pattern for my first custom knife. That went really well, but the tutorial just got pushed out a little while. Should get done this weekend.

--Carl

[cwp]

Hi all,

I put up the results of my second etch test on my web page here.

http://myweb.cableone.net/pricecw/etch1/

I am now planning another set of tests, I will have room on the sheet for other logos. This test will be logo types, not animals for myself. If you would like to be part of this test, e-mail me and I should be able to put a number of them on with my test. The image should be black and white and created at 1200 dpi, with the smallest section being 10-15 pixels across, so if you want a 1/2" logo, that would be a 600 pixel image across.

--Carl

[aiiifish]

I've had the same probem with the iron. I swiched to a heat gun but had problems blowing the the stencil off. the past few knives I've been sticking the part in the oven untill it hits 350 taking it out applying the stencil and rubbing it with at rounded piece of micarta. So far has been applying the stencil better than the other methods. Hope this helps.
Steve
Double S Custom

[cwp]

Steve,

Thanks, one of the things dynaart recommends is a vaccum table and a heat gun. I have also been thinking of using a scrap,
flat sheet of metal in the stack, so it will get full heat transfer to the transfer. It should be fairly easy to have a few different sizes to apply the heat to the transfer only. I have also thought about using the oven to heat a stack with a heavier piece of welding steel on top to apply pressure to the stencil. I am glad to hear this works for you, since it makes me think that some of your ideas will work well. I also really like your idea of nail polish, I think that will work really well.

--Carl

BTW -- If you want to add anything to my etch pages, let me know, and I will put it up. I am hoping to make a set of pages to give information on this system in one place.

[mikec]

Have you all though of a RC model iron (I don't know if that's the exact name) It's a small surface iron (with no steam holes) used for heating the plastics that go on RC airplane wings. I think you can get them any where from 2"-sq to 6"-sq surface area. I think they are also capable of more heat then a household iron too. I'll try and find the specs to one for you.

[mikec]

Ok, it's a Sealing Iron. Haven't found the specs yet, hope this helps.

[cwp]

Mike,

I have used these for photography in the past, problem is I don't have one now. I do think they would work though. If anyone has one and would like to try it, I would be glad to add your logo to my next test run and send you some samples. I would also host your findings.

As for specs, if you look at

http://www.coverite.com/accys/covr2700.html

it appears that this model will at least hit 350 deg F.

--Carl

[cwp]

Mike,

I did a little looking around on the sealing irons. I thought they cost a lot more than they do. I found a number at tower hobbies, but just purchased this one

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXB357&P=7

I looks to be ideal for this application with a max heat of 475 deg F. and at $17 not a bad price. I will post an update on how this works for transfering the pattern.

--Carl

[mikec]

I'm glad that will work, can't wait to here how it does.

This sounds like a great system that you've discovered for us, specially for those like myself that are just getting started.

I've been conserned because the logo that I came up with is pretty detailed but I bet this system can handle it.

[cwp]

Mike,

Send me a copy of your logo and some sizes (ie 1/2" long) and I will add it to my next test page and send you some to experiment with. I won't be using the whole page, so I would rather send it to interested parties than waste it.

--Carl

[mikec]

Thanks CWP. I sent you a message from CKD with my e-mail so I can get yours.

I'm sending you 2 and I'll be very interested in how one turns out, it's pretty detailed. I can bet the other will turn out fine.

I haven't bought any etchant yet so make sure you get all the use out of your material first before sending me any.