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  #1  
Old 05-13-2005, 11:09 PM
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GHNorfleet GHNorfleet is offline
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Building AN Electro Etching Machine Question

I am wondering if anyone either has built the Electro Etch Machine like the one in the workshop section of this website or owns one and how well does it etch? The reason I asked is that I want to build myself one. I did a little research and found out that the Personalizer that you can buy online has a constant maximum output power of 12 volts at 3 amps, or 36 watts but the parts listed to build Bob Warner's version has a 25V transformer and a 6 amp bridge rectifer so it seems to me that the Warner version would etch deeper than the Personalizer. I am just looking for opinions and thoughts on this topic as I value everyone's point of view in these forums as they have been of tremendous help to me.


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Old 05-14-2005, 10:51 AM
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chrisinbeav chrisinbeav is offline
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Here you go....

This is an excellent tutorial and material break down. I believe a few of the guys here have built these and they work great!

http://www.chriscrawfordknives.com/

Go to "Tutorials" Then click on the "Electro Etch Unit"

Chris Nilluka
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Old 05-14-2005, 07:06 PM
Terry_Dodson Terry_Dodson is offline
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I built one like on Bob Warner's site and it works well. to keep from popping the fuse, you need to dab the felt on a towel or something to get it just barely damp before using. I didnt do that the first few times and was constantly popping the fuse. I think it was Bob Warner that told me to blott it til almost dry and then try, works great after that. oh and i am using just salt and water as the etching liquid on 10xx steel.
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Old 05-14-2005, 11:25 PM
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SKIVIE SKIVIE is offline
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Gilbert, I made one using Chris Crawfords Tutorial wich for someone like me, it made it very easy. It works great. Fun to build also. I get nice deep black etches. Couldnt be happier.

Shane


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Old 05-15-2005, 04:11 PM
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That is exactly what I was looking for, a very deep, dark etch that couldn't be easily removed but yet be sharp and crisp. I will build myself one of these units. It looks fun to build. Thanks all for the comments, much appreciated!


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Old 05-15-2005, 04:26 PM
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Bernez Bernez is offline
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Gilbert,

If you already have a Variac (for your anodizer), you can use it instead of the 25V transformer. The great thing is that it add variable voltage to your setup (always put the potmeter on 0V when starting).
I already had bought a transformer when I thought that the Variac would do the same job.
Just my 2 cents...

Bernez


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Old 05-17-2005, 12:05 AM
TJ Smith TJ Smith is offline
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My Personalizer wasn't giving me a deep enough etch. I took the Radio Shack transformer(25 volt) and replaced the one in the Personalizer with it.
I then had 25 volts which was a little hot. Plugged it into a router speed control I found in my worthless parts pile and now etch at 18 volts. Works great.
My $.02
Take Care
TJ


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Old 05-17-2005, 12:56 AM
john foxwell john foxwell is offline
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Gilbert,

I have a unit built from Bob's tutorial and its works real well.

I would second everything said about having the felt not too wet, just damp. I haven't blown a fuse yet but I have burnt a hole through the stencil!!!
I'm getting good marks in either the light or dark setting, so yeah, I'm happy with it.

Cheers, John.
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