Ok, here is a 10 minute etch time with 3.1v 1.75a..
Before polish https://photos.app.goo.gl/WmpySwqdLWLcAHK87
After polish https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zgs7oqzKwccxP3KCA
Printable View
Ok, here is a 10 minute etch time with 3.1v 1.75a..
Before polish https://photos.app.goo.gl/WmpySwqdLWLcAHK87
After polish https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zgs7oqzKwccxP3KCA
Looks good.
However what I meant by my previous statement is that the "before" pic needs to be "before the part is etched, not before it's polished. In other words, the before pic need to be right at the stage when you're ready to put it in the water. That way the template, whether it be a sticker or paint or a design cut in tape, can be compared to the finished etched product (before polishing though). That's how one can determine if it's a good etch or not. The etch can only be as good as the shape of the design that was made in the resist but of course can be much worse.
Personally I want to experiment with getting a .015" deep etch in 45 minutes to an hour of time when etching aluminum. The reason behind this is that this is how long it takes to get a nice etch in brass using salt water (no copper sulfate added, just salt water) and 6 volts (not sure what the amperage is) and the fact that brass tends to etch very clean with sharp lines. I think this is because the water turbulence/bubbles is quite a bit less due to it etching slower. The one time I etched aluminum using vinyl stickers, it etched so fast that I had to cut it short (I think I etched it for no more than 10 minutes) due to the fact that the water turbulence was making the sticker separate from the aluminum. Of course, it would have helped if the vinyl had stronger adhesive. The lines were pretty clean/sharp where the sticker held though. I'd post a pic but it might seem disrespectful as it's a plague for my late uncle's ashes box (his sons made a wooden box to hold his ashes).
Arkm,
I will do another test tomorrow with less salt because unless I start putting resistors in the circuit I cannot lower the amperage... I am trying to get it slower for a cleaner etch.. I will make sure I take a proper before picture... :)
Jon
Sounds good.
Ok so here it is again... 4.5 cups water 3/4 cup salt. 3.1v 1.64a for 10 minutes.. Proper before and after pics(I hope)..
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2Yihkbs3PujJL6pr6
For the type of resist being used and the shape of it before etching, I'd say it came out pretty good.
Looks deep enough in the pic for me.
Ok, thank you then I will try with the vinyl tomorrow...
ARKM,
First, I want to thank you for all the time you spent with me on perfecting my technique. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help. I also cannot believe how good it looks! This should be my last test piece as I am very satisfied with the results. I will be playing with the press and peel for work on a shroud piece for this saber but the emitter will get the vinyl sticker. Let me know what you think..
https://photos.app.goo.gl/eEyvsAcL7J8hJ5YC7
Jon