safe way to etch small details

[ARKM]

I've etched several saber parts. I do the "immerse the entire part" method. You just have to properly tape up the part so that parts you don't watched etched don't become etched and it works fine for me. However the cotton swab method is fine too. Especially when you don't want to take the saber apart or have "hills" and "valleys" that may be hard to tape up properly. The cotton swab method will definitely be what I use when I eventually try to etch a stainless steel blade on a "wall hanger" sword.

[Evilpancreas]

I have a quick question regarding this. I have a saber that's already built, but I REALLY don't want to dismantle it. Can I do this cotton swab etching without dismantling it? I'd reckon it's fine because none of my parts are in direct contact with the body of the saber.

[Thalan the Exiled]

it would really depend on how well you could cover the saber. If you can tape it off well enough so that the liquid doesn't run into anything then yes you could do it without taking it appart. You aren't using a lot of liquid but it does drip around a bit. So if you don't want to take it appart then go crazy with the electrical tape and cover everything you don't want wet. Mine being a stunt saber I can dissassemble mine fairly easy. If you are going to do a shroud then I would be safe and remove it. If it is the body of the hilt then as long as you arent wanting the etch to be near a joint you should be fine just tape up thee joint seams and have at it. Keep an old towel under you as you work so you can wipe up the extra water and keep mess to a minimum

[Silver Serpent]

The vinegar/salt solution won't cause any significant harm to the hilt (though it may damage electronics inside). You need the electrical current to do this type of etching, so it won't etch minor spills. Just keep the liquid to a minimum so it doesn't seep through the threaded areas and into your electronics.

[Thalan the Exiled]

Silver you are the greatest. You must have been doing this stuff fo a long time. You seem to know jus about everything. I want to be like you someday

[Evilpancreas]

Thanks guys, I might have to throw some sith writing on my old red saber! Maybe it won't look so basic anymore.

[Whi-ja]

This is greatly helpful. I have a rather boring shroud on a project that this will really enliven.

[Silver Serpent]

Silver you are the greatest. You must have been doing this stuff fo a long time. You seem to know jus about everything. I want to be like you someday

If you only knew how much time I spend reading forums, researching interesting new things, finding ways to apply it to saberbuilding, etc...

[Thalan the Exiled]

Yeah I started reading a lot of the posts. I am planning on adding sound and am trying to find a mount and speaker I can use in a ribbed extension. I can't find much info kn the subject tho. Got a few rellies on the post I made but not many options

[Telgarian]

Thanks for posting this OP. I'm sure a lot of people who don't have access to those nasty chemicals that professional artisans use are really happy now. I know I am.