Saber Forum

Thanks to Tazflyr I did some experimenting in etching alluminium/aluminum.

Here's the link to the topic, but I didn't want to fill that thread with a topic it's not about:

Anyway, here's the first try with a vinegar-salt sollution and a sticker with a design cut out:

(https://i.imgur.com/UBz1sq2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iLu82rf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rb5CJ8r.jpg)

Second experiment was spraypainting the aluminum/aluminium, lasering out the design and use the vinegar-salt sollution again.

(https://i.imgur.com/K5P3AO3.jpg)

Unfortunately the paint seem to let go, I thought due to the vinegar. So I did a third experiment, more detail and use a water-and-salt sollution

(https://i.imgur.com/vYNTfE2.jpg)

You would thing that with my blacksmithing I would have tried etching by now... but I haven't *hangs head in shame*

Wow TCCW, your etching work looks wonderful!  I applaud you (I doubt that I could do that, certainly not as good as you've demonstrated  :)).

I can't wait to see your sabers after you've etched them!

Point!

Thanks Dutchman,

It really was my first try. Most difficult thing is making the pattern.
I might try painting a piece of aluminium and then remove some paint by hand to create a pattern and etch that.

But the etching on it's own as a skill, is really just rubbing aluminium with a cotton-stick-thingie, soaked in vineger and salt, hooked up to a 9v battery.

Glad you like it.

I'm hoping to improve this skill so I can do an actual hilt.


Just try it Finlay, especially for you, it should be an easy skill to learn.

I used a similar technique on my 'Tre'nala'dor's Heart' custom Consular
I used electrical tape for my masking

Had to look your saber up. Tre'nala'dor's Heart is a black saber isn't she? Can the black anodized aluminium be etched as well? In the same manner?

Good stuff, TCCW! Points incoming for this

thank you

Not sure if you can etch through the black. I only worked on the shroud for it.
Did do some sanding on the black, but no etch

Wow for your first try your effort looks fantastic!  I'd love to see what you develop further especially as you gain more familiarity and confidence  :)

Keep up the great work!

You're welcome! I want to give it a try now


That's a good question, one can always sand the black down to silver to etch


Agreed, I also look forward to seeing how your skills develop with etching, TCCW!

I have done some etching using sodium chloride and copper sulphate in the past on a saber I made. It came out pretty nice but it is messing. This way it's probably easier. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200420/9a8a4a0b3cc12e0715a7857c3137ff75.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200420/fb847cab38db8347a06ea72639fcc620.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200420/62d51bbae20a9de11e8885afb243fb7b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200420/4ebae46497d2b3e2d84345e911ca074f.jpg)

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It's beautiful.
What's that stuff on the blue sheet?
Looks like a nice way to transfer a picture.

Can't remember the name off the top of my head. But yeah basically a transfer thing. You use it in a printer (not laser printer) then great it up to transfer to the metal. Did it in the oven.

Found all the info on YouTube after a few searches.

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Thnx, will do a internetsearch in the near future  ;D

I like your etching work, Tx!

If you search my profile I did a thread on it here.

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