Hydrochloric acid is a purer and more toxic form of muriatic acid. It truly is one of the best, if not the best, stainless damascus steel in the world. Ferric chloride is very popular. Wet down the surface to be cleaned, using a sponge or a sprayer and allow the acid . You can do this by first mixing a small solution in your watering can starting at a 5:1 ratio. Cheers Johnno Play both the process and the sandpaper to see what you like. No neutralizing step after etching. The keys are "pretty dilute" and "multiple, short immersions". It's often used in swimming pools to lower the pH of the water. The "active ingredient" in ferric chloride solution is hydrochloric acid. If you use muriatic acid, you can bring Damascus up to 1200 grit, or you can leave it 400 grit. Did you make this project? We are exploring additional options of engraving and will let you know when those are available. I was wondering about the thoughts of cold or rust blui Requests: Array Once you find that perfect constant companion, that you keep in your pocket or bag, a great way to set it apart, to personalize it, is with laser engraving! and I did neutralize with baking soda bath as directed. Don't mess with muriatic acid! Is it just lots of jelly rolls mushed together? It is. Muriatic acid needs no dilution. Yet another reason to prefer ferric chloride. So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. If you add additional HCl, the etching solution eventually (after many PCB's) becomes mostly cupric chloride, which is also an excellent etchant. Do not change before creativity! Essentially you forge weld 2 contrasting types of steel (I used 15N20 and 75Ni8) then manipulate it to make a pattern. Using a broom, scrub the concrete with the acid solution. Complete etches in a well ventilated space and wear gloves, eye protection, and an apron or old clothes. And that's why we use it!http://damasteel.se/ Swishing the steel around in the etch to break up the bubbles is not a bad idea either. 2 years ago -- Theodore Roosevelthttp://stephensforge.com. Report. Ferric Acid will result in a double grey pattern (dark and light grey pattern) on either a matte or polished finish. Thanks for the tips. Do not change before creativity! With ferric acid, keep grit between 400 and 600. High quality Damascus steel is not the strongest metal you can get. I dont own any Damascus and this is my first, so is that normal? Hose down or dampen the entire area. By Thoughts? We've made your buy experience less painful. on Step 8. as per: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-base Balance, View all products of Market Price & Insight. This steel had been produced for 11 centuries, and in just about a generation, the means of its manufacture was entirely lost. Once your Damascus is sanded to the correct grit, thoroughly wash it with alcohol and pat dry with a clean rag. It is done by submerging the blade in an acid. Do not buff before etching! Etching a stainless damascus steel knife (or any damascus) is not as complicated as many people tend to believe. The basic process is as follows: After heat treating, bring your Damascus to a 400 to 600 grit finish. Never put acid in the microwave! Etching is done after all heat treatment is completed. Avoid using acetone items because they leave the remainder then disturb the etch, and do not touch the sterile with your hands. Then sanded to 400 grit, I took the Muriatic Acid from the bottle that was 32% strong as the bottle says and placed 24 oz of water in a plastic tub, I then added the acid about 8 oz . ), Server: Array Mix the muriatic acid with water (1:10 ratio) in a bucket with the water before the acid, as the other way around will damage the bucket. Learn More, click here. It also reduces the surface alkalinity of the concrete that can cause some paints to adhere poorly. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks guys. It is commonly used to etch steel and stainless steel parts, but it is also capable of etching copper. Adding HCl acid can restore the cutting ability of the FeCl3. The nice folks at Forseti have their own quality assurance system in place, and they design many of the more interesting knives in their catalog. It will corrode everything in sight and do a number on your lungs. Once you're all ready, you're ready to pick up! Joshua C States. How do I heat-treat my 1075 or 0-1 Carbon Damascus billet? March 17, 2017 in Beginners Place. ( Mixing is a hazardous process (add acid to the peroxide, not the other way around!) Etching of Damascus is done after manufacturing or grinding of the blank to bring out the contrasting steel patterns. Also the finish can basically be removed with a dry cloth. Thank you Kevin. They dedicate their customers to the unique inspired world patterns around us, for example, raindrops, razor cords, and baskets. Though there was a demand for Damascus steel, in the 19th century it stopped being made. Before you start, check out the expiry date for your choice of acid to make sure it's too old. I frequently etch damascus with ferric chloride. Step Three: Applying the Acid Solution. Over the years, Damascus1 has produced various products using one of the four hairdressers of the nazel hair. Acid reaches well in the cleanest place. I did a simple twist as I like the way it looks. Wash the black oxide off between immersions and perhaps brush lightly with non-abrasive kitchen Scotchbrite or 800 grit paper. On-line through Amazon. Or is there more of a process? No matter how effective it is. Bring your Damascus at the end of grit 400 to 600. Acid is generally mixed at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part acid for sufficient strength to etch properly. Put on your protective gear. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Use a sprayer or watering container to distribute the acid, scrubbing in as needed. There are significant risks to health and body including maiming and even death. Now we're using muriatic acid and loving it. Weapons made from Damascus steel are vastly superior to weapons formed from iron! Generally speaking, you want to be at about a 400 grit finish or better to get an even etch across the pattern. Wash your piece with alcohol and pat it dry with a clean rag. Can you use muriatic acid to etch a knife? Muriatic Acid will give a mirror/frosted finish on a polished finish and a lighter grey/grey pattern on a matte finish. It is the ideal acid etch alternative. Do yourself a favor and get Ferric Chloride/PCB Archer Etchant from Radio Shack/online. Swishing the steel around in the etch to break up the bubbles is not a bad idea either. What Is ChatGPT? It looks beautiful, I figured it'd have to be more complicated, You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. How do you make ferric chloride etching solution? Which type of steel you etch will determine the best acid or chemical to use to etch it with. [woocommerce-login-nonce] => Sure, you can etch steel with hydrochloric acid; e.g. Make sure your remaining distilled water does not last longer than a year. Either will etch any high carbon steel, eventually. For example: "You can also use Windex with this step, but do not try to break your piece. Damasteel is a powdered metallurgy stainless damascus steel. The best thing about Muriatic acid is that it comes in a two gallon box for about $7 at Home Depot. Read entire label prior to use or storage. You can also use it to clean soot from fireplace bricks. When you have mixed the acid solution you can start acid etching the concrete. My first round of etching went very well, good contrasting colors and an even etch, but since then my etches have been splotchy with very little contrast. Put a tablespoon or so of baking powder in a saucepan of water and boil the piece for 10 minutes. With clean water, dampen the surface to be etched. After 5 minutes, rinse your piece of liquor and tie it with the pure rag. No idea if I'm doing something wrong or if its just part of using vinegar ir if I'm just bad at putting metal into liquids. Mine is stronger :-),
Gerald Boggs
. Mix two-parts of diluted hydrogen peroxide with one-part muriatic acid. The only bad experience is the one from which you learn nothing. How do I heat-treat my stainless Damascus after purchase? RadioShack carries pcb enchant, aka ferric chloride. You are using an out of date browser. Be sure to always wear the appropriate protective gear when youre working with acid. Electronics supply stores. If you are having trouble getting Ferric, try using Muriatic. All you have to do is add a scrap piece of iron or steel to the muriatic acid (or hydrochloric acid; same thing) and wait for it to dissolve. I etch pretty deeply (3-4 soaks at 15-20 minutes, scrubbing oxides off between soaks) then a light buffing with pink scratchless rouge to bring out the contrast. Each Damascus Steel ring is uniqueno two designs will look exactly alike. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly." Erik takes the lead with this video because it's his specialty, he shows how to clean the blades, prepare them for etching, etch them, neutralize them, polish after etching, and a lot of other little tricks in between. Pour 1 part acid into 10 parts water to make an acid solution. This pattern is not the result of forge welding and folding as in pattern welded swords but rather because the chemical composition of the original billet. " The reason it disappeared remained a mystery until just a few years ago. Hi, Sorry for the slow reply. The worst thing about Muriatic acid is storing two gallons of it without eating up every piece of steel in the shop. While high in carbon steel, the blade can easily rust if not cared for. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg, https://www.etsy.com/shop/JStatesBladesmith. It is AWESOME. However by simply etching the look will not be correct for gun barrels, and will be a relatively light contrast. Buy NANFANG BROTHERS Damascus Kitchen Knife Set, 14 Pieces Japanese Knife Set Kitchen Knife Set with Block Wooden, 67 Layers VG10 Damascus Steel Chef Knife Set with Sharpener, Sharp Blades at Amazon UK. Using muriatic acid is no joke, and many DIYers believe it to be a . There are five distinctive patterns from which to choose. My favorite supplier of muriatic acid is any place that carries pool supplies. I know at least one ABS Mastersmith that used muriatic acid to etch then blue their bladeshe doesn't much care for Floric Chlorideit isn't deep enough. Step 2. I plan to buy some ferric chloride pretty soon, or go all mad scientist and make some, but I'd like to get a bit of use out of this $1 vinegar lol. Vinegar is a pretty weak etch and it helps to use it hot. Large Damascus is made of high quality, and the construction process carefully guides no voids, cracks, or hazardous expulsions while working with metal. ", Damascus's sleeves, guns, and other metallic pieces become more popular as artists and regain their art. If this is the first time youre using this batch of solution (and I presume it is), itll etch super-fast. Hardened and tempered steel etches with much more contrast. Damascus steel is a famed type of steel recognizable by the watery or wavy light and dark pattern of the metal. Muriatic acid will strip the galvanizing off, Ospho, which is phosphoric acid can be used to etch the zinc to get the paint to stick, it is also a 'rust reformer' changing ferric oxide 'rust' to phosphoric oxide, which is stable and can be painted with out worry about latter rusting. If you use muriatic acid, you can bring Damascus up to 1200 grit, or you can leave it 400 grit. Ferric chloride is not an "acid" per se. For ferric acid, keep the grit between 400 and 600. Apply it to a small area of wet concrete. How To Acid Etch Metal With Vinegar The Art Of Weapons. After being etched the blank can be polished to give a stepped or contrasting look. The muriatic is available at big box home improvement stores or pool supply stores. Everything you need to know about ChatGPT. . Take a high-layer bar and press it between dies that have been drilled full of almost-touching holes, then grind the resulting bumps off. Damascus Steel rings are made of two alternating types of stainless steel, AEB-L and 302, forged together and worked by hand to produce vivid patterns. Add more acid if necessary. This prepares your steel for an even etch. I degrease with multiple wipes of acetone on new paper towels each time, but some guys prefer dish soap and water or alcohol. Buffing closes steel pores, which will keep the acid from getting it and will end with an unusual etch. At 5-10 minute intervals, gently stir the copper etching solution to agitate the solution. Don't touch it with your hands. Coffee Etching Damascus Steel | Knife Making How To/Tip. A Pocket Sundial From a Broken Pocket Watch! Furthermore if forged in the correct manner you can make swords from it that depicts a pattern often likened to watered silk. Will this stuff like sit in a jar without eating the jar? Lol. In the video linked above, YouTuber TheSmokinApe acid-etches an ESEE blade with Frenchs mustard. Step 4: Mix the Etch Acid Put on your rubber gloves. The difference between steel metals creates those different ways, especially when used again. I've heard lots of different solution strengths, but 3 parts distilled water to 1 part fecl has worked well for me. There you are, done! It is a common mistake that when you work with Damascus, the risk of extinction - the layers of separation - is just what you should do. My question at the moment is, will hot vinegar ruin the temper on a knife? Damascus's iron is highly respected by its patterns like waves. For example, you would use 1 cup of the acid to mix with 2 cups of the peroxide. Then I remembered I'd been thinking of switching to re-usable etchant, created on the bench using muriatic acid (the store name for hydrochloric acid, HCl, used for cleaning swimming pools). Technically, most of the time, we laser etch the knife if lasering on the blade, and engrave it on the wood handle (if the knife has a wood handle). What kind of acid do you use to etch Damascus steel? [save-account-details-nonce] => ), Copyright 2012 - 2020 American Bladesmith Society | All Rights Reserved, Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing at Texarkana College. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. Share it with us! Before you begin, check the expiration date on your acid of choice to be sure that its not too old. This is commonly sold in home improvement stores and pool supply stores in gallon jugs. You can order it off of Amazon, believe it or not. Ive never gotten a uniform etch on an HI khuk, even when soaking the blade completetly in the solution. How do I heat-treat 440C/CPM-154 Damascus billet? Damascus Patterns - From Billet to Finished Product, What's the proper technique for etching Damascus? Mix cup of baking soda with 1-2 quarts of water and spray the muriatic acid to neutralize it. Muriatic acid is diluted hydrochloric acid; it should be handled with extreme care. These products combine 50% of 50% of controversial rows in metal Damascus. If too late.no problem that is how we learn. [_wpnonce] => If you have hidden part of your bacteria so that it does not keep, and you want to do some part of acids and baking soda, completely remove the mask, clean the blade, and then use your mask before the second etch. Go MINIMUM of 3-1 dilution with DISTILLED water only. Hotter vinegar = deeper etch, but can the vinegar be too hot? The "active ingredient" in ferric chloride solution is hydrochloric acid. were can you get ferric cloride i've seen diluted in some placesbut havent found full strength, if i see it online they say they cannot ship it. It can also be used to remove soot from firebricks. Can you use coffee to etch Damascus? Ferric chloride is one of the most widely used etchants in the field of chemical etching. I haven't done many damasuses (damasci? Chemicals that form acid in water, such as ferric (iron) chloride or copper sulfate can also be used as etching chemicals. You can get an even etch if it's random. The one thing you DO NOT want when etching Damascus is "fast"..that always equals a poor etch. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Ferric-Chloride-Liquid/dp/B008UH3SAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492289092&sr=8-1&keywords=ferric+chloride. Don't use a metal container acid can corrode many metals, leading to the possible destruction of the container. Your email address will not be published. What kind of acid do you use to etch a knife? I mix the Ferric Chloride 50/50 with distilled water. Etching Damascus is a fairly straight forward process that can enhance the appearance of a Damascus blade. Either is effective. From his going on, they have respected their way of access, guided their response, expanded their product line and re-evaluated their unique iDascation process. It is in a greatly reduced concentration compared to the 30% hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid). Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. Ferric chloride is not an "acid" per se. Sign up for a new account in our community. Stainless Steel and Damascus, Kitchen Knives and Other Specialty Knives, Knife Making Parts : Finger Guards and Butt Caps, Metal Buffing, Grinding and Sanding Tools & Supplies, Knife Sheaths, Cases, Edge Guards & Displays, Hock Handplanes, Draw Knives & Spoke Shaves, Special Order & Construction Grade Products. The When it comes to finish work, addition of the muriatic acid keeps Berthelot recommends sanding the copper from looking blurry, and to at least a clean 600 grit prior to keeps the material out of the solu-etching. Etching of the metal surface is done to make visible the crystalline structure of the metal and to produce optical contrast between the various constituents. Ferric Acid will result in a double grey pattern (dark and light grey pattern) on either a matte or polished finish. Remove the Damascus from the acid and dip it in a bath of baking soda and distilled water to neutralize the acid. Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves at all times. Ferric chloride is dissolved in water. Always pour acid into water. What follows is a step-by-step tutorial on how to acid etch concrete with muriatic acid. Clean the blade. Bought some muriatic acid and hydrogen peroxide, did a mix of 1 muriatic to 2 hydrogen p. Works great, happy with it, now what do i do with it? Chemistry, Martial Arts, Mathematics, Woodworking, and Hot Steel, http://www.geraldboggs.com">www.geraldboggs.com. Ferric and Muriatic Acids work on Damascus Steels but will give 2 drastically different results. Etching of Damascus is done after manufacturing or grinding of the blank to bring out the contrasting steel patterns. Those rods and shoes represent an unlimited example made of synthetic steel derived from the art combination, a great quality of dedication and, above all, hard work. I don't know if you need a specific concentration of ferric chloride for etching, but I can explain how to make any concentration of ferric chloride as well. In Las Vegas Nevada, these workers learned their skills from the master himself, Rob Thomas before leaving the field. This prepares your steel for an even etch. Asiatic Muriatic does not require dilution. For this reason, true Damascus steel is called wootz Damascus steel to distinguish it from imitations. Share Save Helvetica Comment CaiLei 3 years ago Follow It is an ultra high carbon steel that achieved liquid state which should, theoretically, allow you to get a homogeneous steel product with equal carbon distribution and no slag inclusions at all. Fill in the etches in good. If you etch before heat treating you'll just erase it in the cleanup sanding. Rinse the floor thoroughly, squeegee away puddles, allow floor to dry. Make sure the blade is clean and free of oil and grease before continuing. [woocommerce-edit-address-nonce] => I love watching Ilya's work. Soft aluminum can be etched with ferric chloride, using acrylic polymer paint as a resist. You can etch stainless steel, mild steel, or high-carbon steel. Muriatic acid; Baking soda for neutralizing the acid; pH test strips . It still retains enough corrosive quality to etch your steel blades. When someone feels their ferric chloride batch has "gone bad", you can add a tablespoon or so of muriatic acid and regenerate it. STEP 1: STARTING Bring your Damascus at the end of grit 400 to 600. has no defect, one of the components inside the steel is not affected by etching, which makes it unacceptable Damascus to be a unique discovery when it's over. on Introduction. Made To Order * VG-10 San Mai Steel Knife Blank Damascus Layered Raw Finish Knife Making / LPB#2 ad vertisement by 11Spartans. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. 90% lower fumes than standard Muriatic Acid. Fill a glass jar with enough ferric chloride to cover the metal part. A standard strength for a careful etch on copper is 42 baume, above this and the ferric will etch more slowly as the solution is viscous. As etching can only work on evenly damp surfaces, you should etch the surface in sections to prevent dry spots. Edit* I just realized folks already gave this answer. Muratic acid is really not the stuff to use for etching especially inside your house or workshop. My problem here is that I've had some really inconsistent results with the vinegar. Then you can either just let the solution be open to air for a few days or add a bit of the hydrogen peroxide and boom, ferric chloride. You can now pay for your purchase with 4 interest free installments. this makes Ferris chloride, you need to add hydrogen peroxide to convert to ferric , go slow in an over large container is is an energetic reaction the ferris will be a green color, add peroxide until it turns brown and it is ferric, add distilled water until it etches nicely. (Recipe varies between smith). Sprinkle the mixture evenly across the surface of the prepared concrete. We have Added Apple Pay, Google Pay & Facebook Pay to our check out. Never put acid on the microwave! Works great. I use a fish tank bubbler in my acid tank to agitate the acid. Tungsten, vanadium, and carbon impurities in the metal formed carbon nanotubules and stretched cementite spheroids that gave the blades their pattern and mechanical properties. Should I dilute ferric chloride for etching? Complete etches in a well ventilated space and wear gloves, eye protection, and an apron or old clothes. It's known as muriatic acid and is sold in bulk at pool-supply and home-improvement stores. 3 years ago As with all chemicals, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing and gear. The press method is the reverse. ethanknott, You will also need to wash a baking bar. Before you begin, check the expiration date on your acid of choice to be sure that it's not too old. File away any burrs on the side of the steel you plan to etch with acid. to 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide (the common 3% kind that's sold in dollar stores & drugstores for $0.50 a pint) Warning!!!!! It is a corrosive salt. Damascus Steel the two give much different results. Whats the proper technique for etching Damascus. This advanced formula incorporates a custom blend of surfactants, organic minerals and derivatives of a plant based extract for the most effective concrete etching solution available. Congratulations on your progress. Put the holes on both sides or you'll get a bar with raindrop on one side and random on the other. Many hand-forged Damascus blades are made out of high carbon steel with small amounts of chromium in the alloy. Making stuff, hunting, rock climbing, philosophy, general adventure seeker. It will certainly freeze being significantly water. Sorry for the repeat. [woocommerce-edit-address-nonce] => In this video we show our new and improved process on how to etch the steel after heat treat to bring out that beautiful pattern. Very carefully pour your acid in, being sure not to cause any spills or splashes. [woocommerce-reset-password-nonce] => Apparently this neutralises the piece as well as helping to set the oxides. Generally speaking, you want to be at about a 400 grit finish or better to get an even etch across the pattern. Michael, it's easier to add more acid and try again than make it too strong and over-etch. Possible acids include muriatic (hydrochloric) acid (HCL), nitric acid (HNO3), or . The pattern should be looking good. Put on the goggles and vinyl gloves before mixing the chemicals. I'm not going to cover how to make damascus steel, there's lots of information online and it's pretty simple. ( Removing this step is notified, even though your tailor seems good because the acid is in the middle of the second and eliminates your design. So less about etching and more about patterns, how does one make raindrop damascus? bladesmithsforum.com This goes with us, but it produces remarkable visibility, and it's good to fix your pieces of photos. Begin the etching process. I assume I need to set the oxides but can I still do that weeks later? I've been there before.. It is a straightforward process, which is used to enhance the appearance of the blade and bring the inherent pattern, lying in wait within the steel, to life. Fill a plastic garden watering can halfway with the mixture. We are currently having phone problems but we are open normal hours, ** total_quantity ** | ** unit_price ** / ** unit_measure **, Premium Full Tang Stainless Steel Knife Kits, Premium Folding Knives. 2 Remove any burrs on the edges of the steel. I have noticed that Muriatic will produce a much shinier surface than Ferric, without a lot of the black that you would expect. I do Oh well, looks like another one for the personal collec Thats one of them there corner daggers With ferric acid, keep grit between 400 and 600. Fast-acting formula, safely use on interior and exterior applications. What is the Best 2x72 Grinder if you had the money? That's where I just got a bottle, $14.59 for a quart. Other, safer products are available for etching concrete and should be used . Then on the last etch , take it out, neutralize the acid without touching the blade, rinse with cold sater, dry the blade with compressed air (I use dust off) and oil . In a large nonmetallic bowl or container, mix 1 part hydrochloric acid with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Our passion is crafting knives featuring forged blades in the pursuit of the ultimate high performance cutting tool, what type of ferric acid do you use for Damascus and what strength saw alot of copper etchant is that the right stuff, https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-16oz-pcb-etchant-solution. Collectors should ensure to keep their blades clean and dry to avoid rust or staining. Wash thoroughly your piece of liquor and view it with pure oils. That is why I recommended you dilute the HCl way down with water, Michael. It is a matter of strength and timing. Phone Number: 541-684-4623E-mail: info@rideable.orgMailing Address:P.O. Tom, diluting muriatic doesn't make ferric chloride, no. Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. In fact, it is not. Most people use it cold, which is very slow. Can you etch Damascus steel with muriatic acid? Etching Concrete: The Process. It is in a greatly reduced concentration compared to the 30% hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid). If you are using ferric acid, lift it with a compact juice until you are so close to 50/50 acid ratio for water supply. This chemical solution needs to be heated to a temperature of between 160-185F (71-85C) in order to properly etch the metal.