dremel wetanding

[rhdwave]

I just got a dremel, and was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to wetsand with it to prepare enclosures for etching?
Thanks!

[cockaroacha]

Don't use any AC powered unit for wet sanding! It's just too dangerous. Water has a way of getting into places that it shouldn't, and we want to see you alive to build lots of stompboxes...

If you have access to an air compressor, you might consider using an air-powered random-orbital sanding attachment. That's probably a safer alternative for wet-sanding. For home use, you can probably get one really cheap from Harbor Freight if you're here in the US.

[Pushtone]

A Dremel does not sound like the right tool.
I just use my electric sander and a sports bottle of water.

but wet-sanding is a very good idea because breathing aluminum dust is a bad idea.
Try blowing your nose after dry-sanding and see what comes out. 
(Plus it gets a better finish as you know.)

[magicdog]

How about using an RCD in the wall before the Dremel - should be able to cut the power quick enough if you get wet...!

[markm]

My advice would be to wetsand by hand and with a flat block.
This is crucial for getting the surface flat and will greatly effect the outcome of the finished piece.
It's a pain yes but, it pays off.
You can however initially rough sand the top with 100 grit using a power sander to save time.
   MarkM

[rhdwave]

Ok, thanks for all the responses.  I hadn't thought of that.  Definately don't want any electrocution hazards.  I just tried a test etching on the back of one of my boxes, and it really didn't work too well at all.  I just used a sharpie however and i'm wondering if i either left it in the solution for too long or the ink wasn't dry yet.  There's evidence that the etchant worked because where i taped it, is a different height, but there's not really any evidence of the design i was going for.  I have to say however, that if i look at in a certain way there's some cool random patterns in there...maybe i'm just tripping, but anyway.  Has anyone tried using just a sharpie?

[markm]

Sharpies are great for touching up PCB's or even a PNP on an enclosure but, they are far from ideal.
I suggest not using them to do an enclosure.
The only positive thing I can say is they are E-Z but not real reliable.
My opinion.
Go here for more info;
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/Acid-Graphics
  MarkM

[bwanasonic]

Go here for more info;
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/Acid-Graphics
  MarkM

Mark! A fantastic tutorial! I am wondering what ways there might be to mask the etched areas after painting them with a light color, and then painting with a dark color, to get light color graphics against a dark background? I'm getting ahead of myself though. I should just do a few with the basic technique first. Thanks for a great photo-essay.

Kerry M

[rhdwave]

yes, thanks again Mark...i've read that tutorial several times now.  It's invaluable.  One question on the etching, and forgive me if it's smack in the middle of the tutorial, but i just did another experimental etch using sharpie on a pretty cheap radioshack project box and this time qtips.  It seemed to work, however, do you paint the box afterwards, as the whole thing takes on a darker, dirtier looking background, wondering if that's what's below the surface aluminum?

[markm]

Go here for more info;
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/Acid-Graphics
  MarkM

Mark! A fantastic tutorial! I am wondering what ways there might be to mask the etched areas after painting them with a light color, and then painting with a dark color, to get light color graphics against a dark background? I'm getting ahead of myself though. I should just do a few with the basic technique first. Thanks for a great photo-essay.

Kerry M

Kerry,
Thanks for the thumbs up.
I've gotten some good advice from some of your posts in the past and the photo-essay was my way of giving back to you guys here.
I've been contemplating a Black enclosure with the etch filled with Gold or silver....maybe even white!
My wife has this craft stuff that's like a very fine plastic powder that she uses for embossing, I've been thinking of swiping a bit of that stuff and filling some of the etch with it and seeing how it works.
No time right now though
Thanks again!

yes, thanks again Mark...i've read that tutorial several times now.  It's invaluable.  One question on the etching, and forgive me if it's smack in the middle of the tutorial, but i just did another experimental etch using sharpie on a pretty cheap radioshack project box and this time qtips.  It seemed to work, however, do you paint the box afterwards, as the whole thing takes on a darker, dirtier looking background, wondering if that's what's below the surface aluminum?

I'm not sure if I'm clear on your question but, if I'm reading you correctly here I would say yes, after the etch I spray the whole enclosure.....or the top anyway and the wetsand it with 600 grit paper.
This takes off the color but, leaves the color in the etch.
Be sure to clean out the etch before doing so as the black cr*p that's left behind is acually corroded aluminum and the paint will not adhere to that as well as it could.
Take care and good luck,
    MarkM

[rhdwave]

Okay, that's what i needed to know.  Thanks Mark!