Etched enclosures

[duck_arse]

I just don't really want to buy anymore chemicals you know? (apparently hydrogen peroxide is the go if I recall correctly)

@wilde, if you want some ferric chloride, let me know, I've got a bucket and a half of it in the shed.

[Jdansti]

Been toying with the idea of etching the design like regular, then rusting the surface, then block sanding so the etch comes through.
I just don't really want to buy anymore chemicals you know? (apparently hydrogen peroxide is the go if I recall correctly)

Anyone have any experience with somewhat controlled rusting? 

No experience with controlled rusting, but I have some ideas. You'll need a steel enclosure. Oxidized aluminum is whitish, powdery, and ugly. Some ideas with household chemicals: Try soaking a steel enclosure in salt water. Check it every day or so. You could try dilute bleach too. It would probably work faster than salt water. I don't have any experience with hydrogen peroxide and steel. I'm not sure if household peroxide would be strong enough to work in a short amount of time

[haveyouseenhim]

Anyone have any experience with somewhat controlled rusting? 

No experience with controlled rusting, but I have some ideas. You'll need a steel enclosure. Oxidized aluminum is whitish, powdery, and ugly. Some ideas with household chemicals: Try soaking a steel enclosure in salt water. Check it every day or so. You could try dilute bleach too. It would probably work faster than salt water. I don't have any experience with hydrogen peroxide and steel. I'm not sure if household peroxide would be strong enough to work in a short amount of time

I would say use a steel enclosure and use gun blue. After it's blued don't touch it and it should develop a thin even coat of rust.

[wildebelor]

I was thinking of getting some steel wedge enclosures, so that could be a great idea!
Still not sure if it's worth the time and effort but I think the results could be very cool 

[Schizo910]

For those having problems with transfering the toner and finding the right paper.
Get some labelprinting sheets, peel of the stickers and throw those away. You'll be left with the greasy feelingside. Make sure to leave the paper border on so your printer will get hold of the sheet.

I havehad good results with this.

[hylandren]

[Jdansti]

I've never done it, but depending on the grade of the stainless (308, 316, etc.), it could take a long time. You'll want to keep the temperature of the ferric chloride elevated.

[haveyouseenhim]

+1  I tried once and it took about an hour to leave a VERY slight etch.

[electrosonic]

Electro-etched in copper sulfate, still hoping to get a perfect etch someday.



Not a lot of room for error in the drilling, the echo base pcb will sit vertically inside and the knobs will be on the left and the footswitch on the bottom right.

I'm already stressed out that I am going to screw it up.

Andrew.

[wildebelor]

That came out awesome andrew!

I think electro etching could be the next method I attempt.
I'm glad it's the safest too!

[deadastronaut]

+1 came out nice..like the design too

[davent]

Andrew, came out great!  I find one of these works great for getting the holes started where they're suppose to be.



http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,180,42311&p=45502


dave

[deadastronaut]

yep, good old centre punch does the job, it rests in the etched dot too..

i drill  2-3mm holes then use the 7mm..etc..nicely evenly done everytime.

[Jdansti]

Maybe not as precise, but I use one of these spring center punches.  Just press to %^&* and release the spring mechanism.  No hammer necessary.  Depending on the final hole size, I may use a small pilot bit after I make a dimple.

[duck_arse]

Just press to %^&* and release the spring mechanism. 

just press to swear? that's not much of a testemonial.

[bluebunny]

just press to swear? that's not much of a testemonial.

I thought a testemonial (sic) was what you whimper when you get kicked in the n*ts.                                            

(Getting coat...)

[Schizo910]

My second etch on a stompbox, still not deep enough to my likings. But I'm getting there! :-)

[Tony Forestiere]

Just press to %^&* and release the spring mechanism. 

just press to swear? that's not much of a testemonial.

I think he meant "Just press to cock..." There is a "%^&*-blocker" on the site.

[Jdansti]

Just press to rooster...

[duck_arse]

but if I do decide to centre punch my "bad boys", I will still swear, won't I?

[aside]testimoanial. if you think my spellinks are bad, you should see the stuff I manage to edit out[/aside]

can I say "nice furry box", then?