Etched enclosures

[Strange]

The bird was recessed - I etched it, painted the entire thing red, taped off everything but the bird, painted the bird area, sanded accordingly. After the black paint the bird is almost flush with the rest of the enclosure.

I am still experimenting with different techniques and learning - this was an attempt to be able to better control my sanding with the distress/relic motif. Again, I need lots of practice.  

[texstrat]

Has anyone had any success etching an enclosure that has already been drilled? Treating the edges of the the holes with nail varnish and taping them off?

[Strange]

I have done it before although I just taped over the holes (overlapping s few times) and it worked fine.

[texstrat]

Thanks Strange.

[Strange]

Not a problem - I did not coat the holes as I figured it would be a pain to try and clean it afterwards. That, and it was a simple three hole accross the top and a foot switch. The etch was in the centre so taping over the holes was quick and easy.

[deadastronaut]

thought i'd try fibre optics...

need to redo it, but you get the idea!...it should look cool when its cleaned up and  done...properly.   

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Something to really get you going Rob...

How about the spaceship lights changing from one color to another as the dirt gets "grittier."

To make it look like the ships are firing on the innocent people 

[artifus]

nice idea, gov, and good work rob. you could rig up one of your 386 sound to light circuits (with a trimmer on the input?) and different coloured leds (one colour input, another for delay?) connected to the fibre optics? lookin' good.

it could happen tomorrow!

[deadastronaut]

cool ideas guys...

yeah might go with the 386 idea...those fibres are a fiddly job to do....the box ruined about 7 of my 0.6mm bits too.....

so i won't be doing this too often..

[endorphin]

To you guys and to any ladies have been really inspiring so I decided to try my first etch!







I'm rather happy with it but I couldn't get it to get it to etch as deep as I've seen on others 

[jwar]

Hey guys! I have a few quick questions.

First and foremost, Deadastronaut-where did you get the fiber optics? I would LOVE to do this in a pedal I'm working on.


Second question. I too have the etching bug. What do you guys do with the etchant after you've used it? It's my understanding that you cannot re-use it? Is that true? If so, what's a proper way of getting rid of it? Also, is there somewhere to order larger quantities of it? I know Radio Shack carries PCB etchant, which is what I've been using, but it seems expensive when you're etching a lot.

Here's what I've done so far.

Darth Vader done for a member on ILF



Robot Devil kit (this one didn't turn out as good as I had hoped)


Woolly Mammoth clone

[tasos]

lol i read MILF 

[DocAmplify]

I just finished etching a Vader enclosure too. 

This one is a Bazz Fuzz circuit, but I've added a toggle to go between the suggested capacitor for the bass and a smaller one for guitar. 

[deadastronaut]

@jwar:  i bought a fibre optic  lamp for a quid at a poundland shop....

it looks good, but its a pain in the butt to do...

[kingnimrod]

Have to go back and fill in a few of the shallower lines. Ok for a first experiment.

[Strange]

Second question. I too have the etching bug. What do you guys do with the etchant after you've used it? It's my understanding that you cannot re-use it? Is that true? If so, what's a proper way of getting rid of it? Also, is there somewhere to order larger quantities of it? I know Radio Shack carries PCB etchant, which is what I've been using, but it seems expensive when you're etching a lot.

If you are using Feric Chloride you can and should reuse it many times.

[Maik]

Just the Spitfire from Rob...

[deadastronaut]

cool, they have got to have led eyes.....

[jwar]

Second question. I too have the etching bug. What do you guys do with the etchant after you've used it? It's my understanding that you cannot re-use it? Is that true? If so, what's a proper way of getting rid of it? Also, is there somewhere to order larger quantities of it? I know Radio Shack carries PCB etchant, which is what I've been using, but it seems expensive when you're etching a lot.

If you are using Feric Chloride you can and should reuse it many times.

Oh ok. Well, it's just sitting in Tupperware in my garage right now. When I used it again, I no it didn't seem to work as well, but it was also a colder day. I think I need to put a space heater in my garage. Good to know at any rate. 

[pakrat]

jwar, the ferric chloride works much faster if it's warm. I usually put my tupperware in a larger tupperware with hot water in it to warm the etchant. It works very well! Here's my latest etch for a Small Stone build that nearly killed me:


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