Etch-o-Matic anyone?

[TWH]

Has anyone used an Etch-o-Matic to serialize there 80 builds?

http://www.etch-o-matic.com/index.html

If so anyone care to share their results?

Is this a better way to go for etching SN's and such.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=684735

I'm wondering about font size, how small can it and still be readable?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[ar15barrels]

If your eyes are good, you can read 1/16" tall characters.

The biggest issue with etching is getting enough depth.

[kendog4570]

I have an Etch-O-Matic Super kit for sale if anyone is interested.

Here is their link. http://www.etch-o-matic.com/eom.htm

Scroll about half way down for the Super Kit

[bohoki]

i was thinking about experimenting with photoresist its generally used for making circuitboards

you paint it on the place you want to etch then place a shield over the areas you dont want to remove (basically a negative of what you want printed (laser print on a transparency)

then place it over the paint expose it to uv light then wash the paint with a basic solution

the areas exposed to the uv are removed

then using acid or an electrolite with dc current it will remove metal

but i am far too lazy

[kcstott]

I have an Etch-O-Matic Super kit for sale if anyone is interested.

Here is their link. http://www.etch-o-matic.com/eom.htm

Scroll about half way down for the Super Kit

so how much you looking to get for it?? and how used is it??

[TWH]

ATF Requirements

"For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch"

.003" is not very deep, I think etching can achieve this. I'm thinking of 1/8" font, but will etching be clean and crisp at this size? Seams like everything find on is much larger in size.

Another though would be to go with something like this.....

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HVWF5QE

Could be used other things in the shop.

[ar15barrels]

.003" is not very deep, I think etching can achieve this.

Etching can do that, it just takes more time.
Also, the more time you etch, the more the edges lose their sharpness.
You are better to do it with more current for a shorter time than with less current for a longer time.

That engraver would do a much better job.

[kendog4570]

so how much you looking to get for it?? and how used is it??

It's in real good shape. Lots of juice (electrolyte) left and a ton of stencil material. I made stencils using an old typewriter. I'll send some pictures after the weekend.

[IrishJoe3]

I've played around with electro-etching (Vader-Spade inspired), and have developed my own technique that works pretty well. I did a tutorial at this link.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=949819

I did all this etching using that technique

[IrishJoe3]

That engraver would do a much better job.

Not necessarily true. This was electrically etched. It was timed at 2 minutes 30 seconds. As you can see it is both deep and crisp, (12 v 2 Amps).

Etching can do that, it just takes more time.
Also, the more time you etch, the more the edges lose their sharpness.
You are better to do it with more current for a shorter time than with less current for a longer time.

Case and point (10 minute etch time)

[ar15barrels]

Case and point (10 minute etch time)

Thank you for proving my point.
Those 10 minute edges are all over the place.

[IrishJoe3]

Thank you for proving my point.
Those 10 minute edges are all over the place.

You could always go WAY overboard

[Greg B]

Hell, I've got two Marking Methods etching kits I'll give away.
Haven't even looked at them in 15 years.
You just have to come pick 'em up.

[Bralowe]

The Etch-o-Matic tool works, but is a bit crude.

[VictorFranko]

Many, many years ago I used Etch-O-Matic to mark my machinist tools.
Worked quite well on things like angle plates, 1-2-3 blocks and parallels which are hardened to Rockwell 62-64c, making engraving or stamping next-near to impossible.