Etching a serial number into a selfbuilt AK

[DavidRSA]

I definitely want a custom serial number once my AK is done. How do you builders do it? Is there at DIY kit one can buy? Or do I have to take a trip to Colorado and visit Gunsmoke store (from American Guns) and have Kurt Wyatt do a custom hand engraving?

[nicoroshi]

I punch mine before I bend the flat.
Cheap 1/8" punch set, and plenty of practice turns out decent (custom) markings.

[Roccobro]

Kingpin.SC can do some amazing laser engraving.

I've seen a buddy do an electro-etch of 4 dictators faces and a slogan underneath, all under 2" long and perfectly clear to read and identify the dicks.

CNC engraving is available as well.

Man, times are good for Cali gun builders!

Justin

[wash]

I think I want some cyrilic markings so I probably need an electro-etching template.

I like the idea of a Russian translator being required to read "suck it DOJ" or something like that.

[nicoroshi]

I think I want some cyrilic markings so I probably need an electro-etching template.

I like the idea of a Russian translator being required to read "suck it DOJ" or something like that.

they do make stamp sets in cyrilic you know

[SoCalXD]

I use an Electro-Chem Personalizer Plus Etching kit, which I picked up from Jantz for $225. If you want good, deep etching however, you'll need use a photo stencil, rather than the typewriter/dot matrix printer template roll that comes with the kit. You can DIY by using overhead transparencies and photoresist film, or go to Electro-Chem to have them create a template sheet for you. I decided to go with the electro-chemical etching route so I could offer the service at the local build parties... After $300 and 100 hours invested, I'm just about at the point where I can produce very good results for around $5 in consumables and an hour of my time.

To be honest, this all takes considerable money and time spent learning the process (it's almost an additional hobby!) that you may not want to invest it, so using a punch set, followed with a little Dremel cleanup, is probably much easier and cheaper for reasonable results.

[CSACANNONEER]

Either stamp your flat or send it to Kingpin (or any shop you want to) BEFORE you bend or do any work to your flat.

[Jayruta]

I use an Electro-Chem Personalizer Plus Etching kit, which I picked up from Jantz for $225. If you want good, deep etching however, you'll need use a photo stencil, rather than the typewriter/dot matrix printer template roll that comes with the kit. You can DIY by using overhead transparencies and photoresist film, or go to Electro-Chem to have them create a template sheet for you. I decided to go with the electro-chemical etching route so I could offer the service at the local build parties... After $300 and 100 hours invested, I'm just about at the point where I can produce very good results for around $5 in consumables and an hour of my time.

To be honest, this all takes considerable money and time spent learning the process (it's almost an additional hobby!) that you may not want to invest it, so using a punch set, followed with a little Dremel cleanup, is probably much easier and cheaper for reasonable results.

Speaking of which adam when can you etch me some receivers

[glockman19]

Either stamp your flat or send it to Kingpin (or any shop you want to) BEFORE you bend or do any work to your flat.

I wouldn't etch/engrave...I would Stamp.

[wash]

Etching with a good machine can get a good deep etch and if I tried to punch it without using some type of guide I would definitely get that vodka build look.

But etching is a reasonable option if done right.

[Roccobro]

I use an Electro-Chem Personalizer Plus Etching kit, which I picked up from Jantz for $225. If you want good, deep etching however, you'll need use a photo stencil, rather than the typewriter/dot matrix printer template roll that comes with the kit. You can DIY by using overhead transparencies and photoresist film, or go to Electro-Chem to have them create a template sheet for you. I decided to go with the electro-chemical etching route so I could offer the service at the local build parties... After $300 and 100 hours invested, I'm just about at the point where I can produce very good results for around $5 in consumables and an hour of my time.

To be honest, this all takes considerable money and time spent learning the process (it's almost an additional hobby!) that you may not want to invest it, so using a punch set, followed with a little Dremel cleanup, is probably much easier and cheaper for reasonable results.

And now everyone will want you to do their stuff for $5. lol

I too much prefer the photo paper to any other style, including vinyl stencils.

Justin