Help with electro-etching

[gicts]

Hey guys, I've been reading and seeing the great results from electro etching and figured I'd give it a go. So far, I haven't been able to keep the solution from getting between the aluminum test pieces and the stencil. This of course results in a large, general etching the sized of the stencil cutout, as opposed to the crisp, defined lines I have seen. You can see the solution seep under the stencil and bubble away.

I have been using a DC 12V .75A plug with alligator clips and vinegar and salt on a Q-tip. The stencil is PhotoEZ that has been taped on, and later on glued. The solution eventually worked through the glue as opposed to the aluminum (I guess the path of least resistance...). The PhotoEZ seems to have great potential though. I can get much greater detail than I would cutting vinyl.

The only thing I can think of is switching to a commercial gel as a solution. Would this work? Has anyone had any experience using PhotoEZ or similar product? Any help would be appreciated!

[wash]

I got really lucky, when I was looking at a surplus electronics place for DIY electro-etcher parts I found an old professional quality electro-etcher for $20.

Then I added some wires and an etching head I think I got from TUS (I think), TUS made etching stencils and TUS electrolytes.

It works well on steels.

For aluminum I made DIY electrolyte with white vinegar and table salt. That worked OK.

I haven't had the problems you experienced but I know my stencils are different.

[gicts]

I got really lucky, when I was looking at a surplus electronics place for DIY electro-etcher parts I found an old professional quality electro-etcher for $20.

Then I added some wires and an etching head I think I got from TUS (I think), TUS made etching stencils and TUS electrolytes.

It works well on steels.

For aluminum I made DIY electrolyte with white vinegar and table salt. That worked OK.

I haven't had the problems you experienced but I know my stencils are different.

Thanks, nice find!

I did a bit of Google-ing and found mixed results. The only thing I can think of is finding something with better amperage. I don't saturate the surface with solution either....

[Dreaded Claymore]

You should probably refer to VaderSpade's megathread. It is amazing. Etching begins in post #13.

[Gunsmith Dan]

You have to remember that there is no real general use solution .... different metals require different types/concentrations of solutions to work correctly.