Etching circles into steel without heavy machinery

PropReplicator2

PropReplicator2

Master Member
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Can it be done at home? I have a dremel etcher that could work. The metal is very thin steel sheet that needs to have multiple circles engraved into it.

Any ideas??
 
Ferric chloride would also work. You'll need to paint the areas you don't want etched with a resist, machinists layout fluid works well but so does nail polish if it's not a big piece. Brush it on and it will etch the exposed metal.
 
bookface said:
Ferric chloride would also work. You'll need to paint the areas you don't want etched with a resist, machinists layout fluid works well but so does nail polish if it's not a big piece. Brush it on and it will etch the exposed metal.
Click to expand...
Its not a big piece at all. Its. Rogue One data card. I think I'll be using nail polish since I have it at home.
 
Something as simple as a nail through a small piece of wood or a ruler can be used to etch circles as long as you tape or glue down a central pivot point. Many have used this to etch the lines for Captain America shields.
 
Psicorp7 said:
Something as simple as a nail through a small piece of wood or a ruler can be used to etch circles as long as you tape or glue down a central pivot point. Many have used this to etch the lines for Captain America shields.
Click to expand...
I used this method on my captain America shield as well but it doesn't seem to work with this prop. The lines are simply to close together and you can't get a grip.
 
PropReplicator2 said:
I used this method on my captain America shield as well but it doesn't seem to work with this prop. The lines are simply to close together and you can't get a grip.
Click to expand...

You can reverse your thinking and rotate the disc under a fixed etching tool (sharp nail). You just need a turntable that rotates. Think of the setup like that of a record player.
 
Psicorp7 said:
You can reverse your thinking and rotate the disc under a fixed etching tool (sharp nail). You just need a turntable that rotates. Think of the setup like that of a record player.
Click to expand...
Good idea. I think I'll go with the acid etching Idea though as that is something I can let sit for a while while I work on something else.
 
Electroetching is really cool. I started experimenting with it 2 days ago. I'm still fine tuning the results, but so far, I'm amazed. How did I not learn this years ago?
IMG_0541.JPG
 
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