KPeacock Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I found it impossible to find ferric chloride at electronics stores i nthe area and after two days of searching i ws only able to locate ferric chloride in a 55gal drum, or in a 4oz container. I just purchased the 4oz container and found out that it is 4oz of ferric chloride crystals. i was expecting liquid, but I"m sure it will work out the same. Do any of you know the final concentration of mixture that you use? I spent a bit of time searching the forum for the answer and only came up with quantative numbers like a 3:1 mix with water when using PCB etchant from radio shack. Any quesses as to a final ratio? do you think it even matters? My guess is that a stronger mixture will etch faster, btu I"m guessing there is a point of diminishing returns. If I can't figure out the answer here, I'll try to find some computer geeks and see if they know what the concentration is for the PCB etchant. So far, everyone I have talked to has looked at me like I have three eyes. Thanks, Kris Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Blue Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 The standard ratio for anhydrous ferric chloride is 1 pound per 60 oz of water. So, your four ounces will mix with 15 ounces of water. I don't know the exact percent solution this will produce without doing the chemical math. Add a little powder and mix well and repeat. This reaction will give off heat and a gas, hydrogen chloride, that is nasty to breath (essentially a vapor form of hydrochloric acid, or that's what it will be when it mixes with the water in your nasal and breathing passages). All relevant protective equipment should be on your head, covering your face and the environs well ventilated. Be careful. Careful... There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. Will Rogers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted November 13, 2008 Author Share Posted November 13, 2008 Thanks, I'll mix it up tonight and see what happens on my test piece. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calvin Robinson Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 FYI I recently bought a 16oz. bottle of ferric clhoride from Sheffield Knifemakers Supply in Florida, they shipped it UPS. I mixed it 50%/50% with distilled water to etch the damascus blade for my Armadillo Hunter It was the first time I`ve ever etched anything and it worked great! Calvin Robinson Calvin`s Handmade Knives Pace Florida 32571 calvinshandmadeknives@yahoo.com 850-572-1504 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankknickmeyer Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Thanks Mike, I needed that same information. Hank henry knickmeyer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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