Electrochemical Etching volts/amps question

[brendon.davies]

Hi everyone,

Just starting out bladesmithing. I've searched the forum for answers to my question but haven't found any answers that take care of what I'm specifically looking for.

 

I'm looking at getting a set up for etching my makers mark int my blades. I've seen loads of DIY build it yourself etchers, but I'd rather just buy a DC power source for it.

This is the power supply I'm going to buy:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHZ2X2Q/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08DHZ2X2Q&pd_rd_w=SmtNz&pf_rd_p=085568d9-3b13-4ac1-8ae4-24a26c00cb0c&pd_rd_wg=8Q2g2&pf_rd_r=GV1HXHMGN5KE4RA1G355&pd_rd_r=5b0ccda2-5bed-4607-9174-4535b59c1eda&smid=A12APH4T5I08JR&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQU5DQkdPRkZKUU1SJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjcwNDkwMlpNWE5JWUhTQkcxUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTgyNzUwMTE0NkJVSEhVV0ZQSiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

It is an adjustable 5V 30Amp supply. My question is, because it is adjustable, how many volts/amps should I look to use when etching my blades? What effect does changing the volts/amps have when etching a blade? 

 

Any and all advice or information would be much appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[Jerrod Miller]

You have your volts and amps reversed.  That is a 30V/5A supply.  More amps means a faster etch.  Since it can be done with a 9V battery or car battery, you definitely don't need high voltage, but depending on how aggressive you want your etching process to be you may want higher amps (like 50A as mentioned in the link below).  

 

BTW, I assume you have seen this thread, but in case you haven't, here it is:

 

[Don Abbott]

I use a 6v/12v battery charger (like for the car and/or tractor)

 

Works great.

[Gary LT]

I’ve used a 6/12 car battery charger in the past. But found an old Lionel train transformer and use this now.

Works like a charm!

Gary LT