Etchant formulas for damascus

[Alan B]

For chain saw chains I use straight Ferric Chloride
For cable I use 6 ounces of ferric chloride mixed with 1/2 gallon of muriatic acid.
For most other damascus I use a mix of 6 ounces of ferric chloride with 1 gallon of muriatic acid.
Alan Brazzel
WARNING: using the above formulas may expose the user to chlorine gas as well as the caustic action of the etch. Use in well ventilated area and avoid all contact with clothing, eyes and skin! :!:

[ThomasPowers]

For bandsaw blades and steel strapping I like using vinegar and salt---a supersaturated solution and heated. Does not do much topo but has a very bright shiny etch compared to using ferric chloride.

I have also used a tannic acid solution to give blue/purple-blacks on a pattern welded blade.

Thomas