CBrann Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Here is my dilema: The story... I had some dull hack saw blades hanging around, so... I stacked and welded them, folded in 1/3 s and welded again, repeat 4 times. I then forged out to shape, and filed ground polished hardened and tempered, and re-polished again. Degreased after polish. Ok so far, I used ferric chloride for the r shack, straight for the jug, applied for about 30 seconds, scrubbed off the black oxide, then re applied, about 5 times, the rinsed and applied baking soda to neutralize the ferric chloride. The issue: the pattern comes out beautifully when the etchant is on, but after rinsing and drying, it seems to "fade". Am I dong something wrong? or is it the homogenous steel to blame. The pattern is still visible with oblique light, but I was hoping for something a little more..."dramatic" And I will try some pics... after I find my camera .. again.. but II don't think the pattern will will come in pics. Thanks Cliff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Straight from the jug is too strong you want to get a differential etch where some stuff etches and others do not try a 1:3 or 4 dilution and let it sit a longer time. Also different alloys like different etches, you may want to try with different acids to see what gives you the best definition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 Thanks, I'll try it, and report back. I looked at some of the processes, and they suggested a 2:1 to 4:1 dilution, but I wasn't sure what strength I got, so was unsure if I should. I am very excited about this project, and would like to bring my vision and reality together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Use the advice above and you may be able to see the pattern a bit better. And remember that most times patterns look their best after heat treat. Next stack try alternating layers of material with different properties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 (edited) Fair enough, thanks Rich. Hope fully the pics are clear enough. Cliff looks like I am better blacksmith than photographer... Edited August 26, 2009 by CBrann sent wrong pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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