The Etching Thread

[ogrerocks]

I'm looking into cutting and etching a window.
The cutting is no problem I've done it 3 or 4 times before.

For etching, I have a nice new dremel with this etching bit. As I've been practicing, I noticed that's it very hard to make a smooth curve (due to the rotation of the bit and direction of pressure).

To anyone whose etched something by hand: What tool have you used and what bit? What techniques did you find worked best?

Any suggestions/comments are welcome.

Here's what I'm thinking about etching
Choice 1
Choice 2



I suppose I could always go back to the high school and use the CNC machine. but that's no fun.

[james8547]

I've got a suggestion. Why not laser etch (engrave) the window (as opposed to doing it by hand)? IMHO, it's easier to engrave on a cast acrylic window using a laser engraver. We got a machine that engraves text and logos on a sheet of acrylic. This ensures that you actually get what you want and make no errors. It's also permament unlike window appliques.

As for pricing, it depends on a few factors:

1. size of the logo being engraved and how many text lines we have to engrave.

2. is it good artwork? Pixelized artwork means that we have to re-do it. It's best to if the customer sends a .eps file (Adobe Illustrator).

3. How big is the acrylic sheet.

4. Custom cutting the acrylic to fit the window requires more work for us.

5. Quantity of order. Of course, the more you order, the more you save. This is mostly for resellers. You get a price break if you order a bunch of like-items (anything that we don't have to re-setup the machines).

[mattg2k4]

If you have a sandblaster, those work great for high quality etches. Just lay down some packing tape and cut out the design, and blast away.

The link you gave to a bit just goes to the dremel main page, but I've used the conical grinding bit and some of those spherical shaped carving bits with good success. I've seen some work from a CNC router, it was very nice.

Sandpaper works good, but its challenging to use.

The best way is to just experiment. Different tools give different results.

[Force Flow]

I use a pointed tip on the dremmel to make the outline of the design, then "fill" it in with a larger bit.

[ogrerocks]

Originally posted by james8547 I've got a suggestion. Why not laser etch (engrave) the window (as opposed to doing it by hand)?

Laser engraving is no fun unless you own a laser. The point of doing the project is fun. Sending it or ordering it somewhere takes away all the fun of doing it yourself. It also costs money to order it.

[james8547]

Lucky me I got access to a laser machine and a sandblaster. But we only use the sandblaster to engrave on glass. I don't work at production but they won't mind me using the machines if they're not in use.

[tigstah]

get an engravers bit.
those designs are easy compared to the redskins one i did a couple of years ago.