etching aluminum with dremel

[Amaris10]

Has anyone done this?

I want to etch my aluminum with design patterns and then color the groove of the etching with a black sharpie, or the like.

Would a dremel do this? And is there a particular bit to use.
I don't want to go deep, but just enough to give the idea for etching.

I'm decorating a pair of cuisses.

I'm not into the acid thing. But, I do have time to just sit and etch away. However,.... please let me know if the effort will be worth it.

Thanks

[Maeryk]

Yes, a dremel will do it, but you better have a steady hand! One of the tiny die-grinder bits would probably work, as would the edge of a cutoff wheel.

Have you thought of using an engraver set to a very light "tap" instead? Probably much easier to control. (more like using a heavy pen, and less like using a spinning whirling tool-o-death)

[Amaris10]

Maeryk,

An engraver? I haven't used one of those. I was just thinking of a dremel because I've got 4 of them sitting around. My dad couldn't find anyone of his...so, he would get mad and just buy a new one.

hmmm,.. I guess I could go to sears and check out an engraver.

Amaris

[Maeryk]

My suggestion would be find some scrap aluminum, and try it. See what you get.

That's the only way to know for sure.. or try on a hidden surface (inside of a breastplate, inside the cuff of a gauntlet, etc) before working on the "finish piece".

Like most other things involving tools, it's probably an aquired skill.

I know I can do a lot with small hand-carving gouges in wood. I know using a burr bit in a dremel I can do a lot of _damage_ to wood, but not so much "art".

Practice, I'm sure, makes perfect.

[InsaneIrish]

http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Bosch_Dreme ... 15v_290_01

here's what you need. Or something like it.

[Jean Paul de Sens]

As an alternative, I found these instructions very nice.

http://houseasgard.com/data/etch.php

JP

[Bjørn]

I used a dremel on my viking hilt and pommel. There is a bit you can buy at homedepot for engraving/carving metal. I tried the sharpie as well, didn't look good. I then used black paint from rust-oleum. That did the trick. I posted some pictures of it here.


Just scroll down towards the bottom, and there is picture of the sword. Also check out Samuels webpage he posted, he has some cool etch work done with a dremel.
http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... 05&start=0

Bjorn

[Jeff W]

I've also used the acid etching instructions on houseagard to do shields and other items. I'm not sure if I would do it any other way, the dremel method sounds like alot of work.
Jeff

[Halberds]

Macrgra,

That rattan sword with the aluminum pommel and cross guard is yours?
Very nice. The runes show up good, and with a Dremel no less?

Then I would say yes, work on some scrap first, sit down and brace your hand on the table. Use the ball carbide attachment about 1/16" dia. or smaller.

Make smooth stroking motions and cut over your drawn lines with the bit.
Grind out the lines about 1/32" deep.
Do a surface sanding to smooth out the boogers when done.

Me self used a ground down cement nail and a little hammer when I had to do it.

Best of luck,

Hal

[Sasuke]

Here are some pictures of some etching Vermin did. I am pretty sure he used a dremel.

http://members.armourarchive.org/sasuke ... ermin.html

Chris

[Brian Belding]

http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Bosch_Dremel_Electric_Engraver_6500_13000_Rpm_115v_290_01

here's what you need. Or something like it.

I have one of these. they work by making tons of little dots, they are not real good at smooth lines

just my 2¢

[Bjørn]

Thanks for the compliment Halberds, I just got finished with my newest toy. A SCAdian dane ax with a tooled leather ax head. Here is a picture of it.

Bjorn