Electro-Etching

[the architech]

So I've been trying a number of different methods for building faceplates and I recently saw this badass steampunk synth online and fell in love (http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/07/etched-brass_modular_synth.html). I've been looking up the process of brass electro-etching and it doesn't seem that complicated. I was just wondering if anyone here ever gave it a go. Not only is it a super cool process, but the whole understanding of electrical resistance through chemicals is really interesting to me.

Now, I've also been toying around with different ideas for power sources for my synth, and since I need some sort of power source for the electro-plating I thought I might be able to kill two birds with one lightning bolt. Greenart (http://www.greenart.info/galvetch/contfram.htm) lays it out pretty well that I definitely need something that can control my voltage and amperage. They repeatedly suggest not to exceed 6V, but for larger pieces I'm going to need more amps. Seems like people use everything from motorcycle batteries to car battery chargers, but I want something with gauges I can control.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Clack]

I've done a few experiments with it. I controlled current by the distance between the anode and cathode. Unless you want to mess with high currents it is quite slow and needs a lot of supervision (I was worried about the plates touching as I had no safety bulb) . I think an ideal electro etching bath is powered by a constant current source.


The problem with a synth psu is that it's normally 1A max and that's when it has heatsinks and at 15v you will need to make sure there is enough distance between the plates. Try it but use an ammeter to check the current!! And don't leave it unattended.


Oh and also it works without copper sulphate that just speeds the process.