
Builder Last Online: Nov 2019


Model Scale: 1/8
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Started: 02-24-14
Build Revisions: Never

A while back, I started this thread about my trials and tribulations in learning to photoetch parts at home. A lot has transpired since then and I have adjusted the technique greatly since I last wrote that article. Here is an updated step by step on photoetching. This process works about the best so far.
Here is a link to the old thread:
http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...toetching.html
The resist that I am using is from Puretch. I gave up on the Chinese stuff after the last batch was bad and I got the runaround for returning it...even though it specifically stated that there was a 180 day warranty. After learning how to use the Puretch, I will never use the Chinese stuff again.
The brass that I am using is .003 thick. The times that I specify in this article will have to be adjusted somewhat for thicker brass or copper.
Step 1
This is a biggie. You need to have your brass or copper polished. I use Brasso but any polish should work. I found there is a "zone" you want to be at in polishing. You don't want to overdo it, but you don't want to under do it either. You want a nice even shine as much as possible.

Step 2
Once you get a nice shine, rinse the Brasso off with tap water. You will notice that the water with ball up on the brass. That is not good, but we will take care of that in a bit.

Step 3
Mix up a batch of distilled water and TSP. I'm guessing I put a couple of cups of distilled water in a container with a couple of teaspoon full of TSP. I mix it strong. Use this to clean the brass.

Step 4
Rinse the brass off in tap water and you will see that the water sheets off now.

Step 5
I also give it a final rinse with distilled water.

Step 6
And then dry it. Do this quickly and try not to leave an impression of the paper towel on it or leave streaks.

To be cont. Same bat time. Same bat channel.
Mike
Here is a link to the old thread:
http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/...toetching.html
The resist that I am using is from Puretch. I gave up on the Chinese stuff after the last batch was bad and I got the runaround for returning it...even though it specifically stated that there was a 180 day warranty. After learning how to use the Puretch, I will never use the Chinese stuff again.
The brass that I am using is .003 thick. The times that I specify in this article will have to be adjusted somewhat for thicker brass or copper.
Step 1
This is a biggie. You need to have your brass or copper polished. I use Brasso but any polish should work. I found there is a "zone" you want to be at in polishing. You don't want to overdo it, but you don't want to under do it either. You want a nice even shine as much as possible.
Step 2
Once you get a nice shine, rinse the Brasso off with tap water. You will notice that the water with ball up on the brass. That is not good, but we will take care of that in a bit.
Step 3
Mix up a batch of distilled water and TSP. I'm guessing I put a couple of cups of distilled water in a container with a couple of teaspoon full of TSP. I mix it strong. Use this to clean the brass.
Step 4
Rinse the brass off in tap water and you will see that the water sheets off now.
Step 5
I also give it a final rinse with distilled water.
Step 6
And then dry it. Do this quickly and try not to leave an impression of the paper towel on it or leave streaks.
To be cont. Same bat time. Same bat channel.
Mike
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