Steel engraving has existed for a long time. Most often, the objects of engraving were edged weapons or cutlery. The owner's name, motto or coat of arms were engraved.
Instructions
Step 1
Nowadays, engraving is widespread not only on weapons and utensils. This can be a dedication on a lighter, a tag on a dog's collar, or a sign on the gate. Electrochemical engraving on metal is not difficult, the finished drawing can only be cleaned off by grinding, and no special skills or items are required to work. You can start with a knife or spoon that you have at home.
Step 2
There are several options for engraving a kitchen knife or marking a personalized spoon for a family member. But you will definitely need a constant current source, which, most often, is used as an old, unnecessary charger from the phone. The engraved surface is thoroughly cleaned and degreased with alcohol, gasoline or cologne.
In order to engrave, you need to leave open only the surface of the drawing or letters, numbers that you intend to engrave. To do this, use several methods. You can fill the surface with wax and clean (draw) the place for engraving with a wooden stick. Nail polish is used in the same way, but in this case you need to paint quickly, until the varnish has hardened. Finally, you can glue the surface with tape, in which the future pattern is cut. Which method to use depends on the type of drawing.
Step 3
Exposed areas of steel will turn black due to electrochemistry. To create it, you need an electrical circuit, it will use a charger and a light bulb. A jack is cut off from the charger and alligator clips are connected to both poles. Before engraving, the surface is electrochemically cleaned: the engraving object is clamped with a positive "crocodile", and a cotton swab moistened with saline solution clings to the minus one. You should plug the power source into the network and run the cotton swab head a couple of times over the drawing. Then the poles need to be reversed: attach the minus to the engraved object, plus take a cotton swab dipped in saline solution. Slowly swiping over the drawing, you will see how it turns black before your eyes. You need to carry out 3-4 times to get a high-quality image.
Step 4
The engraving is complete. Clean the object from varnish, wax or tape, rinse thoroughly, and proceed to use it as directed. The engraving lasts for many years, making the items especially memorable. This is a good option for a gift to a loved one, since you can engrave on almost any object, and the choice of pattern is unlimited.
