etching copper

[pierhogunn]

Okay, here's something new for the vast brain-trust that is this site...

How would one easily etch a decorative design into copper

specifically the 3/4" - 3/4" couplers and caps found in the plumbing section of lowes hardware?

I would like to put some celtic knotwork on these things to spiffy up my flagpoles

I'm open to anything at the moment, since I have no idea how this would be done

[Uncle Cracker]

Depends on how artistic you are. Copper is soft enough that you could use standard woodcarving tools. You could also use a vibratory engraving tool, or even a Dremel.

[scmhogg]

Dan,

I was thinking of how we made DIY circuit boards in the 50's. Then I found this:

http://www.finishing.com/322/28.shtml

Steve

[Uncle Cracker]

If you are going to go the chemical route, Radio Shack used to carry (don't know if they still do) peel-and-stick resist decals for circuit boards that could be used to set up your patterns, and also they had something like a sharpie marker with liquid resist compound. Areas covered by these things would not be etched away, while the rest of the copper surface would be. Since you are dealing with thick copper parts, you will not be etching clean through, but only removing some copper to a different depth, and using the relief for your designs.

[JR]

IIRC Fine Woodworking had an article on "aging" copper not too long ago. I'll see if I can find it.

JR

edit: Nope, my office is in upheaval as I prepare to lay a new floor. Can't find it.

[Daryl]

I suggest sand blasting, especially if you can use a re-usable mask. Radio Shack sold ferric chloride for etching boards. It worked fast but it had a tendacy to under cut thick substrates.

[Handy Al]

Shopnotes had an article on doing something like that on a marking knife. They used copper connectors for the ferrell. I think it was sometime this year.

[JR]

Shopnotes had an article on doing something like that on a marking knife.

I made a couple of those. Their method was a bit different than is being asked for here. They suggest applying oil (I used peanut oil) and flaming and hammering it to achieve a rustic look. I don't think you could easily use that technique to get a planned design.

JR