[Boatanchors] Crystal Etching Using Whink- Need Chemical Person

[David Stinson]

I've etched crystals with Whink for some time.
Recently, I used a plastic tub about 3 inches
in diameter, poured 1/4 inch of Whink in it
to etch a crystal.   The first hour, it moved a
4110 KC crystal 3 KC.  After that hour, it slows
waaaay down.   With fresh Whink, I etched a
3498 crystal over night, wanting to move it
up into the Extra CW band.
This morning, after 8 hours, it has moved to 3500 KC.

A friend suggested that the open-top,
wide tub is exposing the Whink to the air,
which oxidizes and loses strength the longer
it's exposed.  He suggested I use a plastic
"pill bottle," which will take less Whink,
and seal it from the air.  I'd build a "stand"
to hold the pill bottle stable, since a small
bottle would be subject to spilling and you
don't want to fool around- the stuff can hurt ya.

What do you think?  Is air exposure
the culprit in the rapid weakening of Whink?

73 DE Dave AB5S



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