[TheForge] Etchant strength

[Bruce Freeman]

That etchant is ferric chloride.  You could neutralize it with limestone powder and use it, well diluted, as fertilzer (source of iron).  

However, that situation changes if YOU contaminate it with toxic metals.  If you were only to use it for carbon steel, no problem.  

Copper and zinc (which are not part of any damascus I know of) are mildly toxic and well diluted are not environmental hazards.  (They ARE hazardous in concentration, though.)  

I doubt much chromium or nickel (from SS) would etch into the etchant, but haven't looked into that so don't want to make a positive statement.  Chromium can be toxic; not sure about nickel.

Of course, lead is toxic.  Keep lead out of your etchant.

Hope this helps.

Bruce
NJ

>>> irontree at visi.com 9/10/2004 8:37:22 AM >>>
Greetings all,
      I am making an etching tank for my damascus blades.  I copied Mike Blue's
PVC tube design. (Thanks Mike)

I purchased some etchant from Radio Shack.  Am I supposed to use this stuff at
full strength or am I supposed to dilute it?  Anyone?

Also what do I do with the stuff once it it no longer usable.  I figure it will
last a long time since I don't make that many blades, but I also know that this
stuff does eventually weaken with use.....How do I dispose of this safely?  I
grow food on my property and I have shallow well, so dumping it is right
out...anyone?


Daniel Kretchmar
www.irontreeworks.com 

Isn't sanity really just a one trick pony, anyway? I mean, all you get is one
trick, rational thinking! But when you're good and crazy*ooh hoo hoo hoo*the
sky's the limit!
The Tick



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