Photoetching

[Mancha]

Below is a photo-etching kit, available from Mico-Mark for $100 (was $125):



http://www.micromark.com/MICRO-MARK-PRO-ETCH-PHOTO-ETCH-SYSTEM,8346.html?ns_md=Email&ns_sc=Marketing&ns_cn=W56

I love photo-etch kits, because they often provide interesting details that I would never otherwise add to my models.  On the other hand, I hate the process of using super glue to bond metal to plastic and resin, and the more complicated, origame folding skills defy me.  Anyway, it seems to me that we could find uses for photo-etching in our hobby.  Obviously, we could make leaves and vines, military symbols (such as that which cannot be named here), boxes and other small scenary, etc.  Anyone aware of photo-etch kits designed for the wargaming hobby?  Can you think of obvious things that could be made with photo-etch kits?

[Mr. Peabody]

I get the Micro Mark mailer too and this is Soooo tempting.
Right off the bat however, I'm thinking fumes (hazardous) and caustic materials storage (need a special place). But, wow, so many possibilities. You need to be a little bit handy with a vector-graphics utility and, I believe, have a laser printer.
It's another hobby in itself if you look at what people are doing with it. Airship gondolas anyone? Temple decorations? Armour for your scale Packard or how about Jet-Pack upgrades for your Rocket-troops?

Mmmm. Hobby Goodness.

[Mancha]

Airship gondolas anyone? Temple decorations? Armour for your scale Packard or how about Jet-Pack upgrades for your Rocket-troops?

All good ideas, although I most like that airship gondolas suggestion.  To add, I've seen photo-etched palm tree fronds a'plenty.  Perhaps we should get Brent (from Company B) interested in making armored car compartments, truck beds, etc.  Seems like there could be so many applications.

[headzombie]

I have been photo-etching for a while, and have used this kit. Once you learn the ropes its pretty easy and fun to do. Luckily I can use the chemicals in an outside shed.

[Mancha]

I have been photo-etching for a while, and have used this kit.

What have you been making?

[headzombie]

Small space fighters. Basic shapes are done with brass and then I build up from there:

[Ramshackle_Curtis]

Hey, I need some photo etching done, would you consider doing some for me? Basically, i want some logos going and other bits and bobs, but cant find anyone to do it for me!

[Mancha]

Wow, you're dedicated, Headzombie; although I guess I already knew that.

[headzombie]

Maybe? Let me know what you need!

[Hammers]

Below is a photo-etching kit, available from Mico-Mark for $100 (was $125):



http://www.micromark.com/MICRO-MARK-PRO-ETCH-PHOTO-ETCH-SYSTEM,8346.html?ns_md=Email&ns_sc=Marketing&ns_cn=W56

I love photo-etch kits, because they often provide interesting details that I would never otherwise add to my models.  On the other hand, I hate the process of using super glue to bond metal to plastic and resin, and the more complicated, origame folding skills defy me.  Anyway, it seems to me that we could find uses for photo-etching in our hobby.  Obviously, we could make leaves and vines, military symbols (such as that which cannot be named here), boxes and other small scenary, etc.  Anyone aware of photo-etch kits designed for the wargaming hobby?  Can you think of obvious things that could be made with photo-etch kits?

I bought this very kit in august last yeas. No success so far due to over exposure or to potent chemicals or some such. I am thinking I am using the wrong kind of

[headzombie]

Hammers, use a 100watt lamp and not the sun. Make sure you do all of the stuff with the film in the absolute dark. Make sure the chemicals are warm and not cold.

[Hammers]

Hammers, use a 100watt lamp and not the sun.

A 100 W UV lamp or regular? And what makes it different from exposure to the sun?

[headzombie]

Regular. You can't control the fluctuations of air and sky density. That 100W bulb is a constant and takes a variable out when getting weird results!

[Hammers]

Regular. You can't control the fluctuations of air and sky density. That 100W bulb is a constant and takes a variable out when getting weird results!

Cool! Scientificy! Thanks! Can I pester you about exposure times. It says 10 secs of noon outdoors light on my film.

[headzombie]

Certainly, I think I run it 5 minutes (a side if you double side things) with a 100w bulb. Let me check my notes when I get home.

10 seconds in the sun seems really, really quick.