Hi Guys :wavey:
Thought it might be interesting to do a guide on etching a case window for a pretty trippy mod. Etching in its very essence is engraving a picture, or lettering into any appropriate material. Glass and perspex ( plexiglass if you're in the States) are probably the two most favoured mediums for etching. In order do obtain a really neat 3D effect careful preparation and planning is needed, if you are going to attempt it. But going the easy way with a laser is a lot less pain-free. The pricing for pre laser-etched windows is very reasonable if you decide to go the easy way and get someone else to do it, usually for around $20 if you pick one of the images from a custom etching business. The price increases to around $40 for a custom design, but we aren't going to travel down that path...we're going to do it ourselves.wOOt wOOt
#Disclaimer: Remember when working with power tools to do so in a safe and sensible manner, always check the manufacturers operating specifications and wear personal protective equipment. SysXtreme shall not be held accountable for any injury sustained, or any damage/incurred cost associated with this guide.You have been warned...
Some of the effects you can expect
Here are some of the really cool effects you can get with etching:
Cool AMD shattered glass effect (pic courtesy of AMDpower.com)
Cool Latin Italic script (pic courtesy of pimprig.com)
Really awesome dragon laser etch (pic courtesy of koolpcmods.com)
Equipment required
* A rotary dremel tool- Multipro preferred (variable speed);
* X-acto Knife (easiest) or single edge razor blade;
* Masking tape (3M blue painters tape is great, it leaves no messy residue);
* Sandpaper 220 grit;
* Tape measure or ruler;
* Old bath towel;
* Non-permanent marker;
* Ear protection (dremel and perpsex when etching=loud and annoying sound...lol);
* Safety glasses, and a
* Straight edge and protractor (depending on your design).
Getting started
Step 1
First off you will need a template for the design you are going to use. Once you have decided on a design you'll need to tape it onto the window in the proper position for where you want the design. I suggest taping it on the outside, as the scoring from the etching seems to reflect light better from the inside, and dirt/dust doesn't accumulate in the etching anywhere near as much . You also will need a soft surface to work on, to prevent scratching your case window hence the reason for an old bath towel.
Step 2
First off, highlight the edges of your template with the non-permanent marker. Then tape it to the outside your window after making some measurements to determine position. For the one in the picture, the exact center was chosen, yours may vary depending on the design.
Step 3
Tape your template to the case window. After this it's just a matter of etching out the design. Having good light is essential for doing a good job. I also suggest that you work from right above the area to be etched. Make sure that you use the masking tape to cover any area that you don't want touched. I further suggest making 2 passes with each bit, to ensure satisfaction with the end result. Also using both hands is a good idea as the tool tends to want to wander if your not careful. The suggested speed setting for the dremel should be approximately 30,000 rpm. This you will have to try for yourself to see what is comfortable for you. The person etching this case window started out by making two passes with a # 105 Dremel bit.
and then re-etched with a #107 dremel bit...
Step 4
If you want a different sort of finish (kind of like a brushed texture), you can tape off the untouched areas of the template and give a rub with the sandpaper. This in my opinion gives a really nice look, and enhances the end result.
Now you can throw in a blue/red/green cold cathode and voila...its the ducks guts!!!
Now this has been a fairly simple demonstration of what you can achieve, don't be afraid to experiment. Grab yourself some perspex off-cuts and practice using the dremel, I have also seen some UV paints and sandblasting used to give a nice colour and texture to your window pic. But above all ....have fun and enjoy
PV
*Thanks to RbReb13 @ ''computing on demand' for the pics, check them out.
Thought it might be interesting to do a guide on etching a case window for a pretty trippy mod. Etching in its very essence is engraving a picture, or lettering into any appropriate material. Glass and perspex ( plexiglass if you're in the States) are probably the two most favoured mediums for etching. In order do obtain a really neat 3D effect careful preparation and planning is needed, if you are going to attempt it. But going the easy way with a laser is a lot less pain-free. The pricing for pre laser-etched windows is very reasonable if you decide to go the easy way and get someone else to do it, usually for around $20 if you pick one of the images from a custom etching business. The price increases to around $40 for a custom design, but we aren't going to travel down that path...we're going to do it ourselves.wOOt wOOt
#Disclaimer: Remember when working with power tools to do so in a safe and sensible manner, always check the manufacturers operating specifications and wear personal protective equipment. SysXtreme shall not be held accountable for any injury sustained, or any damage/incurred cost associated with this guide.You have been warned...
Some of the effects you can expect
Here are some of the really cool effects you can get with etching:
Cool AMD shattered glass effect (pic courtesy of AMDpower.com)
Cool Latin Italic script (pic courtesy of pimprig.com)
Really awesome dragon laser etch (pic courtesy of koolpcmods.com)
Equipment required
* A rotary dremel tool- Multipro preferred (variable speed);
* X-acto Knife (easiest) or single edge razor blade;
* Masking tape (3M blue painters tape is great, it leaves no messy residue);
* Sandpaper 220 grit;
* Tape measure or ruler;
* Old bath towel;
* Non-permanent marker;
* Ear protection (dremel and perpsex when etching=loud and annoying sound...lol);
* Safety glasses, and a
* Straight edge and protractor (depending on your design).
Getting started
Step 1
First off you will need a template for the design you are going to use. Once you have decided on a design you'll need to tape it onto the window in the proper position for where you want the design. I suggest taping it on the outside, as the scoring from the etching seems to reflect light better from the inside, and dirt/dust doesn't accumulate in the etching anywhere near as much . You also will need a soft surface to work on, to prevent scratching your case window hence the reason for an old bath towel.
Step 2
First off, highlight the edges of your template with the non-permanent marker. Then tape it to the outside your window after making some measurements to determine position. For the one in the picture, the exact center was chosen, yours may vary depending on the design.
Step 3
Tape your template to the case window. After this it's just a matter of etching out the design. Having good light is essential for doing a good job. I also suggest that you work from right above the area to be etched. Make sure that you use the masking tape to cover any area that you don't want touched. I further suggest making 2 passes with each bit, to ensure satisfaction with the end result. Also using both hands is a good idea as the tool tends to want to wander if your not careful. The suggested speed setting for the dremel should be approximately 30,000 rpm. This you will have to try for yourself to see what is comfortable for you. The person etching this case window started out by making two passes with a # 105 Dremel bit.
and then re-etched with a #107 dremel bit...
Step 4
If you want a different sort of finish (kind of like a brushed texture), you can tape off the untouched areas of the template and give a rub with the sandpaper. This in my opinion gives a really nice look, and enhances the end result.
Now you can throw in a blue/red/green cold cathode and voila...its the ducks guts!!!
Now this has been a fairly simple demonstration of what you can achieve, don't be afraid to experiment. Grab yourself some perspex off-cuts and practice using the dremel, I have also seen some UV paints and sandblasting used to give a nice colour and texture to your window pic. But above all ....have fun and enjoy
PV
*Thanks to RbReb13 @ ''computing on demand' for the pics, check them out.
Most definitely FragTek, anytime :wavey:
