Gunsmithing Suggestions for barrel/part engraving

Could run a trace program on fusion with a tool like this:

R

12v battery charger.
Shop-made etching pad.
Cricut machine to design/cut stencils.
A little saltwater, and voila.

Ive have an electro chemical etch system from a company called marking methods. It works well, but i find it tedious, and lacking in flexibility.


I use a cerakote guy locally for personal and customer builds who’s a genius with his very nice etching machine. He and the manufacturer of the laser collaborated to make an etching machine thats around $11k, and he offers training with it. His results are so good i’ll never use the electro chemical etch again. Pm me if you want his contact info.

Wannashootit said:

12v battery charger.
Shop-made etching pad.
Cricut machine to design/cut stencils.
A little saltwater, and voila.

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Would you mind answering sone questions about your process I’m about to do my first one

I have to ask is it going to be on a rifle or gun you shoot a lot or a glass case piece ? cause I am on my 3rd barrel on my one rifle and could not see spending more money on a barrel that has to be replaced almost every 2 to 3 years on as it is a plane barrel is running 1k + shipping and hand engraving while really pretty is going to send the price into orbit and laser while not hand engraving will still cost a pretty penny . so if you do get it etched or hand carved send pics at least a broke so in so like me can drool .

Not sure if this is FFL engraving, but pretty sure the barrel engraving is no longer an option, other than caliber.

The first two are markings are made with a chemical etch by Marking Methods . That works well but takes some practice to get perfect results . The last picture is one of my first using a 50 watt laser machine for engraving . Laser it much easier to change font and get repeatable results although the investment is much higher .

Got my first one done using the battery charger I appreciate the help and tips!

Also, FWIW, we send out large batch etching and engraving to a talented guy. We don’t do enough to justify the fiber laser, but there are plenty of shops providing great service.

Commercially, we try not to do it all, but leverage highly skilled shops for all kinds of specialty work.

Smokin7s said:

Got my first one done using the battery charger I appreciate the help and tips!

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Short markings like that are hard to get straight at least for me . One way to get them straight is to screw the barrel in the action , drop it in the stock and draw a sharpie line along the forearm . When you cut your stencil make sure the letters are parallel with the bottom of the sticker so you can follow the sharpie line .

Easy_E said:

Short markings like that are hard to get straight at least for me . One way to get them straight is to screw the barrel in the action , drop it in the stock and draw a sharpie line along the forearm . When you cut your stencil make sure the letters are parallel with the bottom of the sticker so you can follow the sharpie line .

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It runs right above the forend on a foundation

This may be a stupid question and sorry to keep bringing it up, all of our battery chargers are “smart” chargers and are giving me very inconsistent results because I have to push the start button about 100 times on a caliber marking, is there any reason I couldn’t use a 12v car battery instead of the charger?

Smokin7s said:

This may be a stupid question and sorry to keep bringing it up, all of our battery chargers are “smart” chargers and are giving me very inconsistent results because I have to push the start button about 100 times on a caliber marking, is there any reason I couldn’t use a 12v car battery instead of the charger?

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Should not be any reason at all. You may actually see better results. "May" being the watchword...

How much do you want to spend? The issue with sending out items is FFL and alot of engraving shops wont touch GCA/NFA stuff.

You can get a chinese fiber laser for like 5K. I had a 30W but would probally do a 50W just to make it go by a little faster.


Just make sure you buy it from a US warehouse. This will save you about 25% import duties over buying something overseas. Most of this stuff comes into the US as parts and is put together here to get around import duties. These machines have been around for years and alot of FFL's use them. US machines are closer to $1K per watt and obviously come with better support but are 10 times the cost.

Might sell my chemical etching setup really don't use it anymore .

Justin Harner said:

If you're considering a laser engraver for GCA/NFA items, I recommend looking into Monport Laser. They offer reliable machines suitable for various engraving needs, including firearm components. You can find more details and options on their website at (https://monportlaser.com/collection...-with-fda-approval?sca_ref=5031521.ka374VZjm3). Their machines are known for their quality and affordability, making them a great choice for your requirements.

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I need something that will engrave real small figures. For material I use 7051 chinkdic and it requires small engraving.

pmclaine said:

I need something that will engrave real small figures. For material I use 7051 chinkdic and it requires small engraving.

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Don't make eye contact.

New hermes pantagraph. Old school as hell but works.