Hi all, new to this lasering (and smelling of kippers) malarkey. I’m seeing a lot of info about using borax for etching. It’s not available in the UK, but there is a borax substitute, has anyone used it and did you have similar results to using the real thing?
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Have you tried sodium bicarbonate?
I have bought Borax in the UK, albeit a few years ago.
Do a quick Google search, it is still available
I use brazing flux.
What is the substitute? Baking soda? I found borax to turn engraves black while baking soda has less effect.
Borax is used in blacksmithing as a flux for hammer-welding steel. Brazing flux makes sense.
It might not be at the Grocer. Have you tried a chemist or pharmacist (in American English)? I have also found Farm / Agricultural supply stores helpful on occasion.
Yes, Baking Soda, Baking Powder and Washing Soda are all reported to work.
You could try these that I found with a quick Google search:
I’ve no doubt you could find many more sources.
I have read many posts about using “stuff” to increase the color density of an engrave.
I decrease speed or increase power to accomplish the exact same thing.