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AR15.COM
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4/5/2015 3:22:04 PM EDT
Howdy folks,

  My first post here.

  I am building an AR-15 from a 80% lower, and want to etch my own marks. I do not want to go the battery charger route, I'm looking to build my own power source. there are a couple of great plans available, however, the best *simple* setup I've found from Chris Crawford calls for a 25.2V CT 2.0A Heavy-Duty Chassis-Mount Transformer with Lead from Radio Shack. Radio Shack does not have this item available any longer either online or in the local stores. Where can I find a suitable substitute for an affordable price, or another easy, simple plan that uses readily available parts. It's gotta be inexpensive too. I'm not well versed in electronic stuff, so I need to ask.

Link to plans

 Thanks in advance.
4/5/2015 5:45:59 PM EDT
[#1]
I use a battery charger/salt vinegar mix for etching, and it works great.

why overcomplicate it?
4/5/2015 5:56:07 PM EDT
[#2]
I want something that offers more control as well as having an AC output option for blackening/marking as well as DC etching.
4/5/2015 7:59:46 PM EDT
[#3]
I could see making a power supply if you were planning to make a few special lowers.  But if it's just one lower, it would seem best to just use something that can be multi-purposed like a battery charger.
4/5/2015 8:01:45 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
I want something that offers more control as well as having an AC output option for blackening/marking as well as DC etching.
View Quote


I will be using for much more than a single lower. I will be doing at least a couple of more lowers, and I do some bladesmithing here and there and will use it to mark blades and hawks.

4/5/2015 8:52:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Interesting.  Never considered building a dedicated power supply just for etching.  I have had VERY good luck using a few different battery chargers hooked to old motorcycle batteries.  Well enough that I never needed anything else.  Now you have me wondering how if at all they may be better.  

However...

Amazon has the Radio Shack Transformer

There are several other very similar transformers on Amazon
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