Electric Arc Engraver

[SteveM]

I picked up an electric arc engraver. Figure I can use it to mark tools, metal stock and HSS bits.

I tried it out and it will definitely leave a mark.

Questions I have are around safety.

Should I be wearing welding gloves when using this?

What happens if I touch the work while using it?

Any other safety issues I should know about?

Any usage tips?

Steve

[spro]

I hadn't seen one of these but it looks fairly recent. The body looks well insulated and the red clamp suggests the the work is at some potential you don't want to get in middle of.

[johnfreese]

Measure the voltage between the work lead and the stylus. Then you can make a decision about safety.

[SteveM]

Measure the voltage between the work lead and the stylus. Then you can make a decision about safety.

Not sure if I will be able to get an accurate reading, as I think it pulses.

Maybe just stick my tongue on it, like testing a 9v battery.

Steve

[JackF]

Have someone take a video when you do that test.


Jack.

[Harold_V]

I suspect this device is similar to a soldering gun, with relatively low voltage but high amperage. Most likely perfectly safe to handle bare handed.

H

[jcfx]

The unit you have seems home made, the stylus is a Dremel engraver.
For what it's worth mrpete222 has a video on a Luma etcher unit,- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JSSVg6g1DE

[SteveM]

The unit you have seems home made, the stylus is a Dremel engraver.
For what it's worth mrpete222 has a video on a Luma etcher unit,- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JSSVg6g1DE

That explains why it vibrates. I think it would be better if it just did the electric etching, as the vibration makes it hard to get a steady mark.

I could make a different handle, like Tubalcain's.

Steve

[jcfx]

My spidey sense tells me you should ditch it, if the Dremel portion vibrates that means that the motor
electrically live, important question is how does the Dremel point complete the circuit so that
you create the engraving arc ? I may be over thinking this, but it's better than having a hair raising experience
if you get my drift.