Does anyone know how to mix up a ferric chloride solution for etching?

The standard answer to this question used to be to go to Radio Shack.  I was able to purchase ONE bottle locally.  It is really fun stuff to use.  I etched a small 2"x3" picture, and some copper trinkets. It is  really fun stuff to use.

 Unfortunatly Radio Shack no longer carries this product (called PCB Etch) .  I stopped in 6 RS stores on my recent trip to the SW.  The answer was always the same, " a local jeweler came in and bought up all that we have."

I suspect that they no longer carry it because of changing regulations regarding the transport of hazzardous substances.  

I recently bought some ferric chloride powder. I am going to try to use the powder to make my own solution.  Does anyone here know how much I should mix with water to make a solution?   

Has anyone else had any luck obtaining ferric chloride from another source?  If so where?

I also wonder how long Radio Shack can hold out and not sell the stuff.  They still have lots of circuit boards in stock.  They are useless without the etch.

Gloflyer 

The product is still listed on their web site and states that it's available in-store only. When my stores been out of it in the past they always let me know when the next shipment will be in. If you can't get it at Radio shack go to or order from a graphic arts supply house. This is the place that I use. http://www.printmaking-materials.com/products/intaglio/60

Be aware that there is an addition hazmat charge if you have something like this shipped.

Mix it??? I use it straight for copper unless I'm using the edinburgh etchant recipe.

 Thanks for the link Billie Ann.

 I use the etch full strength when I buy a solution.

 
Now I have bought a pound of ferric chloride powder and am wondering how much of it to use for a quart of water.  (There is no hazardous shipping charge when shipping the powder.)

 
Radio Shack has completely stopped carrying it.  There is no more to be had from there.

Gloflyer
 

You can buy bottles of ferric chloride at Blick Art Supply stores. 

 Thanks Stella.  I'll try Blick's the next time I am in the Cities.

In the meantime, I mixed 2 oz by weight of ferric chloride powder into 1cup of water.  It all went into solution, but it does not look as dark as the stuff I bought already mixed.  I added it all at once, which I would not do again.  It all sank to the bottom.  It gave off quite a bit of heat when I mixed it.

 I also tried the other etch formula that is floating around.  2 parts hydrogen peroxide to one part Muratic Acid.  I haven't tried it for etching yet, but it only very very slowly disolved a small piece of copper wire that I threw into the mix.  I think that I would use more Muratic acid and less hydrogen peroxide.  This solution is not supposed to wear out.  When it slows down just bubble some air into it, or add a bit more hydrogen peroxide and acid.

 Has anyone else been trying this?

 gloflyer


 

 OK  my Dad tracked down the answer to this one.  Anhydrous ferric chloride is a powder and does not have any of the hazardous materials restrictions on it for shipping.

He picked up a pound of powder at a local radio and electronic supply place.  Not Radio Shack!  I picked up a pound of it on eBay and had to pay shipping, but not hazardous shipping charges.

Mix l pound of powder into 60 oz of water.  Add the powder slowly and stir with a plastic or glass rod.  (I added the powder too fast.  It needs to disperse.  It will produce heat.)  This needs to be done in a plastic or glass container. 

All of the standard precautions apply.  Don't breath the powder or the fumes from mixing the solution, wear gloves and goggles.  Be careful of splashes. This stuff stains everything.  I bought a black plastic dish pan to set all of my containers into so I am not splashing or dripping on the table.

 Glo

I, too, had problems finding it at Radio Shack.  My husband ended up finding it at Fry's Electronics.  They carry all sorts of stuff for etching circuit boards.  See if you can find a local store that sells that kind of thing that would have it.  The people at Radio Shack didn't have a clue what I was talking about when I asked them about it - idiots obviously don't have any actual experience with making electronics, I guess...