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THE ITCH TO ETCH
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DO INTRICATE metalwork, but most of them involve expensive machinery or high-level training. One method, though, is accessible to all: chemical etching. This method is very similar to that used to etch hobbyist circuit boards: a mask is placed on the metal, and the non-masked area is dissolved by chemicals.
Brass is well suited to the process and produces attractive results. Shapiro Supply will sell you a .078" thick, 8" square piece for $11. See their listings on eBay (myworld.ebay.com/ssshapiro).
Design your mask and print it out on a laser printer using inkjet paper. Keep in mind that the mask covers the areas that do not get removed. The project shown here is a Victorian-style ...
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