Etching on glass always has the best appearance when etching from the back side, unless the etching is very light or surface depth, then the front side would show best, this would be particularly true for Jade glass.

Tips:

This advice is meant for Awards and not drink ware.

The problem lies in the Foot Pedal Actuator; here are three things you can check:

1. It could be the (valve in-side the foot pedal housing) that is causing the problem. This occurs when the actuator has become loose and is misaligned allowing the top portion of the pedal's tab to depress the actuator shaft (button) causing the valve to be a portion of the way depressed (open) allowing air the continue to flow through the pedal.
2. It may also be that the actuator did not completely open (spring back) after you last stepped off the foot pedal.
3. There could also be some dust / debris keeping the valve from completely opening (once your foot is off the pedal).
   Simple Fix:
   
   • Realign foot pedal actuator
   • Clean / lubricate existing actuator with WD40 to remove any dust or derbies from actuator shaft, or within the actuator, blow away any dust from the actuator shaft (button), possibly lubricate shaft, or replace the foot pedal and hoses.
   • To access the actuator remove the two screws on the sides of the pedal.
   • Remove BLUE supply hose and RED exhaust hose for internal lubrication and cleaning.
   • Replace the foot pedal and hoses your cost will be $115.00 (price includes a new modified actuator), unfortunately your style may have been discontinued which will require an up-grade.

Tips:

When removing the screw sleeves from your actuator; Keep a watchful eye for the screws and the foot pedal spring that retracts the pedal, they are very small items and easy to loose.

I have no direct information on wood handles with out seeing the pieces. If your handles have a curve to them, you can warm the mask, this will enhance the materials ply-ability for wrapping around the curves. Keep in mind, that softer woods such as pine are easiest to engrave however, make sure of the following:

1. Avoid overheating the mask.

2. Make sure the mask is flat and tight on the surface of the piece.

3. Keep your blasting pressure low to moderate. Do not blast with great intensity; this can lead to a stubborn residue that is left behind.

4. After blasting, Peel away the mask quickly; do not allow the mask to sit on the piece for any longer than it has too. This will also help prevent any left over residue.

Tips:

If you are going to paint fill you will need to do the following steps immediately:

1. Leave the photomask on the substrate.

2. Blow off any excess dust from the engraved artwork/image area. This will help the paint to saturate the porous engraved area.

3. Lightly spray your engraved area with evenly top to bottom, left to right movements 2-3 times. Repeat this step if necessary; Remember, always paint in a well ventilated area.

4. Allow the paint to dry for 5-20 minutes. Time will vary and depend on the amount of paint usage.

5. Peel away the photomask and clean your substrate.

The result of "sprinkling, spots" on the glass once you have cleaned it up is what we call "blast-through".
The sand has penetrated the mask, most commonly due to excessive heat on the surface of the resist.
This can be seen while blasting when the resist surface turns dark or appears to turn black.

You can avoid this by doing the following:

• Keep the nozzle moving across the surface of your stencil as you are basting so no one area is being penetrated by the excessive heat.

• Other possible causes:
• Too high of blasting pressure
• Blast nozzle too close to resists material
• Blasting grain is too coarse
• The resist is too "thin" / possibly use a thicker resist film if this is common
• Ultimately, this is caused because you are attempting to blast deeper then the resist is able to support.

Sandcarving Quarterly: Rayzist’s original publication featuring articles and material focused on sandcarving and the sandcarving industry. Twelve issues of Sandcarving Quarterly are available for free download in PDF format from Rayzist.com.