Saturday, April 25, 2026
Test 2 Probe Etched By Hand
I took the probe tip from the previous test and manually dipped it in the usual electrolyte tub rather than in the electrolytic cell on the slide. The result was a cleanly-etched tip, if a little lopsided and irregular. I guess we can start calling it Probe 12:
The bend at the extreme tip is because I was having a heck of a job manipulating the thing into the pot at right angles to the electrolyte surface. I also couldn't see too well in there, so I over-etched the tip slightly. It shows though that there was nothing wrong with the etched wire. They hypochlorite etch (slightly lightened and at 15mm) is not spoiling it, and the slide-mounted cell does not etch a good tip.
The actual tip is taking on that ogival shape though, its tip is shiny and smooth, and the walls are roughened. The current hypothesis is that I can dismount the Z Axis (only 4 easy-access screws now) and place it over a nearly full electrolyte pot. That'll give good access, I'll be able to see what's going on, and use the Z Axis for repeatable dips.
The overall idea is to make a standardised process that people can follow to come up with a good tip. I can make one by hand, but it's a skill, and that's not how science works.
