This was my post on Facebook's Lampwork Beadmaking Tips, Techniques and Questions.
I found some etching powder that you just add really hot water to and it works the same (for me) as Etch-All. It comes in a quart size bottle for only $27 plus shipping. Before reconstituting, I put half the powder in a ziplock bag to save for later, and only made a half quart, because you can add more later (when it doesn't work as well) to refresh it. When etching, I string my beads onto fishing line, and put some expendable small bicone crystal beads in between each one, so they don't touch. I tie the line in a knot to make a long loop, and dunk it in there, closing the lid with part of the loop hanging out for mess free retrieval. I give the bottle a few little shakes during the etching time to keep non-etched spots from happening. (Not necessary if you don't overload it like I do...) Then remove the lid, grab the string, and dunk into your baking soda and water bath.
Here's where I get it:
http://www.hisglassworks.com/shop/et...wder-html.html