Ferric Chloride

[KA4HJH]

Kevin wrote:
>Radio Slack sells 16ozs. for $3.49  rs# 276-1535.
>A gallon is a lot unless you are producing quite a few boards, 16 ounceses
>will do a few small boards.

You can get a lot of mileage out of FeCl simply by heating it slightly and
using air agitation. I went to K-mart and bought an aquarium pump, tubing,
valve, a 5" long air bar, and an oblong Pyrex baking dish. Put the air bar
in the bottom, pour in the etchant, and slowly close the bleeder valve
under it bubbles just enough. Even without heat (it sits on top of the
dryer, which isn't always running) relatively tired etchant will do a small
board in less than ten minutes. Who needs persulphate? Well, FeCl is more
of a mess to rinse clean...

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH