[sdiy] PCB etching re-revisited

[Noah Vawter]

On Nov 6, 2011, at 5:32 PM, aankrom wrote:

> OK. Lots of good tips. Now all I need to know is ideal bath temp for FeCl3 etching bath & how long to expect a typical etching to take. Is it better to etch a large board or a small board? Oh and you print on the dull side for PnP Blue? Now it feels like I had anothr question...

optimal temp for what?  if you want to go as fast as possible, heat close to 40 deg C.  don't go over.  it starts to boil and breathing it is very very bad.  personally, i optimize for my own stress level and etch at room temperature, 30-60 minutes.  no extra hardware.  it's laid back, like drinking a beer.  I hold the boards in place with clothespins and give them a shake every 10 minutes and pet my cat.  

you def print on the dull.  that blue stuff comes right off the clear plastic!  make a few extra boards until you get the hang of it...

you can sand/steel wool off the transfer if it comes out abominable.  you can touch up with a sharpie.  








Noah Vawter
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