Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Hi all,

WOW, what a difference a little bit of practice makes and a new
etching tank. I posted images of my latest attempt in the files
section - root directory.

NewEtching.jpg

Process outline...

Designed in PCB Wizard
Printed on Pulsar paper using HP laserjet 6p
Transferred with iron, two 15 second pressings @ 360 degrees F
Etched in ferric Chloride, warm, with air bubbles.
Wiped off toner with Acetone

And that is what you see. Next up, I will try the tinning process
using solder paste as outlined here about a week or so ago.

I am amazed at how much better these came out compared to my
previous attempts.

The change in transfer was shorter pressing time (was about 90
seconds or more) and perhaps a bit less heat, didn't measure temp
last time. Also, made sure to re-position iron during pressing so
as to make sure the steam vent hole areas would be re-pressed with a
different part of the iron sole.

I used ferric chloride last time, but in a small tray with gentle
rocking for agitation. This time, the tank is much larger 1/2
gallon and am using fish tank bubblers for agitation.

Chris