Dave,
I got my start in PCBs before I found this group. What worked for me
was a commercial "plastic paper", Press-n-Peel Blue. It costs about
$10 for a package of five 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets, plus shipping. One
of the suppliers is Electronix Express.
I would print out my board (reverse image) with my inkjet onto regular
paper, and take it and the P-n-P Blue to the library for photocopying.
The plastic "ink" from the photocopier fused onto the dull side of
the P n P Blue. Then, I ironed it onto the prepared PCB.
I achieved generally good and consistent results. $2-plus a sheet,
however is kind of expensive, and I bought a laser printer to avoid
the trips to the library. I have yet to make an equivalent quality
board using my Brother 2040 and the P-n-P, so I'm trying alternatives,
and learning a lot in the process. The manufacture, Techniks, told me
that "the new laser printers have higher toner temperatures" and that
I needed a hotter iron. Apparently, I need one fired with MAPP gas, then!
So, bottom line, the P-n-P Blue and photocopier is a reasonable way to
start, with minimum frustration. What you learn doing it that way at
first will certainly apply to the more creative ways later on.
Regards,
Ted
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, David Frascone <dave@...> wrote:
>
>
> Ok, -- I want to try to make some PCB's, but I'm getting a little lost
> with all the information. Here's what I have:
>
> HP Laserjet 4MP (with after market (non HP) toner)
> Generic Glossy Photo paper for Inkjet printers . .
>
> Should I even start with these? What's the cheapest way to get
> started? Go to staples and buy their (Staples Brand) paper and do the
> paper soak away?
>
> Please let me know!
>
> -Dave
>