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

Hello.
Before, I tried TT but for no avail. I read from the sites that they
used photo paper so I experimented on it. I even used four different
photo paper brands each with different kind (i.e.,gsm) just to get the
toner transfered to the copper board but all of which are a failure.
Only a few of the image is copied to the board (more or less 30%).

Then I come to this thread and read your messages. I was really amazed
on how many people are doing it! Then I experimented using magazine
paper and it worked great. Although I do need some practice but the
results are amazing, it's now 95% copied!

I tested several boards then removing the toner image after, washing
and cleaning then testing it again.

I have found out that the duration of the iron (I ran it on full
power) to the image and the pressure applied are really critical.
There was once I overheated it and the result is that some parts did
not stick. It is really not on overheating it but its more likely on
getting just the right amount of pressure and duration of exposure.
And it would differ from case to case since we are not using the same
brand and power rating of iron. In my case, more practice and trial
and error on the ironing part is still needed to get a 100% result.
And I would also try reducing the width of the tracks.

The advice on using the tip of the iron to "press" to the image is
really useful. And afterwards I placed the board on a warm and soapy
solution.

Thanks a lot for your help guys. Before I was using presensitized
boards, although it is reliable and doesn't require such "timing with
your device," it is expensive. The TT is cheap and is really great for
hobbyist!

jeanz