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

I picked up a new GBC 9" personal desktop laminator and tried some boards
with no luck.

I'm using a 4" x 6" board with 1 oz. copper and it has a thickness of
0.032". I clean it with a brillo pad and rinse thoroughly while wiping with
a wet paper towel, then dry with a paper towel.

The laser printer is a Lexmark 4039 10plus set at the darkest setting. Using
the Pulsar toner transfer paper.

The first attempt I ran the board (with the paper on the bottom) for 8
passes in different directions. The laminator ready light had been on for
15-20 minutes before I began. I also pre-heated the board with a hair dryer.

I dropped the board with the paper into a container of water and let it rest
until the paper floated off on its own. Right away I could see pieces of
black toner floating in the water as I lifted the paper out.

My second attempt was done the same way, except I ran the board through 16
times. Same problem - toner pieces floating around in the water.

This is very discouraging and I'm at a loss. Anyone have any suggestions?

Chuck
WB2EDV