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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: etch tank idea

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2008-04-27

Yes, but a horizontal system has several drawbacks.

Larger footprint.
Difficulty with doublesided boards.
large lid to seal.
Higher evaporation ratio.

I want something compact that i can leave standing in the corner all
year round, ready to make a board when i feel like it without having
to get anything out or put anything away. The vertical tank with
bubbler fills that need, but it woud be nice to get a more uniform and
faster etch, without adding any drawbacks of course.

Also, i don't make boards once a week like i used to, so i don't want
to completely re-design the tank. A quick fix would be neat, even if i
have to buy a couple of parts to make it work.

I might just try the magnetic stirrer idea. putting a thin steel rod
inside a plastic hose would be easy, and that could be driven by
magnets on the outside.

ST



On 4/27/08, Leon <leon355@...> wrote:
> I get excellent results with manual agitation - rocking the container. Some
> years ago the ARRL Handbook had a simple PCB etching system using a
> eccentric powered by a small electric motor to provide the rocking motion,
> with a heat lamp for keeping the etchant hot.
>
> Leon
>