--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Frank P" <qz9090@...> wrote:
>
> Ben,
> Being very new to PCB etching, I wouldn't know where to begin to look for cupric chloride. Any hints? Do you handle it the same way as FeCl?
>
> Also, what is the best way to dispose of etchant?
>
>
Most (all?) of us make it ourselves. Start out with hydrochloric acid, I picked up a gallon at a masonry supply shop for about 8 bucks, then mix it with an equal part hydrogen peroxide, the 3% supermarket stuff works fine. The mixture will etch copper nicely and in the process convert to cupric chloride.
Handling is similar, you should wear rubber gloves and safety glasses and take care not to spill it on anything. It will burn skin more readily than FeCl but it is not nearly as prone to stain everything it touches. The best part is you can regenerate it by aeration or by adding about a teaspoon of peroxide prior to etching so it can be reused virtually indefinitely.
Disposal varies by etchant, there's been a fair amount of discussion on that in here, look through the old posts.