Thanks for the update. In many cases, the manual "dark/light" controls on big copiers may have more dark range and is easier to use than the ones on laser printers (especially old ones). At 5 cents a copy at the UPS store, it may be a better option for many.
I also use the "wipe" method. I use a small cotton rag cut from old t shirts on the end of a wooden stick, fixed with a rubber band. By wiping during the etch, it appears to greatly accelerate the etch time.
The last thing you can try is ironing the green Pulsar TRF (Toner Reactive Foil) coating over the toner traces before etching. This film is available from Mouser, with no minimum order.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Pulsar/GREENTRF-50-1225/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuBqtBq7f3lE5J41PywjpQhP1d50npXonI%3d
other Pulsar supplies from Mouser
http://www.mouser.com/catalogviewer/default.aspx?page=2333&highlight=5165-GTRF&catalogculture=en-US&catalog=646
I like their supplies, for me, well worth the $. I also use their paper for toner transfer.
Bob
---In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, <tom42107@...> wrote:
Well, I think I fixed my etching problems. I tried two different things. One, I used a laser printer instead of a copier machine to print the layout and two, I used a paper towel during the etching process to gently wipe the copper while it was etching. My board came out really nice, nicest one so far.
Tom