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

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> wrote:
...
>
> Another similar idea which seems to have gotten lost in the mix when
> it was posted; about using an electric frying pan, washcloth and a
> lead brick instead of an iron.
> Good heat control, accurate, repeatable even pressure (if your brick
> of lead isn't flat you'll need something flat between it and the
> washcloth). The only thing remaining is time, and that's easily
> monitored/controlled.
>

One issue with those electric frying pans is hotspotting. I don't
know if that will cause problems but if it does, one could use a large
thermal mass (like a flat steel/cast iron plate) to even it out. It
would just take more heat up time.

I've often though of something along similar lines - use 2 flat
steel/cast iron plates, thick enough to not warp at the toner fusing
point. 4 holes, one in each corner. Using bolts and wingnuts, one
could create pretty good pressure. Pop it in the oven set for 350F
(or what ever is the right temp). Baking time would be determined by
experimentation.

I suspect the problem with this is that total time would be long -
30-45 minutes. The advantages are like you said - repeatable,
controllable temp and pressure.

A properly constructed laser printer fuser assembly would probably
yield the best results for the least amount of time.