Homebrew PCBs

Hi Patrick,

I've tried a couple different laser printers and haven't noticed any 
difference in the transfers.  I'm using a Lexmark Optra E+ that I 
picked up for $40 and am running with a toner refill.  Pictures of a 
board I did this afternoon can be found here - 
<http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/photos/view/9984?b=1>

I tried using the paper transfer method and had poor results.  After 
experimenting with many types of paper, I started trying 
transparencies.  I've settled on inket transparencies.  One 
advantage with transparencies is it's easier to see if the toner is 
melting and easier to do double sided boards because you can see the 
artwork and can align better.

The above link is a collage showing (clockwise from top left): 1) 
oner transfered to board - it's only 1.4" x 1.6", but I've done 
boards around 4 X 6 with the same results, 2) artwork on 
transparency, 3) transparency after toner transfer (no significant 
amount of toner left behind), and 4) the etched/drilled board.

All traces are 16 mils.  The border around the board is 10 mils.  I 
don't do anything smaller because I try to make my boards as easy to 
transfer and etch as possible.  I fill all of the open area to 
reduce etch time and save my etching solution.  I remove the toner 
only from areas where I solder, leaving the rest as a poor man's 
solder mask.

Before etching, I go over the fills with a fine tip black Sharpie 
(ultrafine and industrial don't work for me).  Etching in ferric 
chloride gives the Sharpie ink a glossy finish.

I use a clothes iron to transfer and I heat the toner to the point 
that it's starting to melt.  I like to make my holes small and like 
the toner to start closing them so the holes serve as pilot holes 
during drilling.  I use a dremel type drill in a stand with carbide 
bits.  Before I had the stand, I used a hand held dremel tool and 
had no problems with breaking bits or getting the holes lined up.  
But it was a pain to keep the drill vertical.

I have had poor results using laser copies.

Regards,
Dennis

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Patrick Cambre 
<braincambre500@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Sir Leon,
> 
> In the future I will be buying a laser printer and
> start making my PCB's using the tone transfer method.
> Is this is what you are also using?
> 
> a friend,
> 
> Patrick