Homebrew PCBs

Steve wrote:

>
>Alan may contradict me, but over on the Alps list some have tried to
>print directly onto copper and found that the tiny print head just
>cannot get hot enough with all that copper soaking up heat.
>
>Steve Greenfield
>  
>

  Worked with a soldering iron ok, wouldn't risk an Alps, did ok 
printing to their printing foils but they were thin.  For sure the 
Okimate heads sucked, could barely get it onto paper, not likely worth 
even getting a $10 one to try out.

  Was all around the time I said screw it and started ordering boards 
from the proto houses anyway.  Thought for a minute somewhere to mount a 
low temp controlled iron on the CNC and draw the circuit, now thinking 
about it a 7445 etc flatbed plotter might do as well and be simpler.  
Have worked with a thermal plotter to cut vinyl signs and they do ok.  
Copper blank with a piece of the Fargo film on top and plot away might 
even work very simply..  Tossed an Apple fargo clone too recently, had 
the right kind of film but too bulky to keep and too little value to sell.

  Just got a C64 Epson with durabright inks off freecycle, so not 
missing it too much really.. ;)  Clogged head, but even if it can't be 
made to run it's $45 Epson store credit if not already registered, plus 
bottle the ink, and $12 in Staples return cartridge credits.  $3 of gas 
to go get it, they're great deals at the moment..

Alan