Homebrew PCBs

Myc Holmes wrote:
> On 6/27/06, Russell Shaw <rjshaw@...> wrote:
>>   Myc Holmes wrote:
>>
>>Note: Muriatic Acid is a very strong acid and will cause severe burns!
>>Acid burns destroy the tissue are very painful. Definitely use the gloves and
>>eye shield. Keep Baking Soda handy to neutralize any spills. If you get it
>>on yourself, flood, and I mean FLOOD, the area with water or apply a paste
>>of Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), then FLOOD with water.
>>Muriatic Acid will eat holes in metal, clothing and you. The mist and
>>spray created during bubble etching is very dangerous. Use extreme caution.
>>I like the way the Muriatic Acid / H2O2 etches, but it must be used with
>>respect. The bad habits and sloppiness picked up while using FeCl4 must
>>be unlearned.
>>Myc
>>
>>(former Industrial Chemist)
>>
>>HCl is tame stuff if not concentrated enough to be fuming.
>>
>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid
>>
>>It stings on wounds like lemon juice or vinegar.

 > Russell,
 >
 > They say a little knowlegde is dangerous. Your comment is a prime example. I
 > spent 20+ years using HCL by the 55 gallon drum in an industrial setting.
 > Safe handling procedures were strictly followed.

The main problem there is large-scale spillage and fume generation.

 > Of course, there are defintely stronger acids than HCl, but all must be used
 > with safety in mind.
 >
 > 37% HCl is nothing to fool around with. There are some beginners here who
 > will listen to you and make that mistake. That's their choice and they can
 > remove themselves from the gene pool.

Yes, but i said "not concentrated enough to be fuming". NewBs downfall is lack
of comprehension and research. Other dilute acids are still very hazardous even
when non-fuming (like hydroflouric acid).

The HCl you can buy from the hardware shop wouldn't be sold there if it was overly
bad, but it fumes and should be diluted to 5:1 or more before exposure (i've used a
lot of it for de-rusting). Getting dilute stuff in your eyes or a wound would be
painful, so *adequate* precautions are advisable.

 > As L. Long said:
 > "Stupidity is a capital offense"
 > Myc
 >
 > Note:  Adam, Ammonium Persulfate is not the same as Muriatic Acid (HC). I
 > rest my case about a little bit of knowlegde...