Homebrew PCBs

Hi All,

Could someone give me a few pointers.  This I am sure has been discussed but 
I am not sure where to look for the answer so I thought I'd ask.

I tried to build my own PCB with the radio shack kit but the traces are 
terrible.  They aren't smooth, they are jagged.  The traces are thick then 
too thin.  I used a sharpie, didn't work well.  Used the radio shack black 
traces that you press on to the copper clad board.  Very cumbersome and 
results weren't good.

Double sided was even worse.

What is a simple way to make my own double-side PCB ... even a single to 
start is good.  Where do I find a small drill bit?  Mine are too thick and 
the holes are too big that the DIP sockets don't fit properly.  Is there 
freeware to draw a circuit board, print on something to transfer to a copper 
clad board?  Or is there something better than chemical etching with the 
radio shack stuff?

I would like something inexpensive... guess the radio shack stuff is pretty 
cheap and easy to purchase without waiting days for the mail.  I've a inkjet 
HP, epson printer.  An old(very old) HP fax machine.  Toner seems to be 
expensive.  I've read some ppl speak of photo etching.  How complex is that? 
  I don't need a really professionally done PCB but something better than 
what I've been using from radio shack(press on traces, sharpie markers etc).

Any suggestions are most welcomed
Steve

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