Homebrew PCBs

On Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:16:31 +0100, Steven Phellps <scp2000@...>  
wrote:

> 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


If you can get a laser printer ($10 on ebay) or use a copier somewhere i'd  
suggest toner transfer.
If not, you'll have to use photo process. But that one is better explained  
by someone who doesn't think it a PITA.

ST