Homebrew PCBs

On Mon, 26 Nov 2007 03:46:29 -0000, you wrote:

>Hi
>
>I am considering buying a laser printer for use in making PCBs with the 
>toner transfer method.  I would like to know if anyone has experience 
>with any Brother models as they are currently on sale at Office Depot.

I *think* that I have heard things about the brother series that
indicates that they are not the best for toner transfer.  IIRC, the
best seems to be HP, which can also be inexpensive.  How good the
inexpensive ones are, that's another matter.  I have an HP 2200D,
which was not cheap, even as a closeout.  I would recommend 1200 DPI,
though.

>
>Is there a noticible difference between laser printers or more 
>specifically the toner used in different brands of printers?  Does the 
>toner used for recycled cartridges have the same properties as the 
>new "branded" cartridges?

For 600 DPI, I think that the toner is probably close to the same. For
the 1200 DPI, HP makes a big deal about "microfine" toner and suggests
that you not use any other variety.  Big surprise there.

On the other hand, I found an Office Depot remanufactured cartridge to
be noisy and of lower quality.  I've also had an Office Depot Ink
cartridge (black, yet) remanufactured for the HP to be bone dry
clogged out of the box.

If you *do* go with HP, be aware that there is on the 2200 and 2300
series, and some of the other LaserJet series, a density control in
software.  It's a separate program, not part of the driver.  Normally
the density is set to about 2.5, for boards, I set it to 5 (maximum).

YMMV, especially with other machines, but these are my opinions.

Harvey

>
>Any help/comments is appreciated?
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Regards
>Ed AD5JV
>
>