Homebrew PCBs

Yes, in fact it has been done usually using plotters. Look in the
Links, Photos, and Files sections of the group here.

Some have reported issues with the pen crossing over previously drawn
tracks.

You might also check those same areas of the list, and search the
archive, for "scratch and etch" or "scratch 'n etch". An idea that
John Kleinbauer came up with. Coat the blank board with a metal
marking fluid, let dry thoroughly, then with a carbide or diamond
scratch tip mounted in a plotter (or CNC, I suppose), scratch off the
borders of all the traces.

<http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/files/Scratch_And_Etch/>

Steve Greenfield

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Liu" <henryjliu@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone tried attaching a very fine pen to a cnc then etch the pcb
> board?  Right now I'm using pcb-gcode but it's a pain because it takes
> so long to remove all the material when 95% of the board is empty
> space and 5% traces.  Also until I get my vacuum holder, it is hard to
> be quick with the setup.  I'm thinking a pen mounted in the holder
> will be able to write the traces better perhaps then I can chemically
> etch them.  Has anyone tried this?  Thanks.
> Henry
>