Homebrew PCBs

I did use an iron to begin with. I think the advantage of a laminator is the even pressure and temperature across the board. I also don't get increased trace widths, cause by too much pressure. With the iron I always had problems near the edge of the board. Think the heat dissipates out the edge of the board faster, or sumpthin. Perhaps preheating does resolve that.

I bought a cheap laminator for $35 on ebay. I found one that had a temperature control. I maxed out the temp and that was not enough. Rather that figure out the control or build a new one, I put a piece of 1/16 ckt bd under the temp sensors, to act as an insulator between the heater and sensor. This effectively raised the temperature enough to make it work. I still use about 4 passes to make sure I get a good bond. 

I was using the "Office One" Business Gloss, 16302-0, 32 pound" but ran out and they apparently no longer make it. I bought a pack of Hammermill "Color Laser Gloss" 32#, 16311-0, and it works even better than the Business Gloss. Think I paid $10 for 300 sheets.

RD

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