Homebrew PCBs

jj_winkel wrote:
> I am used to the H2O2 + HCL mix that's so cheap I use fresh mix everytime, but not to the CuCl one.
> What advantage is there using Cucl for casual needs, as it seems to need more involvment than just mix two ( + water ! ) liquids ?
> 
> 
Air regenerated CuCl2 has its benefits with permanent bubble etch tank
installations, because it requires minimal handling of chemicals during
its operating life. Depending the tank volume and rate of copper etched,
the normal maintenance involves additions of concentrated HCl about
every 10 to 20 PCBs etched. Unlike persulfates and H2O2, the CuCl2
solutions have an indefinite shelf life.

The etch rate of air regenerated cupric chloride is about %50 speed of
fresh ferric chloride under equal conditions.

I would agree, that for people making only the occasional *small* PCB,
then preparing heated etchant into a plastic lunch box and then manually
rocking the PCB is probably the ideal method.