Homebrew PCBs

On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:14 +0000, you wrote:

>Well the epoxy idea seems to have legs. I am going to order some and 
>give it a try. I was feeling quite down last week when I found out the 
>prices of a press and being told that you really need one to be able to 
>do 4 layers. Reading over the old postings it really does sound like it 
>can be done at home.

I haven't tried 4 layers, I've done two layer boards.  It's often
quite nice to make each layer independently, then match them.  Lots
less stress when one half (always the second one) of a two layer board
turns out badly.

Some small suggestions:

1) don't use 5 minute epoxy, use 20 minute epoxy.  You want the
additional working time, and the overall setup time is the same.

2) try a dispenser first, see how well it works.  You'll probably want
more depending on how many boards you use.

3) I use both guide holes and one or two drilled vias.  I try to match
them all.  Layout and trying to make the boards exactly match on the
printer (left right, for me, always at the top) seems to be critical. 
4) find yourself two pieces of cheap marble tile, and use them for a
press.  Use waxed paper or the equivalent so that the epoxy does not
glue the marble together.

5) I've tried superglue, but I also manage to use the vias and such to
also hold the boards together.  Epoxy seems to be better.

6) be absolutely sure that the epoxy is not contaminated by scraps of
already cured epoxy.  It will cure in very little time, giving you
very little working time.

Harvey

>
>Brilliant, brilliant group. Thanks for the help guys.
>
>Trev
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>