Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Ronald Shaul <ronaldshaul@...> wrote:
>
> Making your own PCB's is time consuming with questionable quality of the results. I've been using Express PCB (expresspcb.com) for quite a while.
> 
> Their software is free and you can get 3 - 3x5 drilled, doublesided boards for $51. I have designed a board that was 8.5" by 3.5" double sided and ordered 2 for $110.
> 
> Their quality was great and the boards were recieved in 3 days. The smallest trace was .007" and  with many plated through holes.
> 
> Â I have made my own PCB's before and the time, experimentation for results, drlling holes and fixing etch problems could not compete with this commercial process.
> 
> Â Â Â Â Â Â  Ron Shaul
> 
>


The software is nice, and can be used to make your own boards, but for a one-off or two of a simple circuit, the price is exorbitant. I just made three toner transfer PCBs tonight in about an hour and that includes tin plating and it cost me about $2 in materials. It'll probably take me another 30 minutes tomorrow to drill them, but given it's an enjoyable process I don't mind. 

If I were making 10+ of the same board, or complex double sided stuff I'd have the boards professionally made, but otherwise I like doing it myself, if I want to make a revision or need an extra board, I can have it finished and working the same evening. This is homebrew PCBs afterall.