Homebrew PCBs

> I've certainly had little trouble with 10mil traces (0.010 inch) out of
> Eagle with Ammonium Persulphate - I do find Eagle's square through-hole pads
> a bit prone to over etching, but come to think about it, they etch OK,
> they're just bloody small!
> 
> PG

Doesn't matter which program used for the layout, most of them do have pretty small pads.  These small pads are ok for a commercial board with solder mask, but for a home etched board I find it's better to use larger pads.  My pads and traces are usually a good bit larger than standard.  This helps prevent problems of pads lifting during rework as most of my boards are prototypes requiring removal of parts a few times....  sometimes I get lucky and do the design correct first time.

Just make the pads as large as you wish.

Ken H>