Homebrew PCBs

On Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:09:39 -0800 (PST), you wrote:

>OK .. went from the problem with the traces running together 
>to the toner not sticking well to the copper .. 
>
>Can it be that I'm not heating long enough ? 
>
>Or can it also be that specific toner ? 
>
>Its from a newer model HP copier .. 
>
>Randy
>
>
The variables have variables. Unless HP has changed their toners work great.
I run mine (1022) at the highest quality/density setting.

There's a "sweet spot" between time, temperature and size of board. 
I did a 4x6 board a couple of days ago using with the iron set halfway 
between cotton and linen and ironed for 2.5 minutes with moderate pressure. 
Pay special attention to the edges. I paced the board in a folded Bounty 
paper towel and used an old cutting board for support.  

I use Hammermill OficeOne Business Glossy 32# paper (16302-0) which
may be discontinued. If you "overcook" this stuff it's almost impossible to
get off without pulling the toner off the copper. "Undercooking" results in
failure to adhere; "overcooking" or slippage results in smeared traces.

I recently failed to properly support a board in the center and had to strip
with acetone and start over due to traces running together; lesson learned.

A couple of years ago someone here suggested placing the board between
sheets of paper towel; this resulted in a major improvement for me.


Keith Bowers WB4LSJ- Thomasville, NC