Homebrew PCBs

You could, perhaps, buy some thin copper foil - say 4 mil - and glue 
it to fr4, then cut the traces. Copper foil comes in many thicknesses 
and might even be available with adhesive backing.
Mark



At 11:37 AM 6/14/2012, you wrote:
>I have posted a few blog entries on my attempts at PCBs on the Cricut.
>
>The two methods I used were:
>
>- Sharpie on PCB as etch resist (worked pretty well, the extra fine tip
>industrial marker worked well enough to use some SMD parts).
>
>http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2012/02/26/smd-pcb-rfid-fail/
>http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/04/06/more-cricut-pcbs-the-sharpie-method/
>
>- Spray on some paint as a resist, and scratching off lines to isolate
>circuits using a scriber tool which has no "offset" problem. I had moderate
>success with this, but the sharpie method is quicker and works better.  The
>difficulty is, you need something pretty darn sharp to scratch off the
>resist (or your copper..), but the sharper something is, the thinner the
>line you are scratching off, and more trouble you'll have with bridges...
>Perhaps a quick etch to try and widen the cuts?
>
>http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/03/17/pcbs-on-the-cricut-2/
>http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/03/29/pcb-process-update
>
>
>I have not, however, actually tried to scratch off the copper like the
>original poster. Those blades are pretty pricey, I wonder how long they
>last in this application?
>
>-David
>
>
>
>On Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 8:02 AM, KalleP <kalle@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Love the new concept.
> >
> > Javaguy said ...
> >
> > > Sounds interesting, but as mentioned in another post it is
> > > surprising a vinyl cutter could cut through copper. Is this
> > > standard 1/16 inch 1 ounce FR4?
> >
> > AlienRelics said ...
> > > Re: Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with a CNC paper cutter
> >
> > > Having manually cut isolation with an Xacto, I'd have never
> > > guessed the relatively minor downforce from a CriCut or
> > > other vinyl cutter would be enough to cut all the way through
> > > the copper.
> >
> > It does seem a bit unlikely that it would be up to the job but remember
> > copper is a soft metal and if the carbide blade stays sharp it should do
> > the job.
> >
> > Also what may not be obvious to those who do not have a scrapbooking wife
> > who yearns for such a cutter is that the CriCut has a bit more muscle than
> > a basic vinyl cutter. It is rated to cut card stock as well so has a larger
> > downforce and rigidity than a pen plotter turned cutter.
> >
> > Never mind the consumer machine, consider the implications of using such a
> > blade in a small XYZ router with just a bit more downforce and rigidity and
> > this might be the future of instant PCB DIY manufacture.
> >
> > Kalle
> > --
> > Johannesburg, South Africa
> >
> >
> >
>
>
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>
>
>
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>
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