Homebrew PCBs

> Routing - Seems quicker, generates a bit of a mess, can't do as 
> dense traces which limits use of surface mount chips, or higher 
> density TH chips.  More difficult to align for dual sided boards. 
> significantly more expensive to enter into, but equipment could be 
> used for other things.  Not sure where to find quality bits for 
> routing PCB's (the angular tip ones)

Don't forget the dust is copper and fiberglass.  unless you remove it 
as the source, it will chew up your machine.


As far as bits, go, Harbor Freight often has 10 bits for 10 bux or 50 
bits for 25 bux.  there are others around.  Most often, these are 
really high quality bits that are ground out of tolerance.




> 
> The other thing I'm confused about is the solder mask (I think 
> that's what it's called) - the green layer commonly found on 
> production PCB's -is it possible to find this stuff and how 
> difficult is it to apply?


I wonder how to get the stuff everywhere but on the pads !

This is a thread I'd like to see get discussed.

Dave