Homebrew PCBs

Steve wrote:
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "cpexed" <cpexed@y...> wrote:
> 
>>Hello,
>>
>>I am just diving into to PCB design. What etchant do you recommend 
>>for starting out using toner transfer methods. I am not wanting to 
>>buy any hotplates or special tanks just use some old plastic 
>>tupperware.
> 
> Look here in Files and in Links under Acid Etching.
> 
> FeCl is that rust colored stuff that Radio Shack and others carry. I
> have used it in the past and still have about 5 pounds of dry FeCl.
> But I hate it so much I may not use what I have left. It must be used
> pretty hot, and it takes a long time to etch. Longer etch times mean
> more undercutting and more time for something to go wrong...

New FeCl diluted 1:1 etches double-sided boards in 6 mins at room temp
for me (boards vertical in a simple bubble etcher), and has no undercutting
problems. Much longer etching is needed if the pcb isn't first cleaned
of preservatives.