Homebrew PCBs

I totally agree that the best solution is an etch AND storage tank, 
all in one.

Unfortunately, m tank is plastic.  I (currently) use AP.  I have 
heard anecdotal evidence that it eats plastic so I dont want to store 
it in the tank.  I've kept my eye out for a glass tank but they are 
all too big (4 L/1 G) and I want to only have 1 L of etchant for 
safety sake.  I guess at some point I'll build a glass one if I dont 
find a suitable container.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan" 
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Mon, 09 Aug 2004 14:23:55 -0000, Phil <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
> 
> > that's not a bad idea at all for etching though I'd be very 
careful
> > even with double bagging.   Its a good, cheap way to do quick one-
off
> > etches.  Even allows for aggitation though I'd be reluctant to 
handle
> > a full bag.
> >
> > Still, I prefer the tank I made which has a bubbler and heater.
> > Yeah, its more "stuff" and requires cleaning but I get very
> > consistant, even etching and can do multiple boards at once.  
Pouring
> > etchant back into the storage container is very precise.  I'll 
stick
> > with it.
> >
> 
> Phil, the trick is to make the container in a way so that almost
> no cleaning and no pouring back for storage is required.
> (Though i doubt emptying and discarding the bags is less hassle 
than  
> cleaning
> your container)
> I have a glass tank for CuCl, which holds one liter and can do 
boards  
> approx. 30cmx20cm.
> I keep the etchant in all the time (silicone adhesive seal for the 
lid),
> if i need a board i lift the lid, clamp the board in the holder, 
put it  
> back in, etch.
> 
> (note: not touching any "wet" internal parts while doing that, the 
board  
> clamp is "remote controlled" through the lid and operated by the 
thumb of  
> the hand holding the lid while the other
> hand positions the pcb)
> 
> When it is ready i lift it out by the handle, position it over the 
water  
> container, and push
> the "remote control" for the clamp mechanism. the PCB is released 
and in  
> the water.
> 
> You see, not a drop of etchant is wasted because ONLY the PCB can 
carry  
> any etchant on it's surface
> and is washed. the other parts never touch anything, and never get 
cleaned.
> It is also sealed off enough so that closeby tools won't corrode.
> The whole tank sits in a plastic container but there were no leaks 
so far.
> The nice thing is you can clearly see both sides while in the 
etchant, no  
> need to pull it out
> to see if it is completed. I have a hydrometer in there to see the 
density  
> (CuCl), and
> also a electrolysis setup with carbon electrodes, but i didn't fire 
it up  
> yet 'cause i
> think it isn't really useful. I could easily add a bubbler and 
heater  
> because the last 5cm
> on both ends of the lid are separated and can be used to carry a 
hose, a  
> heater, or like it
> is now carbon electrodes. I don't want a bubble because of the 
possible  
> fumes.
> However, speeding it up is easy by adding mechanical agitation. A 
geared  
> motor
> "sways" the holder from side to side (the silicone seal allows 
that) and  
> does
> speed up the process a lot.
> 
> Best part: building was basically free, i had the glass and the 
lid/holder  
> is made
> of old printer chassis. The slicone adhesive is the only cost.
> 
> I can only suggest to go on and build one, it is a big difference 
if you  
> have to prepare
> your "bowl" and storage bottle, handle dangerous chemicals, or just 
open  
> the lid and put
> it in there without getting your hands dirty.
> 
> ST