Homebrew PCBs

I have been using HP photopaper for inkjet printers and until I 
modified my process, getting the paper of was a real pain. I would 
almost have to let it soak overnight to get the rest of the residue 
off. 

My new process entails heating the PCB first with an iron until it 
is too hot to handle, then carfully placing the photo paper on it. 
It glues to it almost without any help. I then cover the photo paper 
with another piece of regular paper (so the photo paper will not 
stick to the iron) and gently heat it some more. While it is still 
hot, I peel the photo paper off. Apparently the glossy stuff 
carrying the toner is still soft so, it comes right off with minimal 
residue. Usually, it is all just on the toner. Quench the board 
immediately it some cool water and a gently rub, and what little 
residue was there, is gone.

One problem I did note is the smudging of the traces if too much 
pressure/lateral force is applied after the inital placement. If you 
get smudging, you'll end up scrubbing it off and doing it again. 
(Note to all, It took me a bit to get the process working)

Keith

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan"
> <stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> ...
> > Only because that staples paper works, and a laminator works does
> not mean  
> > we will stop
> > trying to find better methods!
> > As long as the pcb doesn't come out of a slot in my PC with only
> schematic  
> > as input, and
> > printed components of course, i'm by no means finished.
> > If you want to stick with the current method forever - fine with 
me.
> > Before staples paper pcb making was no hit and miss, UV method 
is a
> sure  
> > thing.
> > permanent marker is a sure thing as well, just not convenient.
> 
> 
> Here! here!  I couldn't have said it better.  I really do not
> understand the need to agrandize staples/gbc200 and the guy who
> documented it.  There are many things here that work and many 
people
> who have made real contributions.  
> 
> Why on earth would we stop trying to improve the process???  It
> reminds me of a famous quote by Charles Duell, Commissioner of the
> U.S. Office of Patents in 1899 - "Everything that can be invented 
has
> been invented".  Of course he missed a few things - the airplane,
> electronics, biotech, ginsu knife, ...