Homebrew PCBs

I archived an earlier post on this mix by dkesterline in the Files
section under Acid Etching, same proportions. Cheap and easy.

I also have lots of FeCl, several pounds of it dry. What a waste, even
heated it etches only very slowly. Stains everything.

I'm in Tacoma, someone wants to come pick up this FeCl you can have it.

Steve Greenfield

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "klmjr22" <keithlmartin@c...> wrote:
> 
> Hi just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth on this subject.
> I use a version of CUCL that is cheap and easy to get the stuff for. I
> use regular 3% Peroxide available at any drug store. Cheap in larger
> sizes ( I actually get it at Costco, 1.78 for 2 qts. ) I then use pool
> acid (muratic acid, available at pool supplies and most grocery
> stores) about 3-4 bucks a gallon. Then get a clear plastic box made
> from the soft milky colored polyrthelene usually sold as shoe boxes.
> Now pour 2/3 cup of peroxide in container. I recommend doing this
> outside as a few fumes may be given off when mixing in the acid. After
> the peroxide is in add 1/3 cup pool acid. Be carefull pouring this
> into the peroxide. It may fume slightly. I then take it into the
> kitchen sink. It is clear at this time. Place the board into the
> solution. At first it seems nothing is happening. In less than a
> minute the solution starts turning a very pretty bright green thas is
> still transparent. In about 3-5 minutes the board is completely
> etched. I can do at least a 6x6 board is just one cup total etchant
> doublesided. Rinse the board good. The downside is the solution will
> go bad within a couple of hours. You can regen with concentrated
> peroxide (tried it didn't like it) so I just make fresh each time.
> When you get done pour it down the drain with running water. This is
> appropriate for occasional use. If I was doing large quanities I would
> go full blown CUCL. As far as temps go I made it one time with my room
> temp peroxide and some 26 degree pool acid (it was cold out) and it
> worked just as well. Use plastic tongs for the board. And last but not
> least I just rock the container back and forth for the etching time.
> With the small amount of etchant you are unlikely to slop any out. BTW
> I have a 15/16 full gallon of new FECL sitting on the shelf gathering
> dust. I'll never use it, this is just to easy.
> 
>