Homebrew PCBs

I usually drill after etching, but I did one today where I drilled it 
first. It won't lift the pads, but I was worried about scratching it. I 
like drilling after because of the dimple in the center.

Mickey



David McNab wrote:

>Hi,
>
>With the (thermal toner transfer) boards I've done so far, I've drilled
>after etching.
>
>Even though I'm using a good drill press, the drilling played havoc with
>the fine pads, and left me with having to either:
>
> 1. buy a conductive pen ($35 here - ouch!) and hand-repair the
>    pads/traces, or
> 2. use soldering technique and (in some cases) thin wires to bridge the
>    damaged connections
>
>So this time, I tried drilling before etching. Worked much better - in
>cases where the holes and pads acquired imperfections, these were easily
>corrected by dabbing the etch-resist pen gently into and around the
>(0.8mm) holes.
>
>I'm quite happy with the result, and would recommend drilling before
>etching as an option which can reduce time/pain.
>
>Comments anyone?
>
>  
>