[XCSSA] Printed Circuit Borad Fabrication

[X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio]

Anton!  Whatcha been up to man?!

On Thursday 09 April 2009, X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio wrote:
> I etch my own boards using Acid Cupric Chloride, it's pretty easy to
> make and can be regenerated with a cheap fish tank bubbler. (Or just
> shake in an watertight container)
>
> http://members.optusnet.com.au/eseychell/PCB/etching_CuCl/index.html
>
> I store it in a plastic bottle and shake it up before etching. 

Wow.. interesting stuff there! 

So this stuff emits HCl fumes?  Sounds kinda.. toxic.

Why this instead of Ferro Chloric acid?  You do much etching?


> I use the toner transfer method as a resist and it works well. Print
> on glossy photo paper in a laser printer and iron onto the copper. Be
> sure the iron is hot and the copper cleaned. I clean it with a green
> scrubby then sand it with 1000 grit emery cloth.

I never had very good luck with it.. it was always too "cracky".. and I would 
have to go over the whole thing with a etchresist pen to keep it clean.  I 
think some XCSSA folks have played with that blue rubber iron on stuff a bit.


> The small bits must be used in a good drill
> press or dremil press and even then you'll break a few.

I just use my "dremel press":
	http://theweeks.org/tmp/SHOW/3_proto_drill4.jpg
	http://theweeks.org/tmp/SHOW/4_proto_drill5.jpg

works like a charm...


> http://www.goldmine-elec.com/

Wow!  Cool site man!  Thanks for sharing!  I already found two must haves:
	Amazing Wire Glue
	http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16133

	Erbium Laser Rod
	http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16735


Tweeks