[sdiy] PCB Etching

[Colin Fraser]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> [mailto:owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of Prototek
> Sent: 03 September 2001 20:41
> To: Synth_diy
> Subject: [sdiy] PCB Etching
>
>    I gave my first shot at PCB etching using a cheap Radio
> Shack kit. It consisted of 2 copper clad boards, etching
> solution, a marker, and resist ink remover.

>    To make a long story short, I let it sit about another 45
> minutes and jiggled the tank around a little. The copper was
> finally gone, but my traces were horrible!! Leaving the PCB
> in the solution that long made my transfer stickers thinner
> and brittle, thus allowing the solution to creep through.
>
>    Is this how etching with solution always is? What method
> does everyone else use.

That's how etching always is the first time, I suspect.
Like anything else, it takes a bit of practice to get good results.
I only ever did one board with a marker pen, and although it worked, it
looks awful.
I decided I would either need to get a UV box and use photo-etching, or give
up.
I got the UV box, and use pre-clad photo-resist board, and now get excellent
results for low cost.
It also helps a great deal to have a heated etchant tank with an air pump to
keep the etchant at the board surface moving.

Colin f