Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Hart <tech_guru@...>
wrote:
> 
> I have worked with laser marking (engraving) and it actually is an
oxidation 
> process, requiring coated metals, either pre-coated, or with a
coating that 
> is sprayed on before going into the laser, and the coating is washed
off 
> after the item has been marked. Unfortunately, it doesn't actually
cut the 
> metal. There are some lasers that can, but you are looking at a very 
> expensive piece of machienery, and you will end up cutting the board
at the 
> same time, as the material used for circuit boards is a much easier
material 
> to cut than the metal. 
> 
> Christopher Hart
>

So couldn't you coat the board with a resist then ablate away the
areas that you want to etch?
Prices are starting to come down some on laser engravers. I have seen
some chinese ones for sale in the 2000-4000 dollar range. Better than
the 8000-10000 I usually see for tabletop units. If I could feel
confident in the quality and support I would buy a chinese one.