Homebrew PCBs

Hi all,

New to this group, but not to Yahoo Groups.

Background:   I have 8 years being a Sr Mechanical Designer in Cali, for
Fujitsu Bus Comm in Anaheim, just a better name for a drafter, and used
CADnetix for PCB designing.   I can read and draw a schematic and
solder, but that's it.  For the mechanical part of it, we still used the
mechanical pencil and straight edge and the drafting machine.  (pre
AutoCAD days)

What sparked my interests in designing and diy PCB's was CNC Zone.  I
wanted to build a CNC machine for the house to fabricate acrylic tanks
and other acrylic equipment for the Saltwater club members locally. 
Acrylic accessories for the Saltwater Aquarium are expensive and when I
first started,  I made my own to save some money.

Anyway one thing lead to another and I'm designing boards again.  This
time for Nixie clocks.  That's another story.   I found Eagle CAD and
using the lite version for now, great program and it's free.  Gotta keep
the costs down for a hobbyist.

Currently I'm using the tried and true method of Toner Transfer,  with
photopaper from work, it's free.  Works great for small boards 2" x2"
but any bigger the traces are spotty and the pads are not there. 
http://www.techniks.com/how_to.htm <http://www.techniks.com/how_to.htm>
Tried with the Peel N Press Blue and White with no luck so far and have
ordered a Laminator off of Ebay for $1.04 to try.  I came across this
site  http://www.fullnet.com/u/tomg/gooteepc.htm
<http://www.fullnet.com/u/tomg/gooteepc.htm>   and saw the part for the
etching boards using Muratic Acid and Peroxide.

It works great for the first board or two, then takes longer for the
folowing boards.  How long does the stuff last before you have (to toss
it) replenish it with fresh?  There was a small mention of using an
aquarium pump and air stone to help keep it fresh, but will that help as
agitation to speed up the process?   Also not to add more peroxide as it
has too much water in it and will dilute the mix even more.  I'm using
the 2/1 ration, peroxide to acid as suggested.  I'd like to get away
from the Ferric chloride - the sink is turning a nice awful brown.

Sorry for the long first post :)

Charles





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