Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "fenris67" <thenephilim10@...> wrote:
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingto@> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi all
> > > 
> > > Well it seems I have hit on a solution to temperature control that works for me :D I dismantled and old clothes iron. Removed it's bi-metal thermostatic control and fitted it to the laminator. The control was only held in the iron by a bolt so that and 2 wires later I had it fitted. The case needed fettling to allow fixing the unit back into it but it's all working. Set to a little over polyestor, 5 passes to heat the PCB and 10 to toner transfer.
> > > 
> > > The test PCB is fantastic! Crisp, clean, and no remeadial work needed as everything stuck as it should :D :D.
> > > 
> > > Please note this is playing with 240VAC!!!! Safety safety safety!!!
> > >
> > 
> > Hey, I LIKE that idea - there should be an old iron lying around here somewhere - think I've got one on the boat. I WILL take that for a control. Do you have a temperature indicator?  I took a short peice of type J thermocouple wire and screwed tight again the metal where the thermal switch went and connected to a 50mV meter - just read the mV signal to determine temperature.  I checked the mV meter with a pot of boiling water - indicated 5.23mV with a good rolling boil - or 212F here at sea level.  Pretty close.
> > 
> > Only 120VAC here in the USA - but that still tingles (speaking from LOTS of experience)
> > 
> > Thanks for the idea.
> > 
> > Ken H>
> >
> 
> 
> Hi Ken
> 
> I have no temp indication. I'm relying on the thermostat dial to be 'true' :D
> 
> regards
> 
> Fenris
>

Today I have had another go using my modded laminator. This time, with the temp at just over polyester, I did 6 runs to heat the PCB and 8 to transfer the pattern. I did 2 PCB's both 3" x 4 3/4" 1.6mm thick. My traces consist of 1.02mm (the majority), .75mm and 3.25mm. There is a small amount of text which is about size 6 as selected in the design software. Everything is perfect on both and 100 % stick down.

Having rubbed the thickest pieces of backing paper off I used a washing up sponge, the rough side, to clean off the remainder. No pattern was removed though I think that's down to not going mad :D . The 8 passes seems to have improved the definition of the holes in the component pads as well I noticed.

I am really pleased with this improvement to my PCB making to say the least. Now........how to automate the drilling of 200 holes 8/

I haveposted some pictures under Texet but they are awaiting approval.

regards

Fenris