Homebrew PCBs

"jimofc300" <jim@...> writes:
> I was told here that I didn't use enough laminator passes.

Not enough heat.  I run my laminator about 20 degrees hotter than the
default.

> Questions to hopefully avoid more errors: Has anyone tried the Direct
> Etch method?

Yes, and it works just fine.  What I did was half-fill a large
container with hot tap water, and put my FeCl container in it when I
started the lamination.  By the time it was time to etch, the FeCl was
warm/hot without being too hot, and between that and the sponge it
took 45 seconds to etch 0.5 oz copper.

I *do* use a tray with this technique, though.  Pour the FeCl into the
tray, hold the pcb over it, and dip the sponge into the etchant every
once in a while to freshen it.  For the tray, I used half of a gallon
milk jug (the left half, with the handle and spout still intact so you
can use it to pour the etchant back into the bottle).