Homebrew PCBs

I do the acetone first. The I use the Comet powder with bleach. Then I work 
it over with the 3M green pad.

Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "morarcalin" <morarcalin@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:28 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Before Ironing the Printed Schematic - what do 
you?


>
>
> I do this:
>  1 - Wash/clean with Comet powder then rinse with tap water
>  2 - Then wipe with Acetone
>  3 - Tonner transfer ... etch ... and so on
>
> I do not use a kitchen scrubbing pad (the harsh ones) but a cooktop 
> scrubbing pad. Same thing as the standard 3M kitchen scrubbing pads but 
> not as abrasive so it does not scratch the copper at all when used with 
> Comet. I found out that scratches are not helping at all with very thin 
> traces (I speak 5 mils traces or 0.5mm pads for LQFP packages). You should 
> find Commet at any grocery store
>
> I found the second step to be absolutely essential. This forst cleans the 
> board and second the acetone "remains" help the tonner to stick to the 
> copper better. Be generous whit the acetone, use a kitchen paper towel and 
> don't wipe the board dry, leave it air dry by itself (acetone evaporates 
> almost instantaneous anyways).  I usually do this right before "ironing". 
> Bought my acetone from Home Depot or Lowes.
>
> Then etch with the usual "pool etching solution". I am never going back to 
> FeCl ... :))
>
> I get consistent results each and every time. With a bit of care I was 
> able to do 4 mill traces - 5 mil are already routine. My advice, don't 
> skimp on buying a laminator - makes the difference. I got mine from here 
> (http://www.presentationsdirect.com/gbc-heatseal-9-creative-pouch-laminator.html)
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Frank P" <qz9090@...> wrote:
>>
>> There has been some discussion about removing toner from a PCB, but I was 
>> wondering what do you guys use to clean the copper clad before you 
>> iron-on your schematic to the copper?
>>
>> I suspect some of the answers might include the use of Scotch Brite 
>> (nylon scrubbing pad) and one the following:
>>
>> a) actone
>> b) rubbing alcohol
>> c) Tarn-x (not sure of the spelling)
>>
>> What works best for you?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>> Frank P.
>>
>
>
>
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