Homebrew PCBs

Steve Greenfield wrote:

> A friend of mine long ago claimed he used a week solution of nitric
> acid for etching PCBs.
>
> Has anyone here tried this?
>
> I'm thinking I need an exhaust hood in my basement. I figured if I
> use a fan then I have to worry about the fan being eaten by acid
> fumes, so thought maybe I'd use my air compressor with a simple
> homemade venturi pump made out of plastic pipe.
>
> Whatdya think?
>
> Steve Greenfield

Nitric acid is a controlled substance in Australia. Its not something I would
like to have around the house or garage. Do you know the byproducts from
copper and nitric acid ?  There are many safer and much more usable etchants
around. If you are having troubles with a particular etchant then it could be
that your etching equipment/process needs improving. The chemistry is only
half the story.