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Homebrew PCBs

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 23:05 UTC

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Re: Heater for Etchant Bath

2016-11-09 by Kamen Lilov

Why would you heat it so hot as to let it fume?

I've been using FeCl for years, heated to about 50C / 130F in a microwave oven. I did not care to get a heated tank, or put in air bubbles.

Etches anything in about 8 minutes (maybe 9 if there is too much copper to take). I tie a piece of wire in a hole in a corner of the PCB and agitate constantly. 8 minutes is not too much of my time. Perfect results.

I know with very heated FeCl you can do it in 4-5 minutes, but is it really worthwhile?

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