Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "dkesterline" <desterline@t...> 
wrote:

> I've been TT'ing component print layer for a while 
> now. Somthng you might want to try is "Jet PRINT 
> PHOTO Multi Project Paper Gloss Finish". Yes, it's 
> made for inkjet printers. Yes, I run it through my 
> laser with no problems. It's not as good for the 
> etch resist layer because it tends to leave lots of 
> pinholes in the toner. But it's great for the 
> component outlines because it releases *very* easily, 
> and doesn't leave all that fuzzy white paper bits. 
> FWIW, this works great on front panels too.

Office Max has some (relatively) inexpensive glossy
and semi-gloss papers.  I seem to recall it was about
$10 for 50-100 sheets (they also have some coated
inkjet paper for that or less).  

In a pinch (like in the middle of the night) you can
actually MAKE paper that releases well...with a 
mixture of starch and water (boiled...essentially 
making something kind of like gravy).  Paint it on 
and iron the paper flat again after it's dried.

It's probably not worth the effort most of the time
but hey, I was bored and wanted to test to see if
it'd work :)

=====================================

> Two problems I havent been able to overcome:
> I can't get a good layout transfer to the copper side 
> of the board-including the component side of a DS 
> board. Seems the paper won't conform to the uneven 
> surface. 
> While you can wash toner off copper many times and 
> try again, when I tried that with the bare board it 
> left toner impregnated ito the fiberglass. Not 
> smearing like I've seen when using acetone or lacuer 
> thinner (where the solvent attacks the board) but 
> just a ghost of the first attempt. Since then I've 
> adopted a "it better be right the first time" policy 
> for the component print.

It would be nice if there was a kit with a thick 
white ink and rubber stamps :)

Oh, you MIGHT be able to get the paper to conform
better if you wet it just before you iron it on...
and then use a piece of cloth between the iron and
the paper to even out the pressure.  Haven't tried
it...something I just thought up as I was babbling
here :)