Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "ransom peek" <ransom.peek@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 1:53 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] First PCB - used Sharpie, but copper lines are
pitted...


> First time tried to make pcb, used Sharpie Ultra Fine marker and ferric
> chloride from Radio Shack.  After 10 minutes in solution, with
> agitation, market lines were degrading badly.  Stopped the etching,
> applied more marker, and etched for another 8 minutes (roughly).  Still,
> the copper areas are pitted, very much degraded - the pen just doesn't
> do a good job - the ferric chloride does attack it.
>
>
>
> Am I doing something wrong?  My plan is to go over all the traces and
> pads with solder to ensure continuity for this prototype, but in the
> future.    Do I need a different method or different marker pen?

Staedtler waterproof markers work very well.


> Also - I find that isopropyl alcohol does an ok job of removing the
> marker - is this a good choice?

That is what I use to remove resist from my boards. Virtually any solvent
should work, I used to use cellulose paint thinners.

Leon