Homebrew PCBs

Tried the copper-side component legend again today, with 4 passes
through the fuser (alternating the sides).
Worked very well this time.

here is a picture:
<http://st.such.info/pub/comp_bot.jpg>

You see alignment is a big problem.
What i found is the paper i use shrinks a _lot_ during fusing.
the printed paper is always too big to align properly.

I think next time i will add a "index line" on all layers, against which 
the pcb
edge is aligned. then i feed this edge first on all transfers and it should
shrink the same.


You also see that 2mm traces are still working very well, i fused 3 times
compared to the normal single run to make sure all pinholes are closed.
(the printout was translucent on the broad traces).

well, i think my PCBs are up to space-shuttle standards now, aren't they? 
;-)


I was SO reluctant to start with component legend, but it was way less 
work than i
feared. Once you have your librarys perpared it doesn't take any longer.
Preparing the additional layers for print is a matter of minutes, only 
moving
some text etc..
You easily save that time when populating, when you don't have to look at 
the
printout.
Most time consuming right now is the polishing process to get the paper 
residue
off the toner. Still looking for a better way (but found no paper that 
leaves
no residue and works well).

well, good luck..

ST