Where to learn how to etch pcbs?

debutvm · April 25, 2006, 06:45:52 PM

I have been using prefboard or whatever its called for my projects. Im wanting to do some more high gain pedals, and I need to learn how to etch pcb's....Im sure im beating a dead horse with this question but the search didnt turn up much...

fixr1984 · April 25, 2006, 07:09:36 PM

If you have a Rat Shack near you, you could try this. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102870&cp=&origkw=etch&kw=etch&parentPage=search
Its a whole kit to get you started and there are instructions for how to do it.

rockgardenlove · April 25, 2006, 07:50:03 PM

^Is that kit any good? I know the pen is probably just a relabeled sharpie, but otherwise is it a decent package?

stumper1 · April 25, 2006, 08:03:47 PM

There is a great photo-essay at Tonepad.

www.tonepad.com

markm · April 25, 2006, 08:05:20 PM

Quote from: rockgardenlove on April 25, 2006, 07:50:03 PM
^Is that kit any good? I know the pen is probably just a relabeled sharpie, but otherwise is it a decent package?

It's not bad but, you'd be better off doing the PNP technique.
It is certainly well worth it.

Quote from: stumper1 on April 25, 2006, 08:03:47 PM
There is a great photo-essay at Tonepad.

www.tonepad.com

Ditto!
MarkM

rockgardenlove · April 25, 2006, 08:08:48 PM

^I might pick one up then, seeing as that I have no laser printer, and don't have that much cash laying around.

markm · April 25, 2006, 08:16:26 PM

BTW,
You're right.....it is a Sharpie....
Even says it on the pen

$uperpuma · April 25, 2006, 08:44:51 PM

Quote from: stumper1 on April 25, 2006, 08:03:47 PM
There is a great photo-essay at Tonepad.

www.tonepad.com

x2... I learned what I know about making PnP boards from there and a ton of projects to try as well... I get my PnP from SmallBear

debutvm · April 25, 2006, 10:22:48 PM

The photoessay on tonelab does a great job of telling me what to do after i have laid out the design w/ press in peel blue, but I have no clue how to begin with the process...For instance how do you get the pcb guides off the internet and apply the design on the pcb? Im confused..please help the retarded noobie.

$uperpuma · April 25, 2006, 10:28:05 PM

http://www.tonepad.com/photoessay.asp?photoEssayID=10&sequenceNo=1
http://www.tonepad.com/photoessay.asp?photoEssayID=11&sequenceNo=1
these two will show you how to take the circuit from on paper design to etched baord

Supa-T · April 25, 2006, 10:47:07 PM

After spending hours using press n' peel, I spent about 70 bucks on the MG Chemicals exposure and developement kit. It was the best money I've ever spent for DIY circuits. The first time I used the MG stuff, I had a professional looking board in about 30 minutes and it s a fun process. Wonder why no one ever suggests it?

It was well worth the money, for my time and sanity.

rockgardenlove · April 25, 2006, 11:42:22 PM

Hehe, just bought that kit, it is a regular old sharpie!

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Where to learn how to etch pcbs?