Alt-BEAM Archive

Message #02800



To: Jacob Booth J.Booth@mackillop.acu.edu.au
From: Bruce Robinson Bruce_Robinson@bc.sympatico.ca
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 1999 23:26:01 -0700
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: was PCB, now cheap drills


Jacob Booth wrote:

> ... If you keep snapping those tiny drill bits ...

Or, if you're really desperate and don't have a dremel ... Y'know those
sets of small jewellers screwdrivers? Press down on the top and twist
the body with the thumb & middle finger? Yep, I used the smallest one
once to drill several dozen holes. Yeah, I know, a lot of work, but it
was a holiday weekend and I couldn't wait for the stores to re-open.

It works, but watch out for blisters.

Also, James Niemasik wrote:

> ... use Ferric Chloride or Ammonium Persulvate in crystal (dissolve it)
> or liquid form. Heat the liquid and put the board in, then agitate it
> for 5-25 minutes.

I found if you leave the board in the etchant too long, it starts to
undercut the masking material or artwork. For fine lines this can be a
pain. A stronger etching solution gets the job done faster and minimizes
undercutting. Take sensible precautions with the etchants -- most of
them are toxic.

Regards,
Bruce

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