Electronics Cheap pcb etching

I'm wanting to make a very simple fan power control circuit and fancy trying my hand at pcb etching.

Now I've read this nice little guide here


http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37519

Now I'm going to do the etchin pen method and I want to check what I am about to order is suitable.

All from maplins

Pen : http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040416224149328&moduleno=2104&Products=1
Maplin code : HX02C

Etching tray:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040416224149328&moduleno=10440&Products=2
Maplin code: CH38R

Ferric Chloride Crystals:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040416224149328&moduleno=2097&Products=1
Maplin code: XX12N

Polishing Block:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040416224149328&moduleno=2109&Products=1
Maplin code: HX04E

Copper-Clad Boards
http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040416224149328&moduleno=2112&Products=8
Maplin code: HX00A

Are these parts suitable can you recommend any different ones if not?

I heard pre drilling the holes is best is that correct?

Thanks

Edit : I'm looking for something that will look like this in the end : http://www.bsodmike.com/stuff/DivineProtection/DivineProtection_pcb.jpg

 

Not IMHO, but lightly centre-popping the hole positions then joining the dots with the pen may help.

With proper photo-resisted boards, you often let the copper etchant remove a spot of copper at the hole position to aid drilling, but centre-pops are to drilling as vinegar is to chips.

 

something that makes people with taste gag?

 

You probably have only had non-brewed condiment in your limp-wristed chipholes.

 

yes.

 

Or you could get the starter kit that has everything, possibly cheaper?

Oh, and i found it much easier to make the PCB's by printing them on photo-quality paper (glossy) using a laser printer, and transfering it over.

 

I dont have access to a laser printer unfortunatly

 

ah, well its still possible, i just found it hard to make a decent looking pcb.

 

An inkjet printer works fine for using uv transfer method and photo resist boards. I used an old scanner, some bacofoil and 3 of these to make a cheapish uv light box and it seems to work OK after a few test goes to get the timing right.

 

I second that. I used the same method, only I used silver card inside the box, and a 3 x 8 Watt 12V tube lighting circuit from an old caravan tube light. I got the UV tubes from Farnells. The 12V psu initially came from an old AT format PC, but has since been replaced with a Laptop PSU from Maplins. Will post pics of your'e interested.

 

Cheers for all the advice

 

is there a place where i can get all these wunnerfull supplies for etching in the US??

 

Try the useful links sticky.
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=4589