Making PCBs is fun. I've probably got my 1,000 hour flight time since 1996.

You'll stuff the first few though until you learn it.

Use an decent drillpress for drilling holes.

 

When it gets so complicated as to need double sides and a large number of vias, I go commercial......

Same here. I may be getting lazy in my old age and ExpressPCB doesn't help. I use their software for schematic capture and PCB layout. When it comes time to buy or build it is just too easy to click "Order Boards Via Internet".
The boards with big fat traces I generally will do at home. The tightly packed ones with 2+ layers, I will let the pros do.

 

I use UV exposure technique and I recommend it.
Why? Because consistent exposure/etching times and same chemicals every time
lead to consistent results so if you don't screw up you know that you will get a perfect flaw-free board 99% of the times.
Also because it's precise.

 

I use UV exposure technique and I recommend it.
Why? Because consistent exposure/etching times and same chemicals every time
lead to consistent results so if you don't screw up you know that you will get a perfect flaw-free board 99% of the times.
Also because it's precise.

Awesome,, got any good links for this? I will google it also, but any good links you might have will be appreciated.

 

Look on the MG chemicals website

http://www.mgchemicals.com/tech-support/instructional-guides/videos/

Doesn't work on a tablet.

 

When it gets so complicated as to need double sides and a large number of vias, I go commercial, including solder resist. The price difference was trivial. I used to use my exposure apparatus for double-sided boards regularly.

John

Which house do you use?

 

I used Oshpark ( oshpark.com ).

John

 

Thanks!

That was an awesome site.

 

If you use Eagle, it is quite friendly. You don't need to make the Gerbers, it does it and shows you the results. If you have a DRC issue (like a via on pad), they will deal with it.

John

 

Yes, I did notice the Eagle friendliness. I think I will order some boards.