obtaining a small simple etching tank - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 01:33:40 pm
content: I'm trying to get a simple PCB etching tank, of the sort usually sold as a started kit that will take 1 or 2 litres, the little plastic ones that you put a fish tank heater in and connect a fish tank air pump to. there are a couple of "kits" on eBay but really I just want the tank as I've got the rest. I'm in the UK

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 03:42:09 pm
content: hah?! u ar kidding! i just use anything i can find that can store water in it! ebay kit? i think you ar kidding me! are you serious?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 03:49:56 pm
content: I kid you not:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130349662953&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:ITLike you say any chemical resistant container will do the job, at the moment I'm using a cereal storage box but this is slightly oval and wider than need be so I loose out on the potential surface area i could cover with the same amount of liquid and my heater does not fit properly. So yea I'm not in dire need but wouldn't mind getting just that bit more comfortable.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 04:15:28 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on October 03, 2010, 03:49:56 pmo jeez, i just noticed. i didnt know we can make money by selling PCB etching kito well, we actually have the same problem about comfortability and the oval thing, but i already have a solution to recycle my unused etching chemical, so amount of liquid vs pcb area is not a problem to me anymore

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 04:22:46 pm
content: well I don't do many boards so 2 litres is fine for me and having a proper little tank will make fixing bits to it easier and the process a little less mecanical, I don't want the whole "kit" just the tank itself.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 08:17:34 pm
content: It seems like it would be advantageous to have a properly shaped tank. It would be more efficient. Tall and skinny is how I imagine it.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 08:30:08 pm
content: Quote from: Time on October 03, 2010, 08:17:34 pmexactly, I have a tank (cereal box) that is 1/3 the length in width which is a waste, I could probably get a 3x3" board in it. By comparison a 1 litre tank of the proper shape will easily fit a 6x6"

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 12:07:53 am
content: Simon, you may find this DIY tank interesting.http://www.todopic.com.ar/foros/index.php?topic=32139.0Use google translator to read it in your language.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 01:33:23 am
content: Quote from: migsantiago on October 04, 2010, 12:07:53 ami dont need a translator, the pictures worth thousands. perspex is neater but can be tricky to bend. another solution is by fiber glass DIY. i wish i could show it here

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 06:43:39 am
content: yea I thought maybe of making my own, what glue do you use to glue it together ? presumably it has to be resistant to the chemicals used

author: thakidd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 07:41:12 am
content: Not sure if I am stuck in the 90s...I just use laser printing, an iron, water, hydrogen peroxide, and muriatic acid along with two Container Store tubs to bake and wash them in. Cannot do real fine pitch but it is a pretty cheap deal for testing out a one off. Can't use the final spec for the board but it will let you pop a few off quicker than any MF could.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 11:45:00 am
content: using UV exposure is much less trouble free than toner transfer

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 12:44:21 pm
content: I've kinda given up on muriatic acid/peroxide. I find the fumes far too harsh. I left an opened container in my garage by accident and everything in the garage rusted really badly. I can't imagine how bad it would be with a bubbler.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 06:19:21 pm
content: for the amount of etching I do the packs in maplins seems to do me fine, I'm still on my first litre