Create Your Own Guitar Effects Pedal

Step 3 The Etching:

There's a few different fluids you can use to etch the copper of the board, and reveal the circuit. I used Ammoniumpersulfate. You should check the descriptions that come with the product you're using to etch. The Ammoniumpersulfate I used had to be used at a temperature between 80 and 50 degrees celcius. Use plastic or glass containers only. I used a small tray to put the etchant in, and perform the etching in, and a larger one filled with hot water to keep the etchant hot, and to make sure that if some of the etchant was spilled it wouldn't to any damage. The duration of this process depends on the etchant you're using. If all of the copper is dissapeared you can carefully take the board out, and use water to clean all the etchant off. Store the etchant in a plastic or glass bottle to use it another time, or to dump it at a chemical disposal point. DON'T THROW IT IN THE SINK, unless you feel like sponsoring the local plumber. Also, be sure to wear latex gloves the whole time.

Be patient and careful during this step. Not to scare you off, but you're working with aggressive fluids here, and messing things up can really cost you.

Comments

[Jt7hm7]

Coppersulfate aka in-pipe rootkiller can also be used to etch copper and brass with a car battery or sufficently powerful wallwart power addapter.

[rkr]

Where can you purchase ammoniumpersulfate?