Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how?

Re:Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how? by ChrisGammell on Tuesday August 28, 2018 @04:00PM (#17862347)

This is a much discussed subject in the electronics community. I just love soldermask too much. Not only is there potential for colors and art and a bunch of other aesthetic reasons, but the improvement of my soldering makes it all worth it. Cheap PCB fabs from China do default 24 hour turns + 3 days of delivery from DHL...so yeah, I just do that.

If you're set on doing them in house and aren't budget constrained, I usually recommend an Othermill (Bantam) or a Nomad 883 or a Roland (all of which will easily get you above $2K). If you're cost constrained, I'd stick to etching boards using the toner transfer method.

But fast, easy, clean (and cheap)? Order them from a PCB house. If that's not of interest, I suggest you get very specific with your budget.

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Re:Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how? by bjt2n3904 on Tuesday August 28, 2018 @05:00PM (#17862833)

Soldermask, and through hole vias for that matter.

I've used an Othermill. Absolutely fantastic piece of kit, it's saved me a lot of grief. But making SMD work is out of the question. (Yes, you can get a 1206 to work with the Othermill. No, you aren't going to get a QFN16 with an exposed pad to work. Or for that matter, a QFP16. Or even an SOIC16.)

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Re:Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how? by jdc on Tuesday August 28, 2018 @05:26PM (#17863056)

Any recommendations on PCB fabs?

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Re:Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how? by ChrisGammell on Tuesday August 28, 2018 @06:03PM (#17863328)

Usually I am loathe to mention them by name because it brings the spammers in like crazy but I use and have liked AllPCB. I found them on PCBshopper.com, which is a good way to comparison shop for the type and size of boards you'll need: https://pcbshopper.com/

I don't know who owns that site, but I think they have found a great little niche for advertising.

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Re:Ask HN: Do you make your own PCBs? If so, how? by dahtguy on Tuesday August 28, 2018 @05:47PM (#17863210)

PCBway has been outstanding for my personal projects. Ludicrously cheap to the point where I have no problem buying 4 or 5 extra copies just in case!

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