Re: [gentoo-user] printing problems

[Dale <rdalek1967@gmail.com>]

J. Roeleveld wrote:
> On Wednesday, November 04, 2015 02:19:40 AM Dale wrote:
>>
>> I wish I could get me a laser printer.  I'm dipping off into electronics
>> again and will have to make PCBs and they say laser printers work
>> better, although I have had a couple tell me ink jets work just as good
>> now, maybe better.  Still, toner doesn't seem to mess up like cartridges
>> do.  Just keep the stuff in a relatively dry spot and it's ready to go
>> when ever you need to print.
> I find laser printers to be more expensive initially, but considering the 
> amount of pages I can print per toner cartridge, compared to what I used to 
> get out of the same amount of ink (comparing monetary costs), I find laser 
> printers to be cheaper.
> Inkjet only seems to work if I print a lot. For occasional printing, lasers 
> are more reliable.
>
> But I only print on paper.
>
> I though PCBs are hard? How do you get those through a printer?
>
>
> --
> Joost
>
>

I'm pretty sure you are right.  Toner goes a long ways.  The few laser
printers I have dealt with also last longer than ink jet stuff.  Right
now, I have a large gob of ink under the cartridge where it parks.  I
figure temp changes are making it have just enough pressure at times to
squeeze some out.  At least it still prints, for now. 

I used to make PCBs by hand.  I would draw with a pen or use dry
transfer sheets to make my circuits.  Once that was done, and checked
about a dozen times, I dropped it into the etchant.  A little while
later, out come the PCB ready to drill and put parts on.  Those little
drill bits are kinda cute.  lol 

From what I have read, I can print the PCB layout on paper and then use
that to transfer the circuit to the PCB which has a photo-resist coating
on it.  Or whatever that is called.  I've never done it but from what I
read, it is the way to do it home style.  If a person needs a lot of the
same board, send the files off to a PCB maker and let them run them
off.  I've been told there are a few places in China that does one heck
of a job on them even in fairly small quantities.  Price isn't bad either. 

Most likely my first project will be a new adjustable power supply. 
After that, a fence charger to keep deer and wild hogs out of my
garden.  It's either that or a bullet.  o_O 

Dale

:-)  :-)