Circuit Boards

For permanent prototypes, I need to make circuit boards.

I need to get comfortable with KiCAD. This should help with both perf and laser printed boards.

Perfboards

Pretty simple, but can be logistically complex for larger projects

Copper Clad Boards

Slightly cheaper and can handle more complex circuits. But I have to hand drill the holes and print the circuits. For now, I need to rig up a basic drill press, eventually I need a real one.

For any technique, double check all connections. It's easy for traces to be connected that should not be.

I've got a basic grasp on KiCAD. I need to experiment with planes - particularly for copper etching, it's better to leave as much copper on the board as possible.

Laser Printing

Laser toner is resistant to ferric chloride. For this I need a mini drill press and an iron. I have a toaster oven, I'd like to try sandwiching the board and paper between two sheets of metal held together with screws and throw the whole thing in the toaster oven. Probably 450-500F for 20 minutes.

Milled

Modify a 3d printer to mill a board. It looks like people have had mixed success with this one.