Homebrew Circuit Boards: Methods? Supplies?

[Tony Duell]

> >Do the developer and/or stripper usually turn out to be some commonly 
> >(cheaply) available chemical?  I would prefer to avoid paying $6+ for a 
> >small bottle if I can avoid it.
> 
> One kg of ammonium persulfate will make 4 liters of etchant, and it's 
> around $18 USD (not including shipping) - not sure if you'll be able to 
> find it much cheaper than that, but if you do, let everyone here know! ;-)
> 
> The other chemical used is ferric chloride.

The developer (as opposed to the etchant) is generally just a strong 
alkali. In the UK, sodium hydroxide solution is commonly used, it's sold 
(pure enough for PCB developing) for cleaning drains. It's a lot cheaper 
bought as drain cleaner than as PCB developer.

-tony