These guys have tons of information and mis-information.
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
Do it if you think it is fun to do and your time is valued at $2/hr*.   
Otherwise, look for a PCB house.
MA

> My questions:
>
> 1. What kind of paper works best for this? Glossy paper? What brand?
> Specially designed paper? What are your experiences?
I used gel coated paper ; the surface dissolved in water.  The stuff I  
used is no longer sold.  Someone sells "security paper" which  
dissolves in water.  Hot water dissolves stuff faster than cold water.
>
> 2. What printer should be used? Laser or inkjet? What are your  
> experiences?
Laser worked for me.  Laser printers vary radically in quality.
>
>
> 3. When printing designs for fine pitch TQFP components such as the
> 100 pin PIC32 chip which has a pin pitch of 0.4 mm, where does the
> problem lie - during the ink transfer stage or during the actual
> etching stage?
Both phases
> How can this be done more reliably so that no traces
> are broken and everything works out well?
Cold solution etches slower than hot solution.  Thin traces can  
disappear from being etched away from the side of the trace.
>
>
> 4. When making double sided PCBs, does the same technique apply (other
> than pressing the glossy paper on both sides on a double sided blank
> PCB)?
Use alignment holes
>
>
> 5. Is there anything wrong/incomplete in my method above? Do you guys
> think it'll work? Does anyone have any advice?
Do it if you think it is fun to do and your time is valued at $2/hr*.   
Otherwise, look for a PCB house.
>
>
> 6. Is it possible to make plated through-holes on your PCB
> practically? If so, how? I found some links on this but I don't really
> get it:
>
> http://www.thinktink.com/stack/volumes/VOLVI/copplate.htm
>
> http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread/t-45235.html  <= This guy
> got great results.
>
> I really don't want to waste $50 getting my PCB professionally printed
> (just for one PCB). Making your own seems so much more fun and cost
> effective :)
> -- 
> ..::[ solarwind ]::..
> -- 
* amortize the time spent getting it to work correctly.

WFT Electronics
Denver, CO   720 222 1309
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