On Mar 22, 2011, at 9:45 PM, V G wrote:

> $20 with shipping and tax compared to a few dollars and instant =20
> turnaround
> times is not hard to justify.

It depends.  Couple bucks for blank copper clad.  Couple bucks for =20
etchant.  Significant bucks for the high-grade ink cartridge (for =20
direct to PCB printing) (which may or may not dry up between PCBs (I =20
hate inkjets!)) or a couple bucks for special transfer paper or =20
transparency paper.  Couple bucks for drill bits.  Couple bucks for =20
tool to cut the PCB material.  Moderate amount for an inkjet printer =20
to modify, or for a laminator, or for an iron, or for a contact =20
exposure frame.  Couple buck for other chemicals, sandpaper, etc.

I dunno.  I've spent a couple $K for an LPKF (mill) to get that =20
"instant turnaround."  But it's not really that "instant", and I'm =20
increasingly uncertain that it was a worthwhile purchase.

BillW

--=20
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