This is great, and it has given me something to experiment with whilst off work during lock down. After many trial and error tests, I think I now have consistent results!



I purchased isopropyl and acetone from ebay, both listed as being 99.9% pure. Mixed in a ratio of 2 parts isopropyl to 1 part acetone using a graduated syringe. Store in an airtight jar and remove the lid only for a few seconds at a time.



Printed on the UK's 'Which' magazine using an old HP 1018 laserjet. Note that the covers won't work, you need to use the inner pages.



Need to work quickly from here, so make sure everything is laid out on the bench close to hand.

Use the syringe to squirt the mix onto the board, lay the printout on top, lay a padded block on top of that and clamp down with a g-clamp or similar. For a padded block I used a piece of MDF wrapped in a kitchen towel.

Leave for 10 minutes, unclamp, allow to dry and then into the water. Be patient and allow to soak for at least 30 mins.



I started off using hand pressure to hold the block down for about 30 seconds but found that the toner didn't transfer reliably - an even clamping surface is definitely the way.



If the toner transfers but appears to spread or creep, try adding more isopropyl to the mix, keeping a note of the ratio as you go - the graduate syringe is great for this.



Thanks!



Edit no.2:

After many failed attempts I was about to give up with this method, until I came across a couple of things that have worked in giving fairly good and consistent results.

-Maybe it's the type of toner I don't know, but sanding the copper with a 400-800 grit abrasive first really helps with toner adhesion.

-The clamp is very important in getting even adhesion. I have started using a block of MDF with a sheet of slightly squishy foam rubber stuck to it, and lots of pressure with the G-clamp.

-2 parts isopropyl to 1 part acetone (both 99.9% pure) is the magic ratio for me!