The problem is the shipping fee. If the price including shipping is over $10, it is topped with tax, customs and customs fee. So a $5 pcb costs you $35. That's 7-doubled the price.
My first pcb was created this way.
Now this project is my 2nd pcb, and I want to learn the hobby way.
mrtinb wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2017 7:42 pm
It's not hard to find a cheap manufacturer.
The problem is the shipping fee. If the price including shipping is over $10, it is topped with tax, customs and customs fee. So a $5 pcb costs you $35. That's 7-doubled the price.
My first pcb was created this way.
Now this project is my 2nd pcb, and I want to learn the hobby way.
In Germany tax is only collected if it exceeds 5€. So 10 PCBs normally don't require tax. I do use the cheapest mailing with lowest fee so I am below the 26€ (by law 22€ but the 5€ tax allows taxes to be raised from 19% to 23% without changing the law) max price including shipping. It takes six weeks but thats worth waiting. If you like I can function as a relay for you. Just PM me.
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
PokeMon wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2017 5:17 pm
Yes - you can use Eagle or similar. If you have 2 layers they are automatically plated through.
There is no special fee for that, it's standard. As well as silk print.
Cool - that's great! I've got two projects to send to them.
1024MAK wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2017 7:58 pm
The least messy and easiest to use etching system that I know of is the bag type system. Like this one.
Mark
That's interesting - but it says not for export which I think leaves me out.
mrtinb wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2017 7:42 pm
It's not hard to find a cheap manufacturer.
The problem is the shipping fee. If the price including shipping is over $10, it is topped with tax, customs and customs fee. So a $5 pcb costs you $35. That's 7-doubled the price.
My first pcb was created this way.
Now this project is my 2nd pcb, and I want to learn the hobby way.
If you only think of yourself, you might be right. But as you get 10 for a price of lets say 20 US$ it's only 2 US$ per board. Maybe you have some friends to share your work with. And there is usually no tax and no VAT for these small orders in my experience. And what you get is a high professional looking board with solder mask in a colour of your choice and silk print whatever you like. This is in my eyes even worth if you just need a single board.
It depends on how much money you want to invest in your projects or hobby. This is a value of a small evening dinner only. And you have to buy copper boards and chemicals as well and maybe need a few attempts to get a suitable result. So it is simply a matter of choice I would say.
Professionally produced PCBs working out at $2 for a small order of 10 is fantastic. I'm sold With the number of systems, equipment and components that I've bought in the past couple of months totalling £1400 so far what's another $20!