🚀 go-pugleaf

Netfolks:
  I have been using permanent markers in my plotter, writing directly
onto copper pc boards, trying to circumvent the photo-lithographic steps.
This is what I hope to do:

1. Draw the circuit patterns with my favorite software.
2. plot the pattern on paper.
3. Tape a copper clad pc board (no photoresist) over the patterns
    on the paper.
4. replace the plotter pens for paper with a waterproof permanent marker.
5. replot the circuit patterns on the copper.
6. Bake (until done :-) the board at about 60 C for an hour or so
   just to ensure that the ink is "good 'n dry".
7. toss the board in the etching tank.
8. wash/dry/drill/solder/be happy.

Here's the problem. It's not working. I am using the following pen:
The Ultra Fine Point Sharpie (R) by Sanford(R) (color = black).
Well, by the time the copper is etched, the ink is starting to dissolve as
well. This leads to pits, breaks etc. The resist pen from Radio Shack
however is holding up quite well on the same board.
So, why don't I just put the Radio Shack Pen in my plotter?
Because the tip on the Radio Shack Pen does not yield nice, fine traces.
(I need to run a trace between the pads on an IC, for example.)
So, Do you know of a fine tip pen whose ink is as robust as the typical
resist pen?

Best Regards,
please reply directly to

david@moe.ece.utexas.edu

and I will summarize for the net.