Yes the Group DIY page is still alive for the time being.
CJ's plastic tank is the go. You should be able to find this in various form all around the world. Get TWO of them ... one for develop and one for etch. Recycle the chemicals as best as possible. I have a number of bottle (as supplied with the develop) with develop at different stages of life.
I DON'T use the heaters so you can save money there. Boil water in the kettle just as you are about to etch. BE CAREFUL to have a little cold water in the bottom with the persulphate because the plastic will warp with
just boiled water so let it cool a bit first.
The heat will remain more than long enough to get the boards etched if you are prepared first. You will need to change the solution by the time it cools anyway.
CJ's light box shows that you can make one. I have tried lights up in the lid and lights down underneath. I use positive exposure and the way that Protel prints and the Farnell PCB is such that I think I like the lights down in the box.
I expose for between 3.5 to 4.5 minutes depending on the plastic transparency I used. The frosty tracing paper I use for A3 PCBs need the longer exposure ... and obviously are done in my BIG tanks.
The very clear needs only 3.5 to 4 ... ink jet printer is slightly better black than my laser ... mostly I think I'm around 3m 50sec at the moment
added info ....
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/kalex/prod02.htm
I get my persulphate here and some other PCB things.
and I did buy some of their drills.
Light boxes in different sizes
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/kalex/prod02.htm
Etch Tank with heater
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/kalex/prod03.htm
BUT many places have this without the heater .... cheap ... you do want the fishtank air pump. The air is good
Cutting is the biggest problem.
I have a sensational guillotine but it is wearing out and I will need to replace it .... very expensive. The one in the RS catalog is the best I have used but SO EXPENSIVE.
need to do some experiments with the larger paper guillotines.
I make a lot of PCBs
obviously I do much more in this feil than just what you see at the GrpDIY page or at my site so just because I have a hugh investment in PCB gear doesn't mean you should. Once my building works are complete the Melbourne boys will be welcome to come and used the facilities ... that goes for the metal work stuff as well.
Get a PCB etch pen !!! ... for touch-ups before the board goes in the etch.
we love our diy