Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, David McNab <rebirth@...> 
wrote:
>
> Hi,
> 
> After switching to niponcio's method of using label backing paper 
for
> the TT, one major source of pain has gone away.
> 
> Now for another painful area - cutting boards.
> 
> I tried a jigsaw mounted upside down under a table - worked great 
for a
> few cuts, till the teeth wore out - I gave it up because I knew 
the cost
> of blades would quickly start to add up.
> 
> Then, a hardware store salesman recommended I build a mitre box, 
and cut
> the board along-ways with a hacksaw. This works well - gets a very 
clean
> precise cut, but long (15cm/6inch) cuts take 5 minutes of hard 
sawing
> and gives me sore arms.
> 
> I considered a band saw but those things cost more than I'm ready 
to pay
> at this time.
> 
> Can anyone offer any better ideas for fast precise cutting of 
boards
> using cheap equipment?
> 
> Cheers
> David

David,

I have been making PCB at home now for some time. I usually buy 6" * 
9" precoated boards and cut them up on a 4 inch tablesaw I purchased 
from harbor freight. Go online at harborfreight.com and search for 
item# 93211. Don't pay the $49, wait for it to go on sale. I bought 
mine on sale in the store for $25. Take the blade that comes with it 
and throw it into the metal scrap bin. Go down to Lowes or HomeDepot 
and buy a 4 inch carbide tip blade. My buddy laughed at me when he 
saw the saw. He stopped laughing when I cut the PCB up like butter. 
When I was finished cutting I handed him the PCB, he couldn't tell 
which edge I cut and which edge was factory cut.

Ron