Homebrew PCBs

In article <000901c87017$fcf8c660$800101df@charles8u4rnw9>,
   Chuck Kelsey <wb2edv@...> wrote:
> How about drill bits for PCB work?

I use solid Carbide. You can often get re-sharpened ones they are cheaper
than new.

> What's the best size for DIP IC's, resistors, etc?

With resistors and other compenents it depends on the diameter of the
leads. For most things, including ICs, I use 0.8mm but some require 1mm or
larger. Small diodes will often go through 0.6mm which is the smallest I
use. I also use 0.6mm for vias using thin wire (I don't do PTH)

> How about a good supplier?

In the UK:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/home/homepage.jsp

or

http://www.megauk.com/index.php

> Do's and don't about drilling - speed, backing material, etc.

Ideally some sort of drill press with a precision drill. I put my own
together, largely from scrap, and it has a vice on an X-Y table like a
small milling machine.

I never bothered with anything to back the boards though I know a lot of
people do. Speed should be high but if you get a proper drill it will be
anyway.

Stuart