Homebrew PCBs

> > How about drill bits for PCB work?
> > 
> > What's the best size for DIP IC's, resistors, etc?
> > 
> > How about a good supplier?
> > 
> > Do's and don't about drilling - speed, backing material, etc.

Carbide bits work best in FR-4 material, HSS will dull very fast but 
will not break as easy as Carbide bits.  So depends on material and 
how much drilling you intend to do.

To get started the Dermmal drill press and high speed tools work 
good, and then there are others like it out there too.

I use a shop vac set up to suck up the dust as you drill, helps keeps 
the work clear and dust out of you.

Drilling speed I run the Dermmal on High Speed. With these small bits 
the higher speed is better.

Safety glasses are a must.

Bit sizes depend on the leads.  The smallest I use is .7mm .0280" 
upto 2mm .0787".

Dips I normally use .8mm  .0315".  Resistor depends on wattage, the 
1/4 watts that I normally use I use .8mm  .0315".  

Drill Bits:
Think & Tinker   http://www.thinktink.com/

Ebay                    www.ebay.com      Most likely the cheapest 
choice for anyone size

Harbor Freight   http://www.harborfreight.com/


Ben