Yahoo Groups archive

Homebrew PCBs

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 23:05 UTC

Message

Re: Drilling circuit boards on the cheap:

2016-02-16 by AncelB

I use a 395 Dremel, which has workable 'runout' and is more robust.
I don't use it for  side cutting tiles etc. to wear the bearings. I do 
use it with cutoff blades for machine screws or scoring PCBs.
The problem is with the Dremel press wobble.

Anyhow I ordered the FBS115 Proxxon tool, mini machine vise,  and 
matched CNC machined press as a 'upgrade' . I have the x-y  table on 
hand already, to do a bit of slotting for RF PCBs or SPADE connector 
slotting as required.
The dremel will get used for the cutoff blades or the > 1.2mm holes.

I got a 4" table saw with a diamond blade that rips through PCBs (1/16" 
blade) and dumps the dust at the bottom.
The solution with fine dust is to wet the PCB before drilling/cutting; 
lowers wear on the bits as well. A vaseline wipe works as well and  
evaporates during soldering.
I back light the PCB with a pair of hi brightness white LEDs before 
drilling. No missed holes or vias as I etch the donuts.
I also donut pad the 6-32 machine screw holes to centre punch with a 1mm 
drill before the 3mm.

I did try laser cutting/drilling FR1 phenolic but it carbonizes and 
requires multiple low power passes.

Attachments

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.