Homebrew PCBs

On 6/19/2016 10:35 PM, 'Brad' unclefalter@... [Homebrew_PCBs] wrote:
>
> So I\ufffdve etched my boards for my TV Typewriter reproduction.  I\ufffdm quite 
> happy with the result, however now comes the hard part \ufffd drilling and 
> cutting.
>
> For drilling, I have a dremel press with 1/32 and up bits.  I did some 
> experimental drilling with it and managed to drill fairly accurately 
> where I can see the holes.  However, some of the holes were 
> obliterated during my efforts to enhance the PCB artwork, and 
> especially for ICs I\ufffdm finding it hard to keep them aligned.  I know I 
> have a tiny bit of flexibility there, but I\ufffdd like to keep em 
> straight.  I find it very hard to gauge where the bit is.  I was 
> tempted to get a full drill press for this but reasoned the sight 
> laser probably was going to be too big anyway.  Anyway, advice?
>
> The next thing is cuttin g \ufffd I found a fiberglass jigsaw blade and 
> man, it cuts like butter.  But keeping it straight is another matter.. 
> wondering if there\ufffds a better avenue?
>
>

Hello--

You  might want to evaluate an "optical center punch" as an aid to 
spotting the centers of pads
that you need to drill.The device consists of a base that has a 
removable lens-- slide the base over the pad,
center it by viewing the lens, remove the lens, insert the punch and 
lightly tap the punch. Remove
the base and drill the hole via the punched point.

73--

Brad  AA1IP... Writing from New Hampshire's west coast.