Homebrew PCBs

I see Harbor Freight is having a sale on a tile saw.  Looks like it 
might be useful for cutting PCBs to size.  Cost is $66.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40315

I just bought a similar model, very slight differences, mine is probably old
stock.  I cut a board without any water and it worked fine.  Water is
recommended to help control any toxic dust.

I slanted the plate at 45deg just like in the pic, added a layer of wood
until just a corner of the top of the blade stuck out and cut the PCB on
both sides.  Having done more cutting lately, I'd say you only need to score
once on both sides and the PCB should snap in two.

I'd like to set the table horizontally and let the motor hang at an angle,
but that would make a mess with the water.  At least it does work as an
acceptable board cutter for those of us without CNC machines, and very cheap
too.  Those diamond blades should last a good while.

Robert
:)


-----Message d'origine-----
De : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] De
la part de Radra
Envoyé : mai 12 2005 20:35
À : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Objet : [Homebrew_PCBs] Saw for PCBs


I see Harbor Freight is having a sale on a tile saw.  Looks like it 
might be useful for cutting PCBs to size.  Cost is $66.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40315





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This is marketed in Australia as a GMC. It works well on PCBs but you need
to wear a raincoat while using it.

Cheers
Brian 

-------Original Message-------
 
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Date: 05/13/05 10:34:43
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Saw for PCBs
 
I see Harbor Freight is having a sale on a tile saw.  Looks like it 
might be useful for cutting PCBs to size.  Cost is $66.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40315




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> This is marketed in Australia as a GMC. It works well on PCBs but you need
> to wear a raincoat while using it.
> 
>  
> I see Harbor Freight is having a sale on a tile saw.  Looks like it 
> might be useful for cutting PCBs to size.  Cost is $66.
> 


   Another method is get a set of the KV drawer slide rails from Lowes.  Take 
off the outer rail, to only use the inner and middle parts.  Mount two on a 
board parallel, about 4 or 6 inches apart.  Mount a board on top to the other 
parts of the rails.  This is your slide.  Attach a connecting nut.  (The 1 or 
1.5 inch nuts to connect two threaded rods together, Ace has them.)  A threaded 
rod hooked to a stepper motor to move the slide, and a simple program to run the 
motor at a slow speed.

   Attach a dremel to the slide and cut away with slow computer controlled 
speed.  A bit better if you attach a flex shaft, it will sit horizontally and 
the cutting wheels are bigger than the handle.  Align it correctly and you will 
only be cutting with the edge of the wheel, and can use the thin wheels that 
come 20 or 30 to a plastic circular pack.  Very little removal in the first 
place, and you can easily cover with a sheet or plastic.  This is how I do my 
straight cuts, works fairly well too I can add.

   Too bad most of my boards are now every other shape but rectangular..

Alan

Robert,

Why do you make cuts on both sides of the PCB instead of only making
a single cut thru the entire PCB?  Does this saw have an built-in
water feed?

By the way, I see similar tile saws on eBay for less but they add $30 
shipping.

Lyman

On Fri, 13 May 2005 16:14:21 -0000, Radra <infositeus@...> wrote:

> Robert,
> Why do you make cuts on both sides of the PCB instead of only making
> a single cut thru the entire PCB?  Does this saw have an built-in
> water feed?
> By the way, I see similar tile saws on eBay for less but they add $30
> shipping.
> Lyman
>


usually the water feed consists of a plastic container under the blade.
The saws are sold here from arund 30, 35eur upwards.

ST

Hi,

The blade is 1/8" thick or so, I consider it a bit too wide.  By cutting at
45deg with only the tip of one edge, I don't have to cut deep, less dust,
faster cut, clean edge along the copper surface.  I just pass it quickly on
the sander to get a nice finish.

Mine is basically identical to the one featured in the pic, with a plastic
bin under the saw for the water.  It is a bit heavy, I bought mine at
Canadian Tire on sale.  Little noise too.

Robert
:)


-----Message d'origine-----
De : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] De
la part de Radra
Envoyé : mai 13 2005 12:14
À : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Objet : Re: RE : [Homebrew_PCBs] Saw for PCBs


Robert,

Why do you make cuts on both sides of the PCB instead of only making a
single cut thru the entire PCB?  Does this saw have an built-in water feed?

By the way, I see similar tile saws on eBay for less but they add $30 
shipping.

Lyman





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