Hi-
I just bought one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42307
I haven't actually used it yet, but looks like it will do a good job
cutting pcbs.
David

Michael Johnston wrote:
>
> I have cut  print circuit boards with a dremel too but i allways have to
> watch what i am doing as i have had several dissengrate right before my
> eyes. so if you cut pcb's with this type of tool please think about eye
> protection
> mike johnston
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Larry Bradley" <lhbradley@IGS.NET>
> To: <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
> Sent: Friday, May 03, 2002 7:33 AM
> Subject: Re: [EE]: Cutting boards (revisited)
>
> > I use the Dremel cut-off wheels (the small thin brittle ones) to cut FRP.
> > They are cheap.
> >
> > Larry
> >
> >
> > At 03:55 PM 5/2/2002 -0700, you wrote:
> > >A while ago I suggested (along with others) that cutting copper-clad,
> > >photo-sensitized boards with a paper cutter type sheer was the way to go.
> And
> > >it is easy, and it does work, at least for larger boards.  I have since
> found,
> > >however, that it does not work for cutting smaller pieces like 1.5 in.
> wide.
> > >The damage to the resist is just too extensive -- as much as a third of
> the
> > >board on each edge.
> > >
> > >So, needing some way to cut boads 2 in. or 1in. wide, I turned to my
> trusty
> > >Dremel drill press.  That is, I turned the drill head to its horizontal
> > >position, and used a diamond cutoff wheel at about 80% speed.  Works like
> a
> > >charm.  NO damage to the resist.
> > >
> > >However, this wheel was expensive, and I have no idea how long it's going
> to
> > >last.  I'm cutting 1/32 in. FR4, and I've only cut about 10 inches so
> far.
> > >
> > >If you want to try this, here's what  to do:
> > >
> > >1.  Switch the drill head to its horizontal mode, lever upward, bit
> > forward, on
> > >the left of the post.
> > >
> > >2. Move the board, that's attached to the base of the drill press,
> forward so
> > >it just clears the collar of the drill head.   You do have a board
> attached to
> > >the base, right?
> > >
> > >3. With the tool in the drill head, cut a groove in the board about 1/8
> in.
> > >deep with, say, a reinforced cutoff wheel.
> > >
> > >4. Insert the diamond cutoff wheel and set the height so the edge of the
> wheel
> > >is in the groove, just below the surface of the board.
> > >
> > >5. Use a 3/4 in. or 1/2 in. long bolt, and the existing nut, to set the
> > height.
> > >Add a little bumper of some kind to the end of the bolt.  Set it tight
> enough
> > >that it holds the height, but loose enough that you can still move it a
> little
> > >side-to-side.
> > >
> > >6. Chuck up a long 1/8 in. drill bit, like a drywall cutting bit, and
> square
> > >that to your fence.  The fence can be just about anything you clamp to
> the
> > >board.  Tighten down the bolt.
> > >
> > >And that's it.
> > >
> > >Cut resist-side down,
> > >Colin
> > >
> > >--
> > >http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
> > >[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Larry Bradley
> > Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
> >
> > --
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> >
>
> --
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--
David Harris
  OmniPort Home Page:  http://www3.telus.net/OmniPort1/
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