Personally, I use a hacksaw and a vise for straight lines.  Just clamp the
vise slightly below the line you're going to cut, and cut along the jaws of
the vise, using them as a straight edge guide for the hacksaw blade.  I can
see how a paper cutter might work better, but I've never had much trouble
with the hacksaw technique.  YMMV.

As to tinning, in my climate, any exposed copper that isn't soldered on
seems to tarnish overnight.  I would suggest either tinning (is a basin and
a bottle really that messy?) or clearcoating after soldering. once again,
YMMV

--Brendan

> Hello all,
>
> I've been making my first few pcbs, using an iron-on method (laserprint
> to special paper) and they're looking sharp.
>
> But cutting them is a royal pain.  I use a hacksaw and its basically
> impossible to get a straight cut (maybe I need a new/better hacksaw).
> And it takes forever.
>
> What do people use for this?  A discussion on this webpage
> (http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~wwl/pcbs.html) suggests a guillotine /
> shears, but I'm hoping for something cheaper - and in the usa, this
> source is in the UK.  Jigsaw?  How well do they work?  I don't need
> perfect cuts but a hacksaw is quite ugly.
>
> Also I need to cover the copper with something after its assembled to
> prevent oxidation.  Tinning is mentioned ... seems like a messy and
> expensive pain.  What about a "flux pen" or "flux rework"?  Could I just
> spray clear acrylic sealer stuff over it?  A couple coats would seal
> well, I'd think.  Anyone try that?
>
> Thanks yet again for advice from the list...
> Regards
> Jesse

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