PCB success!

[jorgen.bergfors at idg.se]

>>>Now get a small drill press for drilling all those damn holes!
>Speaking of which:  Anyone tempted by that inexpensive little press in 
the
>>Jameco catalog should watch out. It is usable to a degree, but it's 
really
>>a cheap piece of junk!
>>
>>Buck (wishing I'd saved another $50 for the Dremel brand press)

>Yes, get the Dremel Moto Tool and the drill press accessory (which can
>be had for $39).

>I'm putting together the illustrations and pictures for an article with
>detailed instructions and diagrams on how to convert a Dremel press 
>into a PCB drill microscope. My proto makes drilling easy and simple.
>A 300 hole board is about 10 minutes.

This is really overkill. If you have etched pits where the holes should be, the 
drill bit will steer to the correct position automatically, as long as you get 
the tip of the bit somewhere in the pit. This can be done without a microscope 
and just as fast. Just make sure that you use a normal bit and not one with 
reinforced shaft. Using Pertinax boards instead of glass fibre means the drill 
bit doesn't get blunt. They are cheaper and  look more retro too. 
If you don't have etched pits in the board, the drill will wander off and flex, 
no matter how exact you position the spindle. So in that case a microscope is 
largely wasted.
I use a 0,8 mm drill for all holes except those for trimpots, some connectors 
and wires. They need 1 mm. So far all ICs and other components have fit in the 
holes, without forcing them. I use an Unimat 3 with vertical attachment, but 
I'm sure any decent drill press will do. You can even hold the machine in your 
hand, but that usually results in pain in the wrist after a hundred holes or so.
I don't doubt that a microscope could be helpful if your eyesight is reduced, 
but don't make the assumption that it is necessary for drilling boards.

/Jörgen