cutting PCB traces

[Rob]

----- Original Message -----
From: Russ L <askeyman at earthlink.net>
To: <synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2000 9:24 PM
Subject: Re: cutting PCB traces


> I can't recommend using a power tool like a dremel.
> It's overkill and one slip could damage other things.
> I've repaired and modded a lot of PCB's, and I always
> use an exacto knife.

I have found exactly the opposite in this case. The exacto knife is nearly
impossible to get through copper clad, and it is not the item you want to
use at all if you have many traces close to each other or a real thick layer
of solder mask and/or conformal coat.

 OTOH, I can take the .5mm deburring tool and just touch the thin trace and
it is done and because I have to use so little pressure that I can
concentrate on the positioning rather than the pressure of the blade.
Keep doing it with the exacto, if that works for you, fine. It doesnt work
for me and it always takes too many tries to get through the copper. As long
as you have a small enough bit you shouldnt have any problem with a dremel.
Its NOT a chainsaw! Its a little teeny router blade! :)

Rob