[sdiy] Using a metal shear to cut FR4/PCBs

[Cynthia Webster]

John Luciani wrote:
> Does the sheering produce any significant cracks in the PCB near
> the sheer line?
>
> I panelize my PCB designs. Are there any issues with depanelizing
> with a sheer?
>
> (* jcl *)
>
>   
Hi John!

I too panelize PCB designs.

I've tried tin snips, sheet metal shears, paper cutters, and even
a miniature precision table saw with a diamond blade for cutting
circuit boards... all with poor results.

(the diamond blade was a total joke against mighty fiberglass!)

Then I tried this same miniature shear

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90757

and found it cheaply constructed and too fiddly for my liking,
(the metal pull down handle bend the very first time I tried it, so I 
sent it back
and ordered a larger 12" shear from Grizzly and it's just about perfect.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g6089

So it just means that whatever board you create needs at least one side 
to be
12" or less to fit through the shear.

For trimming boards to exact size I like this 12" disc sander too

http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Disc-Sander/G7297

Heck, even if an entire module is a little too tall or too wide to fit -
you can feed the whole assembled module into the whirling face of this thing
 and it comes out cleanly with very professional results.

Good Luck!


Cynthia