--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan"
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Wed, 10 Aug 2005 18:52:38 +0200, lcdpublishing
> <lcdpublishing@y...> wrote:
>
> > After cutting a few boards to size on the band saw, I now realize how
> > abrasive they are and how quickly then can dull a band saw blade (made
> > for wood cutting). I have used the table saw (with a carbide tipped
> > blade), but again, suspect this may cause premature dulling.
> > I have heard about shears and even paper cutters, but am not sure if I
> > am thinking of the same shears and papers cutters being disscused.
> > Chris
>
>
> The cleanest cut will be with a carbide circular saw - there are small
> blades made of carbide about 10cm dia..
> clean but dusty and noisy. tile saws (with wather bath) work too but
ppl
> say it is a bit of a mess.
> The circular saw i have leaves a perfectly square shiny edge, but as
said
> it is dusty and noisy.
>
> Many types of shears will work, including handheld sheetetal shears
and
> bench shears, also papercutters.
> The interesting thing is shears do not seem to wear as fast as saws,
the
> sheetmetal shear i have used for many boards will still cut a single
sheet
> of paper nicely.
> But a shear will always leave a "broken" edge, with more or less
> delamination. This is also the case with PCB shears made by bungard
so i
> guess it just doesn't get any better with a shear.
>
> Still i use a handheld sheetmetal shear for all my boards. the rough
edge
> is not really a problem.
>
>
> Take care with that glassfiber dust, no good for bearings etc. and
also
> bad for the inner workings of PCB makers.
>
>
> ST
Side note : when you read such a complete post and review of
differeing technologies, how can you complain ? saws are better,
shears work, sizzers might be OK, watch for the health hazzard...
I would have been MUCH more dire in the health warning. ONE breath of
fiberglass dust is worse than smoking for 20 years. you can get rid
of the tars and nicotine in a few months after you stop, the glass
will be in your lungs forever.
I am worried that a shop vac picking up dust from drilling will
actually blow it around the shop. I keep a watchfull eye out on the
surfaces to make sure there is no dust.
Dave