Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Yeah, the foot thing is really cool. I'll probably be doing that even
if I don't keep using the small press. The handles are always on the
right, so I have to use my left for the board. :( I've seen some
really nice cable operated foot controls on biscuit joiners (like
bicycle brake cable), but a pulley system would be fine for me.

With me, it has helped to keep the press table up high. My last
drilling was with the table almost at eye level and the surface the
press was on was around elbow height, so I could set my right elbow on
a block of padded styrofoam with my forearm up around 90 degrees and
just drop the quill with an inch or two of finger pull (I keep the tip
as close to the board as possible). I've also kept one of the three
handles removed for extra space and the table stays off to the left,
with a "cover table" clamped to it that extends over to the right.
This allows me to get right up on the drill area while I work (with
eye-wear of course). The last drilling was at a standing position.

I see that there's plans for attaching Dremels,etc. to other press
type stuff. The clamping doesn't seem that difficult and there may be
something "motorless" out there really solid and simple. I've also got
a really small cheap router (Black&Decker) which I only use for
plastics. The motor unit is almost as small as a laminate trimmer,
plus I've got an external speed control. I might look into that.

I'd like to see some additional pictures of that table if you've got
the time (mostly the lift and lower parts).

I hadn't considered the bit stop thing, but I usually have a
replaceable backer board under the PCB. I may try that (assuming it
doesn't obstruct the view). I've got actual bit stops here around that
size.

-Take Care
George

PS- I don't have very good luck with hand drilling. I think I've
broken more stuff that way. I usually only resort to that for trying
to widen a few holes for stuff that has larger legs.