> Thanks for answering my message. I didn't expect to get so
> many replies so soon!
>
> It sounds like this product I'm looking for is rare or
> non-existant because I think one of the people that answered
> would have heard
> something like this. But just for fun, let me elaborate. This is
> what I'm looking for:
>
> 1) Start with a double sided copper clad pcb for etching.
> 2) Drill (or punch) holes every .1" horizontally and
> vertically in a grid (like perfboard).
>
> A single sided board drilled so would also be useful, because
> for those occasional times when you need to send wires over
> the other side to cross over other traces, you at least have
> the holes for the pads predrilled.
Personally I think it's pointless, but don't let that stop you!
As I said in a prior post, I have seen a single-side version of what you
describe. Where it came from, what it was for & where it went I've no idea.
RF maybe? Needed the copper for shielding or a ground plane?
You can buy laminate without ANY copper, just the holes. But that's for
wirewrapping, so it doesn't matter too much.
Your main problem is the sheer number of holes. 1" square has 100 holes, a
4"x3" board (ie small) will have 1200 holes. At a hole drilled per second,
that's a 20 minute job. For home use, the advantages are a bit low.
One point you haven't considered is that some components (7805 etc) need
bigger than normal holes, so you have to drill those out anyway. You need
to do the same on the usual boards so it's a minor point.
A board house will certainly make it for you. They may scratch their heads,
mutter "WTF?" and charge you a strange price, but they'll make it. I really
don't see any advantage over drilling a board with just the holes you need,
then etching it.
Tony