On Thu, 22 Nov 2007, Dave wrote:
> Thanks for the info. I am running Windows but I guess I can convert a
> spare pc to run Linux as I wanted to one day anyhow.
Ubuntu is pretty easy to set up, and if you go to Applications -> Add new
software, you'll find all the gEDA tools if you search on all packages -
all you do is select them and hit go, and as if by magic they all get
installed (under Education for some reason, I suppose they are
educational!) The Ubuntu install disc is also a livecd so you can give
Ubuntu a try before committing to install.
I also know Fedora has the gEDA tools in its main repository as well.
> Isn't there 2 or 3 sizes of
> drills that are most often used so I could buy a bunch of those sizes?
I almost exclusively use 1mm and 0.8mm drills - 0.8mm for through hole
components, 1mm for jumpers and IDC connectors etc. which have bigger
pins. Larger sizes are all available in the hardware store in those drill
bit kits that have the typical common sizes for wood working and metal
working.
I find the HSS bits actually last quite a long time, I've never felt the
need for fancy tungsten carbide bits.