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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Cutting FR4

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2008-10-10

Well you could use a router or even a CNC mill.
A x/y table or maybe even just a guide pattern would suffice.

You could also use a punch to make the holes.

Personally i use nibbling pliers like these:
<
http://home.hot.rr.com/bci/images/BattPics/Hampal%20Battery%20Monitor%20015.jpg
>
(people kindly sent them to me from the US).

I also have a different version, more suited for longer cuts:
<http://www.internetprodukte.de/cms/img/Wv_1606.jpg>

There are even motorised versions of nibbling tools, depending on how many
holes and what size you are going to make...

For cutting the outside contour, i use a sheetmetal shear (lever actuated
bench shear).
<http://www.eg-solar.de/bilder/werkzeug/hebelschere.jpg>
People use all sorts of equipment for that purpose, jig saws, circular saws,
tile saws, paper shears, bench shears, tin snips, etc...

ST


On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 2:39 PM, Steve <steve65@...> wrote:

> What are good ways to cut FR4 to a desired size and shape? Often times I
> need square or rectangular shapes, but occasionally I need an offset or
> or otherwise odd shape.
>
> A project I am working on now has a 6in X 8in X 1/16in piece of FR4 into
> which I need to make several cutouts (holes) that are 1.2in square. Any
> advice as to how to make such holes?
>
> I have the usual hand tools, but am not adverse to acquiring additional
> gadgetry.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve
>
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