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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Cutting FR4

From: Harvey White <madyn@...>
Date: 2008-10-11

On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:20:36 -0400, you wrote:

>Good caution, Stefan, regarding the dust created when working with FR4,
>thank you. And thanks to all for the ideas.
>
>Another source suggested the use of a Dremel rotary tool with the Dremel
>router table accessory to cut and shape FR4. A diamond-tipped bit is
>used as the router bit. Anyone have thoughts about that technique? Good?
>Bad? Smart? Dumb?

Most of the cheap diamond bits are likely to clog rather quickly IMHO,
and as such, you can wear off the adhesive before you do much to the
bit. I still like the carbide rasp, works well as a mill bit.
Depending on what you want to do and how, it's possible that a small
saw will work well, but the main problem with them is the rapid
dulling of the teeth unless the saw is quite durable.

Harvey

>
>Thanks.
>
>Steve
>
>Stefan Trethan wrote:
>> That's one reason why i use a shear. The edges aren't quite as clean but
>> each set of lungs lasts twice as long ;-)
>>
>> A respirator is only part of the solution, you have to take it off some
>> time. Best to collect the dust with a vacuum cleaner.
>>
>> ST
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:42 PM, pcb.easy <rpdavidson@...> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> I have found and use a small 4" table saw from Harbor freight ITEM
>>> 93211-1VGA works really well for small (less than 12 square inch)PCBs.
>>> The saw is often on sale in the store for $29. The saw comes with a
>>> cheap blade that is not worth keeping! Go down to Home Depot and buy a
>>> good carbide tip 4" blade, it will last a very long time. Remember
>>> that the dust from cutting fiberglass is DEADLY, wear a good dust
>>> resporator to protect your only set of LUNGS!
>>>
>>> Ron
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>>
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