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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Cut FR4 with a band saw?

From: Harvey White <madyn@...>
Date: 2010-04-14

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:14:22 -0400, you wrote:

>There have been discussions from time to time on this reflector about
>techniques for cutting PCB material. I don't recall having seen mention
>of a band saw.
>
>Anyone use a band saw to cut FR4 as thick as 1/16 inch? Does it work
>well? Or poorly? What kind of blade does it take? Other comments or advice?
>
>I have occasionally considered buying a band saw for other applications
>and was just wondering if its use in cutting FR4 might lend some weight
>to that decision? Thinking about a table model.

It can work well, but the following things can happen:

1) glass PCB can eat your blade
2) cutting a straight line can be iffy

I use a shear. For odd shapes, like notches, I use a carbide rasp on
a mill.

Harvey

>
>Thanks.
>
>Steve