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Subject: Re: Cut FR4 with a band saw?

From: "Hal" <hals1@...>
Date: 2010-04-14

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Steve <steve65@...> 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.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve
>
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You really need a diamond blade as FR4 is glass.
A glass cutting band saw like the Taurus 3 should work for irregular shapes too. Try Glasscrafters or Delphi. They are about $375 but cut glass like butter; should do the job on FR4 too. They run wet so dust shouldn't be much of a problem.