Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

As a hobby builder I drill FR-4 with steel bits.  They dull more quickly, but they are cheaper and will not shatter when used in sloppy tolerance hobby tools.  Carbide bits require collet chucks in very precise spindle bearings. 

I use 1/32, (.032) diameter bits for most through hole construction.  These cost about 50 cents each when purchased in 12 or 24 packs from buydrillbits.com.  ( I have no financial interest in that company.)  The 3/64 bits are used for larger component leads.

 Numbered bits are more expensive