I dont disagree but once can over do it. I run traces between pads
and would rather have the room there. Eagle libs use fairly
elongated pads for IC leads.
With a little practice, one can leave a lot of pad. In many cases,
you have no choice. For example, double header rows - like an ICSP
header (2x5) for programming an MCU. I put one on every project but
there just isn't room for big ol fat pads.
There is no substitute for skill/experience here.
by the way, here's usefull drill conversion table
http://www.thedirtforum.com/conversions.htmPhil
--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Stefan Trethan
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Fri, 26 Mar 2004 16:03:02 -0000, Phil <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
>
> > along with what stefan said, it sounds like you are using too
large
> > drill bits. Take your components and try them in the holes. They
> > should go in with out forcing. If the wires are rattling around,
> > your hole is way too big. I use standard eagle library pad sizes
and
> > while tight, they work fairly well with the proper size bit.
> >
> > there's a fairly good table of bit sizes 2/3 of the way down this
> > page - http://www.pacificsun.ca/~robert/pcb/pcb.htm but I'd
> > encourage you to try different size on a test piece of substrate.
> >
>
>
> maybe with eagle they are better....
>
> But remember the pads are also needed for mechanical stability,
especially
> when you might have to exchange a parts too small pads will easily
lift
> off.
>
> If there is space there is no reason why it shouldn't be taken up
by
> useful copper
> holding the things together.
>
> ST