Homebrew PCBs

Hi Sam,

It sounds like you're describing CEM-1.  This is a paper epoxy 
material that's not suitable for THP (Through Hole Plating), so 
you'll only find it in single sided.  A common thickness is 0.0625.

The preferred way to cut PCB material is with a shear.  When I cut 
CEM-1, I don't get the smooth edges you're looking for.

If you're in the US, I can cut material for you as long as it's 
under 8" wide.  You'll have to dress the edges...

CEM-1 material is cheaper than FR-4.  I buy most of my material from 
Bill; he sells on eBay as abcfab.  If you do an off eBay 
transaction, give me the referral.

HTH,
Dennis

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Sam & Paige Fell" 
<spfell@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks Leon.
> 
>  
> 
> I'm new to PC board talk .is CEM -1 a resin/paper composite .or 
something
> similar.  I don't believe I want stranded fiberglass filler.  I'm 
actually
> going to cut into thin (1/8" or so) strips and then cross cut to 
use as
> intermediate cross ties to facilitate hand laying model railroad 
track (rail
> would be soldered to a PC board crosstie every six inches or so).  
The
> remaining ties would be wood.  After painting and weathering, the 
PC ties
> blend in with the remaining scenery.
> 
>  
> 
> I've currently got some strip that was cut, maybe sheared, by 
someone else
> and the edges are not very clean.  Under magnification it is 
definitely some
> kind of stranded (I assumed fiberglass) laminate.  I have some 
precut PC
> ties that another supplier provided and it has very smooth white 
edges.  I
> assume it was machine cut with a diamond wet saw or something.  
Anyway, I
> was hoping to learn what that substrate is (CEM-1, FR4, 
etc.) .maybe someone
> on this list can set me straight.  I'm trying to learn as I'd like 
to be
> able to cut my own and want to purchase the right stock when I 
do.  I'll
> post a pic in the photo section under "Sam's track" so maybe 
someone can
> identify visually.
> 
>  
> 
> Anyway, hope my use of the material is not considered heresy by 
the group .I
> see it as creating more demand to keep prices down! :-)
> 
>  
> 
> BTW - We model rails do occasionally come up with some electronic 
circuitry
> to control our trains, crossing signals, and other related 
electronic items
> that require custom etched boards and do dabble in this from time 
to time as
> well.
> 
>  
> 
> Thanks again for any and all help!
> 
>  
> 
> Sam
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>