Homebrew PCBs

From time to time, there have been threads on this list regarding how 
to cut PCB material. Thought I'd pass along my experience with one 
particular tool.

Earlier this year, I acquired a Micro-Mark 83213 MINI METAL SHEAR / 
BRAKE. The spec clearly states that the shear will cut 1/16in PCB 
material in its almost 8-inch jaw.

I first tried cutting relatively short pieces of 1/16in PCB material. It 
seemed to me that the shear was challenged with 2in and 3in cuts. I 
spoke with customer support at Micro-Mark to confirm that the shear 
could be expected to make such short cuts as well as up to its 7.87in 
limit. They assured me it would.

I have a number of 6in X 6in pieces of 1/16in FR4 and eventually needed 
to cut one of these. The shear failed to make the 6in cut. A pin 
securing a gear to its shaft failed.

Micro-Mark was helpful in determining what happened and offered to send 
a replacement pin. After further discussion with Micro-Mark, I decided 
to return the shear/brake for a refund. My thinking was that I will want 
to make 6in cuts of 1/16in FR4 somewhat frequently and that this shear 
would be unable to meet that need.

It seems reasonable to think the unit would be OK for 1/8in PCB 
material, although I had no board of that thickness to try. In my 
observation (for what it is worth), this shear is operating at its spec 
limit when cutting 1/16in FR4 at lengths of 6in or greater and should 
not be expected to provide long, trouble-free service. Even cutting 
shorter lengths of 1/16in FR4 is a challenge for it.

One guy's opinion and experience.

Steve

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