Homebrew PCBs

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:14:22 -0400, you 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.

It can work well, but the following things can happen:

1) glass PCB can eat your blade
2) cutting a straight line can be iffy

I use a shear.  For odd shapes, like notches, I use a carbide rasp on
a mill.

Harvey

>
>Thanks.
>
>Steve