Yahoo Groups archive

Homebrew PCBs

Index last updated: 2026-04-05 19:38 UTC

Message

Re: FR4 cutting?

2012-03-30 by sheldon_mp_cooper

I second that.  That's exactly what I've been using.  For a guide line for cutting with a straight cut aviation tin snip, I show the board outline in the Eagle image export used for etching.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leeleduc" <leeleduc@...> wrote:
>
> I use 0.031" instead of 0.062" FR4 for hobby use. It's much easier to work with. I can cut it cleanly with a paper trimmer or with sheet metal shears. I use the toner transfer method and this thickness works well with my laminator, no mods needed. I also find that my drill bits last longer. At first I was concerned about the board flexing but this was not a problem at all. Give it a try.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "engmstevens@" <engmstevens@> wrote:
> >
> > I've been reviewing options for PCB cutting and my options are limited by the fact that I live in an apartment with no garage, so power tools are out of the question.
> > 
> > I've looked into guillotines and brakes, hacksaws (fiberglass dust sucks), score and snap, and any other option i can think of but I can't really decide.  Has anyone had any kind of real success with any of these?
> > 
> > Hacksaw would obviously be the choice of inexpensive and easy but I'll be damned if I can cut a straight line.  I always have to go back over with a file to clean the edges.  Score and snap took forever.  I've seen videos of people using 6 or 8" inch sheet metal brakes but never got any feedback when I sent them PMs regarding blade life.
> >
>

Attachments

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.