Homebrew PCBs

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.htm

Phil

--- 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