Homebrew PCBs

Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of 
course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results 
are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.

First of all, I bought these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html

but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular 
dremel. So I returned them and bought:

http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!

The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For 
this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is 
compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can 
only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit 
will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start 
again. This takes a lot of time.

Suggestions?

bye
as

Alessio Sangalli wrote:

> 
> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. 

For hss bits you will need a Keyless chuck, like in the proxxon fbs. Or
'quick change multi chuck' in dremel words.  Try to find and replace the
chuck. Should do down to 0.3mm bits. Or buy/make a press and use carbide
bits.

Simao

On 06/15/2010 02:17 AM, Simao Cardoso wrote:

> For hss bits you will need a Keyless chuck, like in the proxxon fbs. Or
> 'quick change multi chuck' in dremel words.


Surprisingly, I am not able to find this item online in the US. Maybe I 
should check again tomorrow.


> chuck. Should do down to 0.3mm bits. Or buy/make a press and use carbide
> bits.

Which one is the "state of the art" of dremel presses?


bye
as

Alessio Sangalli wrote:

> 
> 
> Surprisingly, I am not able to find this item online in the US. Maybe
> I should check again tomorrow.

eBay has it from US. Try 'dremel chuck'.

> 
> Which one is the "state of the art" of dremel presses?

Delorie one is a state of art press!

Buy carbide PCB drills from DigiKey. They have 1/8" shanks. Try to find a 
Dremel drill press.

Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Alessio Sangalli" <alesan@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:21 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] About holes


> Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of
> course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results
> are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
>
> First of all, I bought these:
> http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
>
> but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular
> dremel. So I returned them and bought:
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
> for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
>
> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For
> this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is
> compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can
> only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit
> will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start
> again. This takes a lot of time.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> bye
> as
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

On 15/06/2010 09:21, Alessio Sangalli wrote:
> Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of
> course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results
> are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
>
> First of all, I bought these:
> http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
>
> but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular
> dremel. So I returned them and bought:
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
> for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
>
> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For
> this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is
> compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can
> only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit
> will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start
> again. This takes a lot of time.
>
> Suggestions?


Use "reduced shank" drills.

Leon
-- 
Leon Heller
G1HSM

On Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:21:17 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of 
>course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results 
>are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
>
>First of all, I bought these:
>http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
>
>but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular 
>dremel. So I returned them and bought:
>
>http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
>for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
>
>The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For 
>this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is 
>compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can 
>only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit 
>will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start 
>again. This takes a lot of time.
>
>Suggestions?
>

Get a drill press attachment for your dremel, use the dremel in it.
You are quite correct that the carbide bits are fragile, they cannot
be used with handheld drilling.

They will work well enough in a dremel (1/8 inch collet) *if* the
dremel is on a drill stand.  You may have to modify the design of the
dremel stand slightly, because it can move from side to side a bit.  

I have made a number of boards with a dremel, carbide bits, and the
drill stand.

A proxxon (with drill stand) might be superior.  Not sure of the
proxxon stand, don't have one.  Am sure of the proxxon, better
collets, less runout, and runs cooler.

Harvey

>bye
>as
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

On Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:08:35 -0700, you wrote:

>Buy carbide PCB drills from DigiKey. They have 1/8" shanks. Try to find a 
>Dremel drill press.

New carbide PCB bits from a commercial distributor are ruinously
expensive.  Shopping for the grab bags can get you resharpened bits,
many sizes you don't need, but still at a much better price.  The 20
lots are too small in quantity, I think I've seen a fifty lot for
about twice the cost from HF.  

Harvey

>
>Bob Macklin
>K5MYJ
>Seattle, Wa.
>"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Alessio Sangalli" <alesan@...>
>To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:21 AM
>Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] About holes
>
>
>> Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of
>> course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results
>> are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
>>
>> First of all, I bought these:
>> http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
>>
>> but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular
>> dremel. So I returned them and bought:
>>
>> http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
>> for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
>>
>> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For
>> this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is
>> compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can
>> only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit
>> will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start
>> again. This takes a lot of time.
>>
>> Suggestions?
>>
>> bye
>> as
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
>> Photos:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

See the "laptop drill press" at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/photos/album/1462765707/pic/list

There is a description at
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/message/2057

Depends on the distributor and the size.  Mouser carries 6 different 
sizes, priced from $1.10 to $3.21.  I pay $1 each for resharps from 
Electronic Goldmine, but I order from Mouser a lot more often.  I will 
probably get a couple on my next order.

Kerry


Harvey White wrote:

> On Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:08:35 -0700, you wrote:
>
>   
>> Buy carbide PCB drills from DigiKey. They have 1/8" shanks. Try to find a 
>> Dremel drill press.
>>     
>
> New carbide PCB bits from a commercial distributor are ruinously
> expensive.  Shopping for the grab bags can get you resharpened bits,
> many sizes you don't need, but still at a much better price.  The 20
> lots are too small in quantity, I think I've seen a fifty lot for
> about twice the cost from HF.  
>
> Harvey
>   
>

On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 4:38 AM, Simao Cardoso <simaocardoso@...> wrote:
> Alessio Sangalli wrote:
>> Which one is the "state of the art" of dremel presses?
>
> Delorie one is a state of art press!

Where can I see it?

Mega Electronics sells resharpened tungsten carbide drills in packs of 
10 for each size. ESR resells them singly.

Leon
-- 
Leon Heller
G1HSM

Here is the best Dremel drill press for PCB work:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dremel-Moto-Tool-Drill-Press-/320545630493?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa202291d

In this design the moto-tool is fixed and the table moves up to the drill.

I have one of these and it's the only thing I will use to drill PCBs.

Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Leon Heller" <leon355@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] About holes


> Mega Electronics sells resharpened tungsten carbide drills in packs of
> 10 for each size. ESR resells them singly.
>
> Leon
> -- 
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

I use http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/10pacresdril.html for resharpened drill bits - $1 each for various sizes - your choice.

DigiKey is on the expensive side - check prices.

73 de Ken H>


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Macklin" <macklinbob@...> wrote:

>
> Buy carbide PCB drills from DigiKey. They have 1/8" shanks. Try to find a 
> Dremel drill press.
> 
> Bob Macklin
> K5MYJ
> Seattle, Wa.

Alessio,
I think if you change the collet in the dremel to a smaller one (like ones below), it would solve your problem.

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/CategoryProducts.aspx?catid=5&catname=Chucks+%26+Collets

Frank P.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Alessio Sangalli <alesan@...> wrote:

>
> Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of 
> course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results 
> are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
> 
> First of all, I bought these:
> http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
> 
> but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular 
> dremel. So I returned them and bought:
> 
> http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
> for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
> 
> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For 
> this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is 
> compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can 
> only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit 
> will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start 
> again. This takes a lot of time.
> 
> Suggestions?
> 
> bye
> as
>

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Alessio Sangalli <alesan@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, I think I am becoming good at making holes even for vias and of 
> course for through-hole components. I can make tiny holes, the results 
> are very satisfactory, but part of the procedure is complicated.
> 
> First of all, I bought these:
> http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-solid-carbide-micro-bit-grab-bag-44924.html
> 
> but they looked so fragile, I do not have a press, just a regular 
> dremel. So I returned them and bought:
> 
> http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html
> for 4 dollars, 30 bits that work fairly well!!!
> 
> The only problem is that the dremel can only take rather big bits. For 
> this reason I roll some tape around the bit up until the diameter is 
> compatible with the dremel collet, and then I drill. Sometimes I can 
> only make one hole, other times I can make 20 but eventually the bit 
> will "slide in" and I have to remove it, replace the tape and start 
> again. This takes a lot of time.
> 
> Suggestions?
> 
> bye
> as
>


I only use carbide bits, the steel ones wear out way too fast with glass epoxy PCB. The drill press I had was not precise enough so I made my own for drilling PCBs, it works great. The time it saves is well worth the $40 or so it cost me to build.

Alessio,
I use the chuck that is on the link listed below.  This would solve your problem.

 4486 Dremel Chuck 

The Dremel Chuck holds Dremel accessories without using a collet eliminating having to use the wrench and creating quick and easy accessory changes. 

Derward Myrick

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Frank P 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:59 PM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: About holes


    
  Alessio,
  I think if you change the collet in the dremel to a smaller one (like ones below), it would solve your problem.

  http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/CategoryProducts.aspx?catid=5&catname=Chucks+%26+Collets

  Frank P.

  <snip>



    



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