Yahoo Groups archive

Homebrew_PCBs

Archive for Homebrew_PCBs.

Index last updated: 2026-03-30 01:05 UTC

Thread

drill size for PCB

drill size for PCB

2002-04-18 by marble_h

What is the most common size dill bit used in PCB work ?

John I noticed that in your G-code that you used the same size bit
for both millimg and drilling what size was it .I was thinking of
useing a 1/16 bit but the machine I can use has a 3/32 as the
smallest right now . I think that is way to big .I was thinking of
useing a #55 dill size for the paths ( 1/16 is bigger I know ) and
#60 for the mount points these may be to small any thoughts (John)
(Group)

What is the best to use By the way I am makeing the 3amp driver
from Steve Blackmore on his site . I have almost completed the files
meeded to make the G-code . Now I know why G-code is so protected if
you make one up .

John Brauweiler

Re: drill size for PCB

2002-04-18 by crankorgan

Hi,
Don't get confused. The milling bit only makes a tiny starting
hole in each pad. A mechanical etching bit is tiny on the end. Some
people put a tiny circle in their drawings. This lets the acid create
a starting hole for the drill. I used the same concept in my DXF file.
The depth of the starting hole is only as deep as you mill the board.
I then drill my board with a N0.60 bit. I know this is a little
large but I have found this lets me put in all my parts with one
size hole.

John





--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "marble_h" <marble_h@y...> wrote:
> What is the most common size dill bit used in PCB work ?
>
> John I noticed that in your G-code that you used the same size bit
> for both millimg and drilling what size was it .I was thinking of
> useing a 1/16 bit but the machine I can use has a 3/32 as the
> smallest right now . I think that is way to big .I was thinking of
> useing a #55 dill size for the paths ( 1/16 is bigger I know ) and
> #60 for the mount points these may be to small any thoughts (John)
> (Group)
>
> What is the best to use By the way I am makeing the 3amp driver
> from Steve Blackmore on his site . I have almost completed the
files
> meeded to make the G-code . Now I know why G-code is so protected
if
> you make one up .
>
> John Brauweiler

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] drill size for PCB

2002-04-18 by Steve Greenfield

--- marble_h <marble_h@...> wrote:

> What is the best to use By the way I am makeing the 3amp driver
> from Steve Blackmore on his site . I have almost completed the
> files
> meeded to make the G-code . Now I know why G-code is so protected
> if you make one up .

What? What? Who? Where?

This one?

http://www.pilotltd.net/cnc.htm

Doncha love Google? Time to add this one to the bookmarks.

Steve Greenfield

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

Re: drill size for PCB

2002-04-18 by crankorgan

Hi,
I answered this one but it got lost in Yahoo. The DXF file
causes the Milling Bit to put a tiny dot in each pad. The dot
is only as deep as you mill. This dot is then drilled out with
a number 60 bit. I use a No. 60 because it lets me put all my
parts in with one size hole.
When you etch with acid you can put a tiny circle in each pad
of your drawing. This puts in a starter hole during etching. The
hole is only through the copper.
If you mill using a drill bit make sure it is CARBIDE! HSS
will not mill for long. PCB material is like sandpaper to a bit.


John



--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "marble_h" <marble_h@y...> wrote:
> What is the most common size dill bit used in PCB work ?
>
> John I noticed that in your G-code that you used the same size bit
> for both millimg and drilling what size was it .I was thinking of
> useing a 1/16 bit but the machine I can use has a 3/32 as the
> smallest right now . I think that is way to big .I was thinking of
> useing a #55 dill size for the paths ( 1/16 is bigger I know ) and
> #60 for the mount points these may be to small any thoughts (John)
> (Group)
>
> What is the best to use By the way I am makeing the 3amp driver
> from Steve Blackmore on his site . I have almost completed the
files
> meeded to make the G-code . Now I know why G-code is so protected
if
> you make one up .
>
> John Brauweiler

Re: drill size for PCB

2002-04-18 by n4onl

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., Steve Greenfield <alienrelics@y...> wrote:
> --- marble_h <marble_h@y...> wrote:
>
> > What is the best to use By the way I am makeing the 3amp driver
> > from Steve Blackmore on his site . I have almost completed the
> > files
> > meeded to make the G-code . Now I know why G-code is so protected
> > if you make one up .
>
> What? What? Who? Where?
>
> This one?
>
> http://www.pilotltd.net/cnc.htm
>
> Doncha love Google? Time to add this one to the bookmarks.
>
> Steve Greenfield

Yes, thats the site.

mike

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] drill size for PCB

2002-04-19 by JanRwl@AOL.COM

In a message dated 18-Apr-02 11:00:31 Central Daylight Time,
marble_h@... writes:


> I was thinking of
> useing a 1/16 bit but the machine I can use has a 3/32 as the
> smallest right now . I think that is way to big .I was thinking of
> useing a #55 dill size for the paths ( 1/16 is bigger I know ) and
> #60 for the mount points these may be to small any thoughts

John: In MY opinion, even 1/16" is much too big for MOST things, other than,
maybe, the leads of some TO-220 and TO-208 devices, or 2 W. (U.S. made!)
resistors, etc.

For "most leaded devices in the DIP-IC and ¼ W. R. range", #56 is small
enough that the gap between the lead and the pad - the space "flying solder"
must span - is acceptable, yet large enough to accept on up to, say, ½ W. R's
and "big capacitor leads", etc.

For some "tiny stuff" I have gone as small as #72, but this is really rare
and difficult. #60 ought to be as small as any hobbiest should ever have to
go. Remember: It is vastly easier to RE-DRILL with a larger bit than to
UN-DRILL with a smaller one!

Jan Rowland


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]