5pcb

Step 5 Drill

For those of you who do not use surface mount components, you'll need to drill holes in your board. I use a Dremel (you can find generic versions for less than 40$). You'll need tiny drill bits (#66-#60). Most places you'll go to will rip you off with those tiny precise bits (10-15$ each). However, some places like Lee Valley sells them for ~$0.50 each.

Comments

[Tchnclfl]

What's the opinion on drill bits?  I've heard people say that if you don't use tungsten carbide, the bit will wear away from the fiberglass.  Is this true?

[sokamiwohali]

no...not neccessarily true...i drilled 6 pcb's BY HAND with a dremel engraving bit...it was small enough for the job i was doing and still has bite in it to drill. and the crappy etchant from radio took 1h to etch away 80% of the copper i wanted gone.

[evilmadcow]

hmm... i might want to .try this sometime.

[offlogic]

The local "Ace hardware" carries itty-bits in onsies down to #63, with a small set for a few bucks (near the welding stuff) down to #68. FYI