Make a Solderless Prototype Breadboard

I make a custom Solderless Prototype Breadboard.

Step 1: Solderless Breadboard Pieces

I decided to make myself a prototype breadboard by assembling some solderless boards that I bought online.

If you are contemplating making your own custom solderless breadboard, note that this will not likely save you any money. There are many solderless breadboards available online for around $15 - $20 shipping included. However, if you want to customize the board to suit your needs by either creating a larger breadboard or maybe using your own design, this is a simple project that anyone can make.

Step 2: Cutting the PVC Foam Board to Size

Off camera, I cut a piece of 8mm closed-cell PVC foam board material that I have been eager to work with. I saw a video from Robert Murray Smith recently where he uses this material to How To Make a Laboratory Balance.

After cutting the final size, the rough edges were smoothed down with some sand paper.

Step 3: Drilling the Holes for the Binding Posts

I also cut a piece of thinner 5 mm foam board for the binding posts. This piece was temporarily stuck down with double sided tape so that I could drill pilot holes. I quickly drew a concept in SketchUp so that I could easily visualize where the binding post holes would be placed. I measured the hole placement and drilled the pilot holes.

With the pilot holes drilled, it was time to un-stick the top piece of foam board and begin drilling the larger final diameter holes.

Step 4: Dry Fitting the Binding Posts

Once drilling was complete and I cleaned the work area, I test fitted the binding posts to the holes. Following the test fit, I masked off the center of the foam board and readied the piece to be painted.

Step 5: Painting and Drying

A quick clean with isopropyl alcohol and the pieces were spray painted and left to dry.

The base got a coat of our greedy corporate overlords custom pantone process Blue.

Step 6: Gluing the Binding Posts

After painting and drying, it was time to glue the binding posts down. I used cyanoacrylate glue (also known as crazy glue or super glue). PVC adhesive contact cement can also be used as well as two part epoxy.

Step 7: Sticking the Solderless Boards and Custom Graphics

With the binding posts glued, it was time to stick the solderless breadboard pieces to the foam board.
Some custom graphics printed on transparent pvc sheets were then applied.

Step 8: Banana Plug Leads and Testing Voltages

I then soldered a set of banana plug leads that I could use with my makeshift bench-top power supply.

With the leads complete, it was time to connect them to my power supply and test the voltages.