killer shears.

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 29 Jun 2011, 15:02

while I was on the subject of tools, I thought I'd post a pic of the shears I've been using for cutting boards. they are definitely the longest ones I've found, which helps a lot with getting a straight cut. i picked these up at home depot, and they are definitely the best I've found yet. what ill do usually is cut with the shears, then use a file or sandpaper to straighten out and clean up the edges. works great.

JOHNO · Post by **JOHNO** » 29 Jun 2011, 15:13

Don't you own a Dremel? That is prehistoric.

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 29 Jun 2011, 15:29

yeah, but I'm not too keen on inhaling an assload of fiberglass and spewing dust all over my shop. call it whatever you want, but it cuts straight and doesn't make a mess. I stopped using a dremel for cutting boards long ago, and I've found this works much better. you just have to score the board, and the shears cut a perfect line. then just clean up the edges a bit with a sandpaper block. actually for that job I've been using a bit of skateboard griptape stuck to my bench. works like a charm. don't let Bjorn give the shears a bad name!

DaveKerr · Post by **DaveKerr** » 29 Jun 2011, 16:03

I'm with RnFR, I've been using some big-assed tin snips for a while now - quick, easy and clean

mysticwhiskey · Post by **mysticwhiskey** » 29 Jun 2011, 16:10

Man I feel primitive, I've been using a hacksaw to cut down PCB boards. Next tool on the shopping list: shears! Do they work with the resin(?)-based boards, or just the fiberglass type ones?

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 29 Jun 2011, 16:19

DaveKerr wrote:I'm with RnFR, I've been using some big-assed tin snips for a while now - quick, easy and clean

the bigger the better! what gives you problems is stopping the cut half way through. you gotta go all the way, man!

DeanM · Post by **DeanM** » 29 Jun 2011, 17:23

I have used a dremmel and it can be messy with all the dust n crap flying off. I've used a hacksaw but the bastard curved inwards and almost cut into the PCB! so i avoid that too!

What i do is get a ruler and place it where i need to cut and then score the board with a scriber. then i keep on scribin! it cuts thru fairly easily. I do it a bit on both sides then usually just snap the board and it breaks on the cut.

KindaFuzzy · Post by **KindaFuzzy** » 29 Jun 2011, 21:19

DeanM wrote:I have used a dremmel and it can be messy with all the dust n crap flying off. I've used a hacksaw but the bastard curved inwards and almost cut into the PCB! so i avoid that too!

What i do is get a ruler and place it where i need to cut and then score the board with a scriber. then i keep on scribin! it cuts thru fairly easily. I do it a bit on both sides then usually just snap the board and it breaks on the cut.

I do the same thing, but with a utility knife, I'll definitely have to try the giant snips though, cool info.

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 29 Jun 2011, 22:02

that totally works, too. the snips are just a bit faster. the trick is to score it first, it gives the snips a "track" to run down, avoiding that "hey ma, look what i chewed!" look we know so well.

DeanM · Post by **DeanM** » 30 Jun 2011, 00:00

KindaFuzzy wrote:
DeanM wrote:I have used a dremmel and it can be messy with all the dust n crap flying off. I've used a hacksaw but the bastard curved inwards and almost cut into the PCB! so i avoid that too!

What i do is get a ruler and place it where i need to cut and then score the board with a scriber. then i keep on scribin! it cuts thru fairly easily. I do it a bit on both sides then usually just snap the board and it breaks on the cut.
I do the same thing, but with a utility knife, I'll definitely have to try the giant snips though, cool info.

Yeah i used to use a knife as well. like a stanley blade. depends one what is closest! but i'd usually start with a scribe.

JOHNO · Post by **JOHNO** » 30 Jun 2011, 01:58

RnFR wrote:yeah, but I'm not too keen on inhaling an assload of fiberglass and spewing dust all over my shop.

I see your point, every time I cut a board i end up covered is shit and so does my garage. I was just taking a cheap shot with the prehistoric shit ,chill.

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 30 Jun 2011, 02:16

no worries, i didn't take it personal! it takes a lot for me to get really pissed on the internet these days.

GuitarlCarl · Post by **GuitarlCarl** » 30 Jun 2011, 02:36

I'm with the scribe and snap cats on this one, I use a new utility blade... I don't need another tool on my workbench... I could see the advantage if I was cutting a bunch of them out though, and I do own a set of 4" Wiss brand shears.