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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.

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

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!

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

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.