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Correct drill bits for PCB fab? — Parallax Forums

Correct drill bits for PCB fab?

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
edited 2010-07-08 03:41 in General Discussion
I know there are at least a couple other people who do DIY pcb's at home.

Can some advise as to the drill bit size?

Thanks!

OBC

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Comments

  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2010-07-07 03:21
    Fullerton tool sells some nice PCB drills, 1/8" shank, .02" and .032" is a good pair for standard TH parts.

    I just found a box of new bits from when I made boards, send me an address and I'll drop one of each size in the mail.

    Post Edited (T Chap) : 7/7/2010 3:31:16 AM GMT
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  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2010-07-07 03:35
    I use reduced shank tungsten carbide drills (resharpened ones from Mega Electronics UK). The most common sizes I use are 0.7 mm and 1mm.

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    Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-07 03:38
    T Chap said...
    Fullerton tool sells some nice PCB drills, 1/8" shank, .02" and .032" is a good pair for standard TH parts.

    I just found a box of new bits from when I made boards, send me an address and I'll drop one of each size in the mail.

    Thank you!

    I pm'd you my address.

    OBC

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  • ForrestForrest Posts: 1,341
    edited 2010-07-07 03:53
    FYI you'll need a high speed drill (20K-30K) to use those drill bits, and a stand to keep it steady.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-07-07 03:58
    I use 0.042" for square-pin headers and TO220 parts.

    -Phil
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2010-07-07 05:59
    I use a Minicraft 18000 rpm drill in a stand.

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    Leon Heller
    Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
  • Chris_DChris_D Posts: 305
    edited 2010-07-07 10:21
    OBC,

    You do NOT need a hi-speed drill press for using these drill bits.· You can very easily use a standard drill press - just feed slowly and you will be fine.· I have been using my large woodworking drill press for the past few years and it isn't a problem at all.

    Chris
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2010-07-07 11:08
    It is much easier and quicker with a high-speed drill, though. I don't have much patience and I don't like drilling lots of holes.

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    Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-07-07 16:49
    The main thing is to use a drill press or drill stand, along with a good, accurately-centered (i.e. non-wobbly) chuck or collet. These tiny drill bits are solid carbide, and their tips will snap off if you just look at them wrong. A Dremel tool with a stand will satisfy these conditions, plus give you the high RPMs that Leon recommends.

    -Phil
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2010-07-07 21:17
    Man, I love my little home made 3-axis CNC machine! smile.gif It's perfect for drilling boards.

    Bill
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2010-07-08 03:21
    I sent out several of the .02 and .032 drills. Should be 2 days they said. US Postal Priority.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-08 03:41
    Thanks!

    They are gonna beat my dremel drill press, but will be very appreciated!

    OBC

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