How to use stripboard

[bancika]

It's probably one of the most stupid questions asked, but how to cut traces on stripboard. I never worked with it before (only perf and PCBs), and I don't want to ruin it
Tnx

[aron]

I use a dremel tool with a drill bit just big enough to drill the hole out and break the copper - it doesn't drill through the stripboard, just enough to break the copper trace.

it works and it's FAST!

[jxoco]

also there is a tool for veroboard but it is a bit expensive.

http://www.rpelectronics.com/Default.asp?Main=/English/OnlineCat.asp?Menu=/English/Content/Categories/CatM_88.asp%26Detail=/English/Content/Items/R22-0239G.asp

[bancika]

Thanks fr replies guys. Good idea for dremel, but I don't have it around here, I just tried with sharp tool and it turned out preety fine. I cut trace right before and after hole so it's broken at two places. I checked both with DMM and it shows no connection. It should be fine

[TheBigMan]

The "tool" is just a small drill bit (3-5mm or so) in a handle.  Works well, but you can easily use a sharp knife.  As I did indeed, before I got the tool free with something or other. 

[Dave Eason]

i've got away with a pretty sharp small Phillips head screwdriver too once, that worked

[Apehouse]

The "tool" is just a small drill bit (3-5mm or so) in a handle. 

I also use a small regular drill bit but i just use my fingers to spin it a couple times on the right spot and presto. Superquick and easy.
-greg

[bancika]

Have you ever tried to drill all PCB holes with hand? I did on my all (4 of them) PCBs and it's not nice

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

There are two sizes of drill used for pop riveting, one of these is exactly right for stripboard
Plus, these pop rivet drill bits are specially short & double ended. I use one in a battery drill.
A great stripboard accessory is a stiff wire brush, I scrub the copper after cutting traces. Still need to test every srtrip for shorts with adjacent tracks, and across all holes.

[MartyMart]

I must have around 200 Vero builds ..... I use a 5mm good quality "wood" drill bit
pushed into a Handle from a "swoppable head" cheap screwdriver .... PERFECT !
Three/Four turns and it's done,( will a little pressure ) must have cost me £3 for the whole thing.

After they are all done, check the "edges" of the cuts with a Mag glass, sometimes you get a small
piece of copper "twisted out" towards the next strip .. !!!

MM.

[Floyd Pepper]

I've always just used the corner of a flat head screw driver.  No problems with this method so far.

[Toney]

Two drill 4mm drill bits in a pack from Kmart $1.20
Plastic handle to stick them in......free.

The ease with which they deal withy vero traces......................................priceless.