How do you cut PCB board to the size you want?

[adds2one]

Hello,

I'd like to hear how people cut their PCB boards to the size they need.

Thanks!

[$uperpuma]

I really want to get the mini table saw harbor freight has... but for now, I use the 3S method, Score, Snap and Sand. (Score your line with a utility knife, snap it over a corner, sand the edges smooth)

[Thomas P.]

sharp cutter-knife and - of course - the edge of my desk 

no kidding! I just cut it on both sides and break it over my desks edge. If I have to cut only small stripes I use my flat pliers.
works great so far!
ah, make sure you get a good(!) cutter-knife. mine has a rubber grip and is really tough built

[markm]

Same a above.
I use a straight edge to cut against though but otherwise, the same.

[Dave_B]

Dremel tool with a cutter wheel.  Apparently it can be a real health hazard if not done with caution, so keep that in mind.

[R.G.]

Hacksaw. You can wrap tape around one end of a blade and use that as a handle if you're careful to use it only for pull-cutting.

Nibbler. Great control, but eats out a wide kerf.

Paper cutter. Hard to use, can leave an ugly cut requiring cleanup. Tears up the paper cutter.

Drilling lots of holes close together in a line and then breaking on the dotted line.

Sheet metal shear.

Band saw.

The pros use shears, carbide/diamond blade CNC routers, 80K psi water jets, lasers for special applications.

[mikey]

i use a paper cutter and get clean cuts.  I dont even have to sand.

[The Tone God]

To add the list:

Tin Snips

Scroll saw

Wide blade wire cutters

Andrew

[John Lyons]

I use a table saw. Not the most affordable and poratable but i use it for other things as well.

John

[adds2one]

Thanks for all the replys. I have used a big industrial shear at school but never done it at home. When you use a sharp cutter and snap it which side do you cut through? the copper or the back side? does it matter?

[Dave_B]

I use a table saw. Not the most affordable and poratable but i use it for other things as well.

What blade are you using for that, John?  Are you sandwiching the PCB between scraps of wood or are you just pushing it through?  I thought about using my table saw but assumed it would chip the board with the blade I have.