Anyone use 1/32" board? Or is 1/16" the only way

[NeveSSL]

What do you guys think?  Are there any major disadvantages to 1/32" board?  The reason I ask is that for a 2 foot by 3 foot section at McMaster, it's $10 cheaper than 1/16".    But I don't want to buy it if there are serious drawbacks.  Thanks!

Brandon

[sir_modulus]

printed circuit board? as in like how thick the stuff is? I'm a bit confused...

If it's the above, if it refers to the thickness of the board itself, then it'll just be harder to drill. If there is also more copper, then it'll take more out of your etchent (but partially covered traces may have more of a chance, as there is more copper underneath them).

Hope that helps,

Nish

[NeveSSL]

Sorry!  I should have specified.  I'm talking about PCB board thickness.  Copper-clad G4.    I was wondering if there was any downside to using 1/32" thick garrolite over 1/16th"?  Or if it's "just thinner".    Thanks!

Brandon

[sir_modulus]

We have some thick stuff here, and from what I can see, it just makes my HSS drill bits wear down a lot faster. I used to use the board, by etching off all the copper, as tube amp turret board...but then I found you could get it preemade with no copper   :roll:

Cheers,

Nish

[spudulike]

I use 1.6mm board as a rule, but recently bought some 0.8mm board. It takes toner and etches just as well, and is easier to drill. However, it is much easier to flex than the 1.6mm, and after Ive soldered a bunch of components the board curves a little. Having said that I did a couple of Easyvibe boards and they've held up well. I just make sure the board is held in place with sticky pads.

[RJ]

Hi Brandon,

I've been making my own pcbs for about 2 weeks now and I've been using 1/32" copper board with great results....I've never tried anything thicker though.  I chose the thinnest board because I figured it would be a lot easier to cut/snap.  It's pretty flexible stuff but I haven't broke a board by accident yet and they don't seem to warp or anything.

Good luck!

-Ryan

[D Wagner]

Brandon,

I use 1/32" board all the time, since I got a great deal on a few square feet of it.  It isn't as rigid as the thicker stuff, but I haven't found that to be a problem at all.  I would not mount a switch to it, though.

Since then, I got one of the non-epoxy boards that Small Bear sells, and I am hooked.  It is easy to drill, the copper is smooth and it feels really solid.  Especially when you get the components soldered in place.

Derek

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the replies, guys.  I think I'm going to give it a whirl and see what happens.    Thanks again!

Brandon