Perfboard Cutting

[momo]

I did a search on perfboards but cannot find this info... im a newby at perfboarding and I would like to know how to cut them, I ordered the 3 single sided sizes from Small bear because I did not know how much would be needed for the Highway 89 effect. I calculated the points on the layout and it comes to 378 pinholes, I guess you cut it to size.With what do I cut it?
Thanks

[calculating_infinity]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/beginner/build/npnboostbuild.htm
Have fun.

Cheers,
Jonathan

[Processaurus]

Hacksaw works great as well, on all types of circuit board, including fiberglass.  The fiberglass is hard on metal tools, unless you have carbide tools.  The hacksaw blades are disposable and cheap though.  I could cut real straight by hanging it over a table edge, and clamping a piece of bar stock on top of my line as a guide.  But in most cases it doesn't need to be perfectly straight.

[black mariah]

I use a very thin razor saw. Works well, especially on the non-plated type perf that I use sometimes.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Whenever this comes up, I say "score the board wiht a hand held tile scorer, then snap it on the edge of a table". Worked for me - about 100 times when the PCB guys forgot to cut the boards
(you know how to snap - the scored line is on TOP when you bend across the table edge. A metal edge is better, but a square table edge will do.)

[smallbearelec]

The "socre-and-snap" method that I detail in here:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/DirectPCBoards/DirectPCBoards.htm

will also work fine on perf.

SD

[albatross]

Hi,

Out of all the methods ive seen here on this subject for perf, vero and PCB , I think mine is the quickest & easiest, cheapest and probably safer in terms of fibres & inhalation issues etc..

I use a set of Sheet metal cutters I got given by a friend, and they really do cut with no effort, work great on all the pcb's, veros and perfs ive cut.

Heres a pic of what I use, this should help you in tracking some down.

They are used for cutting sheet metal.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3848/picture064yi6.jpg

This should help you a lot!

[petemoore]

  Lay it on a table, score [with sharp 'tipped' type knife, from 'upper' to past one end, turn it around and to the other way, keeping thumb and forefinger behind the blade.
  Maybe flip it over and do the other side same way.
  Then I take my wire cutters, and while stress bending across the score line, I cut the edge with the cutters alinged with the score line....snaps off clean across a large perfboard.
  Once it's smaller piece to crosscut [say <15 holes] just the cutters alinged perfectly with the scored board stressed just right does fine...for me..

[ulysses]

i use a hacksaw - then fine the edges off with sandpaper

as for doing your own vero of the hwy89 - you may find it difficult.

i suggest you use my vero of the hwy 89 which is in the layouts gallery.

cheers
ulysses

[momo]

Guys, I cant thank you enough, Ive got so many ways of doing it, Ill have to experiment,thanks alot!

[Rick]

band saw, hands down -even a cheapy $80 Delta ... you will never regret this purchase, as it is useful in so many ways!

[petemoore]

even a cheapy $80 Delta
  I can't recommend these saws, It's possible I that Bill and James both got lemons..even for light duty they were troublesome to failing..maybe ok for cutting perfboard.

[sfr]

Hi,

Out of all the methods ive seen here on this subject for perf, vero and PCB , I think mine is the quickest & easiest, cheapest and probably safer in terms of fibres & inhalation issues etc..

I use a set of Sheet metal cutters I got given by a friend, and they really do cut with no effort, work great on all the pcb's, veros and perfs ive cut.

Heres a pic of what I use, this should help you in tracking some down.

They are used for cutting sheet metal.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3848/picture064yi6.jpg

This should help you a lot!

I've never had much luck with sheet metal snips, although I've been using a slightly serrated type - works well enough on the nicer PCB boards I get from small bear, etc., but on the cheapo perf I use (Radio shack stuff - managed to get an amazing deal at one Radio Shack that was going out of business, so I bought a whole bunch) it just crumbles as I try and cut them.