drill hole size for Tonepad projects

[mattron]

i started to print out some tonepad projects to etch  and i dont have a small enough drill bit yet.  before i go buy something, any of you know what size is best for those projects?   they look really small.

[niggez]

Just check your components and see what the smallest bit is which their metal ends allow. Thats what I did, and it works great.

[John Lyons]

#65 bits will allow for the largest of component leads you'll need.
You can get away with #69 bits for most resistor and cap leads.

Drill bit city is the best place for buying carbide bits which will work best and longest.
If you do not have a drill press then use high speed steel bits as they are more flexible.
Carbide bits are the best but are not forgiving with wobble or bending.

John

[SonicVI]

A cordless Dremel with adjustable chuck is great for drilling pcbs. Small Bear sells many sizes of pcb bits.

[mattron]

thanks guys, i think ill just order a few different size bits when i place my next order at smallbear

[gutsofgold]

Are carbide bits and a drill press pretty much necessary? It seems like a lot of guys talk about regular steel bits as a last resort.

[John Lyons]

HSS (High Speed Steel ) bits do not last long at all. But they are more flexible.
If you have a drill press, carbide bits are the way to go. They stay sharp longer than you will need them to.
(I've never dulled one before I broke it, it happens!)
If you are using a dremel by hand then HSS will be better as you will flex the bits more since your hand is not as steady as a drill press.

John