Drilling on etched PCB with a hand drill.

[nosamiam]

Seriously, here's what you need:


http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=944412&Ntt=944412&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=113113%204294966928&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

It's a Dremel engraving bit. Use it in a hand drill. The shaft is thick so it won't break. The tip is the perfect size for PCB holes (in fact it's a little too small for wire so you may have to ream those holes out a bit, but it's great for component leads). The tip is that tiny ball on the end. And actually, I'm not 100% sure which size I use, so check out all the sizes before you buy. I got mine in person at Home Depot so I was able to eyeball it.

I have used the same bit since I started about 20-30 PCBs ago. And no need to replace any time soon.

Get it!!

[sixstringphil]

I used the same thing for a while now. I recently got a set of bits from Drill Bit City, but haven't tried them out. You're right about the hole size for wire. It's usually just a little small for tinned wire, but close enough.

[Andi]

I use one of these. It'll never pay for itself in strict financial terms, but it was still worth every penny.

[DWBH]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but... use a small punch (I'm not sure if this is the correct name) and a hammer, to mark those spots. Then, when it comes to drilling the board, the dremel/hand drill/whatever won't move as much. It kinda locks the drill in place.

[cloudscapes]

I use a regular dremel and do it by hand. I admit it's not what people usually use but it does the job cheaply. I can drill with a few degrees o angle inclination and I dont have any problems. haven't proken the bit yet!

I put the PCB on my drilling board on my table, get down on my knees so that it's at eye level, and commense drilling. obviously eye protection is a must

[ejbasses]

I use one of these. It'll never pay for itself in strict financial terms, but it was still worth every penny.

hey man. where can i get one of those things? 

[Andi]

Here you go. Just brace yourself for the price...

http://www.megauk.com/cnc_production_centre.php

[modsquad]

Thud...

Sound of my head hitting the floor after the price list.

[Andi]

 

There are cheaper options, but that's the only one I know of with a proper stepper motor 3rd axis - most of the alternatives use a solenoid and tend to break the router bits. And they're expensive too!

[Andi]

Holy thread revival etc.

Speaking of cheaper options, I spotted this recently:

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Fasteners-Production-Equipment/PCB-Equipment/Accessories/3-axis-Machine/34752

Under £300 total for a CNC PCB drilling system. You have to assemble it yourself but it doesn't look that tricksy.

[reverbie]

Center punch followed by simple dremel drill press with the engraving bit mentioned below. Cost is under $100 and saves you countless hrs of time. I have tried EVERYTHING and this is by far the easiest for the $$$

[primedynasty]

could someone say exactly what engraving bit they use?  is it the 106?  I have been using a #60 bit in my good ol' craftsman rotary tool clamping the board down to my work bench and free handing it.  Its worked so far but I would like to move towards a more permanent solution as I get more and more into making my own PCBs.