scroll saw for cutting PCB material

[Mr. G.]

Anybody use a scroll saw for cutting out/trimming PCB's? My wife has one that's been in the box for years, so I pulled it out a few weeks ago, and it's actually a pretty nice one. It's got a nice and heavy cast iron table. Once I sanded all the rust off of it, and cleaned it up, it works like a dream.

I figured that it would be a great tool for cutting out PCB's, and it really is, but the blades I have aren't worth a shit for cutting PCB material. They only last about 4-6" before they get too hot and ruin the saw teeth. Anybody got any suggestions for a some durable blades that would last longer? I'm thinking a ban saw would be a better choice for my overall needs, but the scroll saw was free, and I'd rather have a dedicated machine for the small stuff.

[R.G.]

Your problem is that PCB stock is made of glass fibers and epoxy resin. The glass fibers are hard, and abrasive. They dull blades steel blades very quickly. This same thing happens when drilling circuit boards. Steel bits only last about 100 holes. For long term use in abrasive materials, you need carbide blades.

I don't know how available carbide blades are for scroll saws. They may be hard to find.

Bandsaw blades last longer because the wear is divided over many more teeth, but they will have the same problem eventually.

[differo]

I use dremel with 'diamond' circle-saw (hope I spelled this right) works really nice - AND it's fast.

[chicago_mike]

I have yet to find good blades or bits that last a real long time so I favtor that cost in. But the drill bits I get on the cheap so I dont mind throwing one away after one pcb...

I have a 10" band saw that I use for cutting pcb's or I use a hand metal saw.

[Steve Mavronis]

My dad says he uses tin snips!

[John Lyons]

Also, a scroll saw is use to cut very tight curves not straight lines. It can be done but it's not the intended use.
Since the teeth have such a close pitch and the blades are so thin I doubt there are carbide tipped blades available.
But for a board or two here and there it may be ok...

[Plan B]

I use dremel with 'diamond' circle-saw (hope I spelled this right) works really nice - AND it's fast.

+1.  My dremel makes fast, clean work of it.

[Mr. G.]

I've used my dremel, and I prefer it to using a hand saw or a razor knife, but I don't have very steady hands, so there's always lots of filing to do to clean the boards up after cutting. 

[Brymus]

I use a hacksaw with carbide blade for metal cutting it works really well,I mark with sharpie and square ,then score with a razor then cut with the hacksaw this gives a nice clean straight cut.Still have to file with a file for nice finished/rounded edges though.
The blades were two in a pack for some cheap price like 7$ at Lowes.