"Break-off" pcbs

[GhostofJohnToad]

So I ordered some pcbs from oshpark.  Came out pretty good.  They are pcbs with an area to be broke off for use as a mini board.  Never done this before, what is the best way to break them off? They are perforated but it makes me nervous.  I've had a spotty record doing this sort of thing with vero.  Here's a pic if it attaches...

[hammerheadmusicman]

I haven't had those, but if it was me, i'd be tempted to use a hacksaw.. unless you have 500 to do, in which case maybe not

[hammerheadmusicman]

Also, what are the boards for? just out of interest..

[Chi_Boy]

Thats interesting.  I didn't think they allowed that.

I would try hanging it off of a nice crisp edge, like a thick ruler.  Hold the bigger part and apply even pressure on the smaller part.  See if it gives.

[jeffaroo]

i usually use a cutting wheel for a dremmel. looks like a mini fiber wheel
works great

[GhostofJohnToad]

I may try the cutting wheel.  Unfortunately the particular board I'm working on I soldered everything in place and now after the fact, I decide what to do about the break-off. Stupid me.

It's an unsped arduino shield for my arduinome- monome project.

[jeffaroo]

just pay attention to the direction of the wheel fling. dont need to pepper all the new parts
as a double safety i would turn the board over and cut so it sprays away

[GhostofJohnToad]

Good call

[pickdropper]

You could also put one end into a vise and carefully grab the other side with pliers, making sure to put the flat side in parallel with the vise.  Rock it a bit back and forth.  Then you can clean it up with a file.

[jeffaroo]

the board is populated. he must of taken a viagra before starting the build. went straight for the soldering iron and forgot to snap the board

[atreidesheir]

I would drill out about half of the perf holes with a small drill bit and then it will break very easliy with any of the methods mentioned before.  That makes vero break very cleanly and these perfs look to be similar.
I would probably try the vise myself.
Put some tape over the populated part of the board first.

[pickdropper]

I would drill out about half of the perf holes with a small drill bit and then it will break very easliy with any of the methods mentioned before.  That makes vero break very cleanly and these perfs look to be similar.
I would probably try the vise myself.
Put some tape over the populated part of the board first.

Yep, and you could score over the holes with a razor blade before you snap.

[GhostofJohnToad]

I went ahead and used my dremel with cut-off wheel.  A little bit o care and it came out perfect.