Ideal Drill Bit Size/Range for PCBs?

[Haberdasher]

I have some wire gauge carbide bits here and a press.  I don't really have a scrap piece to drill test-holes in.  I was hoping to avoid messing up any of my good material in searching for the right bit size.
I have read that #68 is used for resistors and caps by a lot of folks, but I don't have that size as it turns out.

What is an acceptable size for this?
And do I need to use a bigger bit for any other components like diodes or ic's?

[madbean]

#65 is perfect for all regular components. Not too large or small. #68 is too small for some diodes.

For PCB mounted pots, use #60.

[Haberdasher]

Looks like I have a couple of #63's.  You think I'll be able to work with this?

[jkokura]

yes.

Jacob

[Haberdasher]

First attempt. 

My vice kept moving on me slightly and at first I nearly pressed the drill in the wrong place twice on one hole (Gotta sort out a better way to secure the vice).  Upon further examination you can see that my two near-misses over on the left actually severed one of my lines.  It shouldn't be too hard to bridge that with some solder or a little piece of wire.  I think I can make it work.

You guys see any other issues?

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[madbean]

Traces are a little fuzzy and pitted in places, but you should have no issues. Just dab solder over any area that looks sketchy.

[Haberdasher]

Thanks Brian.

I think I may have been a little to aggressive cleaning off the toner prior to etching and that resulted in some of the fuzziness.  Also, you can see the areas I tried to fix with the Sharpie, which didn't work too well IMO.

Hey, is there any reason to clean the toner off before drilling?  It seems like it would be easier to see the contrast if you left it on...

[gtr2]

I used a dremel engraving bit for my last board.  I forget what size.  I use a dremel and the engraving bit freehand with the pcb quick clamped to a piece of wood.  Boy is it fast doing it that way if you have a steady hand.  Only took a couple min, It turned out great.  The nice thing is the engraving bit doesn't break nearly as easy as a small drill bit.  Just my 2 cents.  I left the toner on until after I drilled as well.

[madbean]

Resharpened carbide bits will last a long time. A single bit can easily drill a couple hundred boards. I say "re-sharpened" because they are much cheaper than new bits.

HSS bits work okay, but will go dull after only 5-6 boards.

http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/10pacresdril.html

[Haberdasher]

About the same deal on my 2nd attempt.  Maybe slightly better...
I think if I just run some solder over a couple of iffy parts I'll be fine. 



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[madbean]

These are fine, really. Just keep practicing. I get results like this, too, sometimes, but I tend to throw the really bad ones out.

[pigyboy]

Hey all,
I ordered some bits from Drill Bit City. Decent price I thought though the shipping was steep.  I got 2 sets of 10 bits for about $17 and shipping to Spain was another $17. When they got here the postage label was $6.50. OK, I can understand some cash for the box and maybe some admin costs but almost triple the actual cost is stealing in my mind. I wrote to them to ask and still no reply. The bastards.....

[madbean]

Yeah, their shipping is a little steep considering it's such a small package. But, it does balance out with the good price on bits. A pack of 10 should last a long time...it does for me even at the rate I drill!

[pigyboy]

Yeah, It just would have been nice to get a reply