Available in a variety of sizes and colors, printed circuit boards are used in constructing electrical circuit projects. The boards, composed of glass-reinforced plastic, contain copper lines to guide you in placing components including resistors, integrated circuits, capacitors and other electrical components. The boards, available from electronic parts stores and online, come with or without holes for placing components. Purchasing larger printed circuit boards and cutting them lets you create multiple circuits without the expense of buying individual boards.
Instructions
Cutting
1 Wipe the printed circuit board with a soft, nonabrasive cloth or rag to remove any loose dust and dirt from the board's surface. Wear work gloves to keep your hands clean and protected during the cutting process.
2 Raise up the cutting blade on a tabletop paper cutter. Place a piece of paper on the paper cutter's surface to protect the bottom of your printed circuit board. If you don't have a tabletop paper cutter, place a piece of paper next to the blade of a table saw (containing a diamond saw blade).
3 Place the printed circuit board with the copper-line side face up onto the paper cutter or table saw. Wear safety goggles and a nose mask for protection.
4 Align the edge of the printed circuit board plumb with the top edge of the paper cutter or align the board plumb with the guide on the table saw.
5 Place one hand on the printed circuit board. Press down on the board to keep it from moving. Pull down the cutting blade forcefully to cut the printed circuit board. If using a table saw, turn on the saw and feed the printed circuit board through the saw.
Sanding
6 Remove the cut printed circuit board from the paper cutter or table saw. Wipe the cut edge of the board with a soft, nonabrasive cloth or rag.
7 Sand the cut edge with a piece of 200-grit or higher sandpaper. Sand until the edge is smooth.
8 Wet a scrub pad and the soft, nonabrasive cloth or rag with cold water from a sink. Wring out excess water. Scrub the printed circuit board with the scrub pad to remove any grime and oxidation that may be present on the board.
9 Rinse the printed circuit board clean with the damp cloth or rag. Dry the circuit board with a paper towel.
