HobbyCNC Tech Tips:

“V” cutting tool width of cut calculator

This calculator is for determining the width-of-cut of a “V” shaped cutting tool.

The deeper a “V” shaped cutting tool goes into the workpiece, the wider the path it will cut. And the bigger the angle of the cutting tool, the path can get pretty wide, pretty fast.

For PC Boards, your depth-of-cut only needs to remove the copper a little bit of the fiberglass underneath. And the copper isn’t very thick!

PC Board Isolation Routing

PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) are the clean-looking and sexy way to make a circuit. For prototype PCBs, you can use a chemical etching approach. Getting a good etch using laser transfer and harmful and messy chemicals is part art and part science. The chemicals can be caustic, dangerous and messy.

I have been making my own circuit boards with my HobbyCNC DIY CNC machine. I have had excellent results using this technique. And your CNC will drill all the holes for you!