G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

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dragonbat13
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G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by dragonbat13 »

Where is the cheapest source? How should I go about buying decent sheets to last awhile?

Finally got the tools I need to cut my own stuff and want to get some larger pieces.

I'm in the cont. US. So would like to keep shipping to a minimum.

What's the size everyone is getting? I'm thinking one or two 12x24 inch pieces. I don't care what color.

1/8th inch thick. Will be pressing eyelets and turrets.

Thanks.
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telentubes
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Re: G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by telentubes »

I've gotten G10/FR4 from McMaster-Carr. I don't know how their prices compare to others. Lots of sizes to choose from.
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Re: G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by jabguit »

McMaster-Carr Supply
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solderhead
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Re: G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by solderhead »

McMaster-Carr has been my source for decades. I don't even look for other sources. I don't worry so much about cheapness, as much as I worry about quality, stock availability and customer service. The cost of unfinished boards is an insignificant cost factor in an amp.

When buying G10/FR4 you don't really need to worry about parts longevity. It's fiberglass. Just keep it out of UV light.

You're going to need carbide tooling. Don't even think about using non-carbide cutters -- you'll trash them in short order.

Sheets are not practical to ship. I prefer the 2" or 3" wide strips.

1/8" is nice and thick, OK for eyelets but too thick for many turrets and too thick for snap in caps. I prefer 1/16".
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Re: G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by B Ingram »

dragonbat13 wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:09 am Finally got the tools I need to cut my own stuff ...
Be certain you have an excellent respirator or other mask-system. You really don't want to be inhaling glass-powder from cutting your boards.
telentubes
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Re: G10/FR4 purchasing, sizes? Source?

Post by telentubes »

Agree, cutting trashes even carbide blades fairly quickly. Drill bits as well when drilling for eyelets and turrets.
I use 1/8". As mentioned, be very wary of the dust from machining.
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