I have created a layout on a vero board for a data logger project I'm making, but the vero board I bought is clearly made of tungsten and concrete (can't get snips through it, cut about 100 times on both sides and it's still a pain to snap off) and one of the lines on the y axis has snapped off a piece of the copper strip, therefore I need to try make my veroboard layout more compact. I also want to just try make the board as small as possible for good practice, so any help would be appreciated. There are 34 through holes on the x axis and 25 holes on the y axis, but I know I can make it smaller. Any tips? Here is the layout (it looks bad but it's my first time ever creating a layout and vero board circuit):
Try to place components closer together while ensuring they don't interfere with each other electrically. You can also consider designing and printing a PCB. You can choose a dependable manufacturer like nextpcb: https://www.nextpcb.com/pcb-assembly-services
Use a junior hacksaw or dremel to cut the board to a smaller size
The easiest way is to make a circuit board using SMD components. I do this a lot using KiCad and JCLPCB, here is a link: They can do the assembly and sell you the needed parts for your project. They charge for what they use. They have a large inventory of parts to do this. Have fun. For best results post your annotated schematic showing all connections. We will evaluate it and let you know if we found any problems.
A few months later and I'm at the point where I've created a new vero board layout. I had a lot to do so I've only just recently got the chance to redo my vero board design. Anyway, here's the new board.
The reset and alarm switches I have consist of 4 connections as they are illuminated, hence the two RST SW connections. I also have to add a GND connection for my float switch, but I will just directly connect it to GND to the right of it by adding a header pin