Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

I have tried this. Not using PcbGcode, since I use DeskCNC. I output a dxf file from DipTrace. Input the .dxf file into DeskCNC. Use the pocket command to pocket all selected closed entities in the .dxf drawing. I set the tool width to the width of the pen in my CNC machine. This allows me to create any trace width I used on the pcb.

Hope I am not violating the premise of this group, by the above. I do value the expertise in this group.

Instead of a spring loaded pen I use a weight system. I made a round block of wood the same diameter as my router motor. This allows me to clamp it into the same mount as my router motor. Thru the center of the round wood bock I drilled a 1" hole. The 1" hole is for a 1" UHMW rod. A washer screwed onto the top of the UHMW rod keeps it from falling thru the wood block. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the 1" UHMW rod the same diameter as the Steadler Lumicolor pens. A set screw holds the pen in the UHMW rod. I set "zero" on the CNC such that the pen is slightly lifted up. The weight of the UHMW rod gives sufficient pressure on the pen.

Even after all this I had some pretty dismal results. The finest point Steadler pen will only do .020 traces. The pen tip is not very tuff. Part way thru an fairly small board the tip tends to flatten/flare and the traces progressively get wider. I also had to run the CNC code twice to get enough ink on the board to get good etching results.

If any one has better suggestions, I'm listening.

RD

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