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

previous by date index next by date
previous in topic topic list next in topic

Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Drilling

From: JanRwl@...
Date: 2010-02-01

In a message dated 1/31/2010 1:52:20 P.M. Central Standard Time,
jamesrsweet@... writes:

Is there a good low cost option or am I best off just building something
myself?<<
James: IF you have the adequate machine-shop, time, and $$, you can build
a proper little "application-specific" drill-press using Thomson linear
bearings and case-hardened shafting (the centers can be
tailstock-drilled/threaded!) using a ca. 100-watt 400 Hz. 3-phase "instrument motor" if you can
come up with the power-supply for that. I cobbled my own that way. Used a
Dremel collet canibalized from an old hand-held Dremel. (What [junk]!)
The little 400 Hz motor will give you 12,000 or 24,000 RPM, depending on
what kind you find from that surplus dealer.

But this was not for a "manual" drill-press,but a little CNC rig I built
back in PET-days. Must convert for use with "PC" but having a lot of
trouble finding a round tuit!

1/8" shank solid-carbide "PCB drill-bits" with drill-tip-diameter smaller
than 1.5 or 2.0 mm can NEVER be used successfully (aka "happily"!) with a
Dremel rig! Look at the bearings they put in those, now! UGH!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]