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

Hello group,
Has anyone here thought about building or even built a drum
photoplotter based on a red LED laser diode ? This would be used for
making printing masks, et. There has been much discussion among amateurs
on building a CNC mill/drill machines, however I am under the impression
that this is definitely NOT an task for the beginner, even if he/she
has access the right tools. A drum photoplotter appears simpler in
construction as there is only 1 axis required to position the light
head. Basically the drum plotter works by rotating a relatively large
drum with a film sensitive to red light (available from Kodak)
positioned around the outside of the drum. The drum spins at fairly high
speed (> 10 rev/sec) and the light source (red LED laser diode and
focusing lens) slowly and accurately moves along the length of the drum
in a straight line. The spinning drum sounds relatively simple to build.
The moving light source looks a lot more complicated / expensive. My
only thoughts how to go about this is to use a ball bearing screw and
linear bearing. I priced some ready to go ball screw guided assemblies
but the costs were prohibitive. Is there no other option ? I own a drill
press and a small lathe in my workshop. I am open to all comments.