Thanks all for the posts - I'm hoping the sum of knowledge enables more of us to take advantage of this quick, clean, easy and relatively low-cost method.
From my information, SureCutsALot2, which takes advantage of Cricut's USB port, was not free (~$72)and is no longer available other than maybe Ebay, etc. Also SCAL2 did not have cutter compensation (explained here
http://www.a2mc-cnc.com/downloads/docs/files/devices/knives/Drag%20Knives.pdf).
Compensation IS REQUIRED for small-trace PCB work. I'm not sure about SureCutsALot3 but I have been told it does have compensation. SCAL3 DOES NOT support Cricut machines as they still are basically cartridge-based. Minimum trace width is still open for discussion as I'm not sure what causes the non-Boston geometry (0,45,90 deg) in some of my cuts.
About blades - be sure to use carbide blades only as the FR4 PCB material will wear down a steel blade rapidly.
I itemize the parts I use (so far) on my website here
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/papercutterpcbs/Good luck.
Mike
PS Yesterday I got CNC PCB drilling to work better. It fits in the cutter and uses the Dremel accessory tool I have listed on my website. Some small modifications are required. More later.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Dale Evans <sk19502001@...> wrote:
>
> Okay, I own a Cricut Create Machine I bought brand new a couple years ago and do not remember the exact price.
> I suspect it was in the $200+ range.
>
> Anyway, although it does have a cartridge slot and does have a cartridge plugged into said slot, it also has a USB cable which allows for an XP operating system computer control through the use of two (that I know of) programs.
>
> Inkscape and Sure Cuts a lot2 are (were) available free I beleive do a fine job of controlling the machine, but I seem to recall approaching and exceeding the fineness of 10 mil cuts is a challange which didn't work well when I tried.
>
> I'm certain it's possible to directly cut copper-clad boards especially with the deep cut blade, part #29-0630. These blades require a different holder which I've recently ordered after getting exicted about reading this method. These are hardend steel.
>
>
> I think if the circuit design is modified enough like the pictures posted on the site inspiring me, it may be potentially possible.
>
> It's just the whole concept of avoiding printing/laminating/echting/masking/etc that turns me on.
>
> I'll keep this posted on the results for sure.
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Dave <dave.g4ugm@...>
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 10:31 AM
> Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with a CNC paper cutter
>
>
> Â
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of AlienRelics
> > Sent: 15 June 2012 17:30
> > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with
> > a CNC paper cutter
> >
> >
> > I'm using a very old used Graphtec I bought at a thrift store.
> >
> > I've been looking for info on the CriCuts to see if any
> > models can be printed to from any given program, or if they
> > must be driven from their software.
> >
>
> I thought the CriCuts only worked from a cartridge. Do some have a computer
> connection...
>
> > Some of the cheaper models have complaints about poor curve
> > following and bad quality at small cut sizes. I've never
> > owned a Roland but they seem to have a good reputation.
> >
> > As for my Graphtec, I once accidentally sent a Word doc to
> > print - it dutifully began cutting out each and every letter
> > at 12 point size. It would have been fun to weed, but it was
> > looking good when I stopped it.
> >
> > There are quite a few sign forums where you can ask about
> > quality of various vinyl cutters. If you go to the Links in
> > Signmaker, I've put up links to many of them.
> > http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/signmaker/
> >
> > Steve Greenfield AE7HD
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Bob Butcher
> > <bbutcher85@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for the reply. As I suspected vinyl works as a etchant mask.
> > > Does anyone have recommendations on an inexpensive vinyl cutter? It
> > > seems that most of the Cricut machines use cartridges,
> > which would be
> > > of no use for PCB work. Any system that would behave as a printer
> > > should work fine as long as it is capable of taking an image (jpeg,
> > > png, bitmap, plt, etc) and scaling it accurately. The machines that
> > > say "No computer required" look like they would not be appropriate.
> > > Most of my PCBs are less than 8 inches in size, but I would
> > not object
> > > to buying a larger cutter if the cost was not prohibitive.
> > I have seen
> > > some used or refurbished Roland vinyl cutters on ebay, any
> > comments on
> > > these?
> > >
> > > Bob
>
> There are quite a few videos on YouTube on using the older pen plotters with
> a cutting blade to cut vynal. In the UK these plotters come up from time to
> time on E-bay. A recent one went for around $110. I have all the bits but
> just havn't got round to trying it...
>
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
>
> Dave Wade G4UGM
> Illegitimi Non Carborundum
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>