--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "mikezcnc" <eemikez@c...> wrote:
> Dave, thank you for commenting. Have a look at this:
> www.easgmbh.de/images/Bgs60.jpg I think it was about 1200 euro.
>
> How hard would it be to make something like that? Parts seem to be
> mostly from a catalog. I don't see the Y-axis motor, maybe it's
> hidden behind the Z... ALso, how to contact Ballendo off list so I
> don't irritate Stefan for the n-th time? (is dollar sunken so LOW?)
>
> Mike
>
Hi Mike,
I know and use G-code so an X/Y would be much faster for me to get up
to speed with.
I just ran thru a design for a 12 x 12 x 2" work envelope machine.
it would use $150.00 worth of mechanical parts in the form of
aluminum and ground shaft and such. I figure another $100 for the
electronics, so before I look at steppers and lead screws, I'm up to
$250.00.
Using all-thread and surplus steppers would up the cost to around
$300.00 for a unit that is pretty good. Using ACME screws would not
all too much to the cost, but the big factor would be the machine
time to drill and tap all the holes to make the unit stable in all
directions.
Since I don't have a milling machine, it would cost me a couple
hundred $$ to have all the holes drilled and tapped to get that good
alignment that would be needed to eliminate poor fits.
Then assembly of the unit would be a few more hours.
IF (really big IF) all the motions went perfectly and I got a great
deal on the machining and all the parts fit flawlessly I still would
be over $500.00 for the machine.
The head on the Z axis is still a question. There are more than a
few ways to actuate that, but since I'm mostly concerned with
drilling, it is of little importance.
I did a design recently for a proposal and used ballscrews and linear
rails and the cost was close to $2,000.00 for a 12 x 18 x 4 work
envelope.
If I had access to a milling machine, I would be done already, but my
access retired last year and moved on to those things old machinests
do when they retire.
I had thought of trying to barter with someone who has a mill for a
machine, but that is hard to do. Most people who have a mill don't
need PCB's and already to the machining.
My Neighbor has a Bridgeport but it is in stoarage as he has no place
to put it. When that gets mounted, then I will make my machine as I
can trade machining time for use. He's an auto mechanic and I spent
5 years working in a machine shop.
Dave