Homebrew PCBs

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
 

  

> -----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]