Homebrew PCBs

Good question.  I wish I could do this (and I've tried). The feed rate is not adjustable (low) enough - it's too fast and breaks normal carbide milling bits. Unless I can convince the software folks from Silhouette or SureCutsALot3 to enable a much lower feed rate, I'm stuck with just dragging the blade to do the isolation.

Mike

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "tda7000" <Tda7000@...> wrote:
>
> Maybe I missed something in all the previous emails, but if you can attach your Dremel to the machine to allow CNC drilling of the board, why not add a milling bit and use that to cut the pattern instead of the blade?
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Mike" <sinclair@> wrote:
> >
> > 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]
> > >
> >
>