Homebrew PCBs

Since the Silhoutte uses steppers, perhaps some 
of the free cnc programs could be used.


At 12:40 PM 6/21/2012, you wrote:
>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]
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
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