Homebrew PCBs

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 17:08:19 -0000
   From: "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@...>
Subject: Re: could this work for PCB milling?

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Justin" <jcom10@y...> wrote:
> Firstly hello to the group - first time poster here :-)
>
> Currently I produce my own PCB's using the UV/dev/etch method.
> (homebrew UV box using insect killer lamps, etch tank is a cereal
> container and fish tank pump)
> This works well but is messy and time consuming (at least it is
when I
> do it!).
>
> I would prefer a CNC milling solution and having searched around,
> found what looks to be a promising 'off the shelf' solution:
> http://www.milinst.com/robotics/robotics.htm#axis. At \ufffd189 for the
kit
> it would seem quite affordable, but is it up to the job?
>
> I don't know much about this sort of thing, so wondered if anyone
> could speculate on its suitability for prototype PCB work.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Cheers,
> Justin.


Have a look at http://www.gloomy-place.com/, follow the CNC link.

He brought one of these, and decided it wasn't quite what he wanted.

Dave's comments are right, it's a simple design, but lacks power & accuracy.
It doesn't use threaded rod btw, it uses dial cord, like on old radios.

After a bit of hack & slash, he eventually built a new one based on plans
from www.crankorgan.com.

He was happy with motors, they're NEMA 23 single stack, about 50 oz/inch
torque, pretty much the lower limit for most CNC machines.  You can easily
switch over to bigger motors once you've mortgaged your house.

Tony