Homebrew PCBs

<post sniped to make it easier to read, not all questions were 
addressed>

ballendo > > Okay, there's more info in those "short lines" than you 
think. For
> > instance they have location obviously, but also a layer, and a
> > filetype. And a width.
> 
> 
> So you say:
> 
> I have to program either a tool that converts gerber to "dispenser 
file > with 3d data"
> or i have to edit the g-code myself and add the macros.
> Second approach needs editing for each pcb you make.
> 
> There is no (free) solution where i can simply open my 2D gerber 
file and
> then some already existing software adds the 3D information, 
letting me 
> edit
> parameters like depth and milling speed.

This is correct.  I had mentioned that earlier on the thread.  It 
would not be a horrbily difficult matter for a programmer to read the 
NCDrill file and/or the Gerbers and 'remember' the last amount of 
paste in the tube and then output a G-code file to make that all 
happen.

I'm thinking we need to get a member who is fluent in programming to 
add that piece to the puzzle.

But, you are correct that you would need to have parameters like 
paste volume per pad would need to be a manual setting, preferrably 
one that is a manual potentiomer so you can do it on the fly.

depth can be a screw stop or a software setting, depending on the Z 
feed style.  Some are leadscrew, some are solenoid.   

And you are correct on speed.  there needs to be some hang time at 
the spot to allow the paste to dispense.



> 
> As i have no cnc experience i might just not get the point.
> Currently it seems to me that the software would definitely take me 
longer 
> to get
> right than the hardware takes to be built.
> I DO NOT LIKE that too much...


How right you are !

CNC is easy and you should at least play with one stepper to see it 
drive and how easy it can be.  tons of fun.

<snip> 
 
Dave