Homebrew PCBs

No, I didn't forget...

Hello again,

Just wanted to say that the pcb drills/cnc mills I'm bringing out are 
still on their way...

Still expect to be taking orders this month for delivery late this 
month.

The details and pictures that I promised are coming THIS week instead 
of last week. Two reasons. First, I had a really tough time with a 
cnc control program last week. It was appearing to work correctly; 
but the pulses to the motor were incorrect. It was a VERY subtle 
thing, and it took a few days of my time.

Next, there have been some major design changes in the machine. I got 
rid of the 3/4" round rails. There are HUGE benefits for both of us, 
mostly for you, but an important couple for me too<G> I'll put "your" 
benefits at the top<G>

First, the machine is stiffer. Not only have the changes made 
component parts stiffer; it has also reduced overhangs and cantilever 
ratios. More importantly, the rails have gone from end supported 
round rails, to fully supported rectangular rails. Even if this were 
the only benefit, it would have been worth making the change. But 
there's more. A LOT more...  

For instance, it is MUCH easier to build. AND much easier to adjust.  

Third, it allows for easy upgrade to bearings and rails capable of 
allowing this little machine to mill STEEL. Yes, you read that right. 
At some point down the road, these guys will be able to mill steel. 
(A rails/bearing upgrade will be required, and offered.) 

Fourth, the new bearings have a greater load capability, and are 
preload adjustable. The old ones weren't; but they were replaceable. 
The new ones are replaceable too, but expected life before needing 
too is far longer.

Fifth, the machine TRAVELS HAVE INCREASED. It is now a 10"+ by 10"+ 
by 2-1/2" machine! (BTW the "+" means that the 10" travel is AT LEAST 
that much. There is additional travel beyond this, and some of it 
will be usable. I've always thought it was a bit unfair to say a 
machine has 10 inch "travel", when that's really the dimension of the 
rails minus the sliders. You never can get travel completely to the 
ends, IME. For example, this machine has 13-3/8 rails, and the Y 
slider is 2-3/4 wide. so the POSSIBLE travel is 10-5/8. I just call 
this 10"+, even though you will likely get 10-3/8 or so...

Sixth, in addition to the longer axis travels; you can work on larger 
workpieces. The space between the gantry uprights has increased, and 
a motor cable which WAS "inside"--between them, is now "outside" so 
the full available width is usable for larger workpieces. Figure it 
for work that is 13-1/4 max width, of any length, and up to 2-3/8 
inches thick.

Most everything else is as before. You still get microstepping 
drives, it's still a COMPLETE kit. The wires are still running in 
tracks, so you don't have the commonly seen IMO "half-done" flying 
wires everywhere, and I won't have to "doctor up" the pics so you 
don't notice this fact before buying one...(As many small cnc 
makers/builders seem to do<G>) Still leadscrew drive with anti-
backlash nuts. Still a HUGE range of accessories planned and being 
implemented, including fourth axes: vinyl cutting(TANGENTIAL)and 
rotary tables, "Home shop" pick and place, board inspection--camera 
mount and S/W, turning attachments, high speed spindles, 
machine "look" customisations, and much more...

It will still take a few hours to put together, but IMO, those hours 
will be less frustrating due to better accessibility of needed and 
desirable adjustments. This is a very nice machine.

And the best part? It's STILL only 500 bucks for you guys (and gals) 
on this list...

Now to my benefits:

A) I was pushing the "limits" of MFG. tolerances, and asking a LOT of 
the bearings I was using. That's part of the reason I was using 3/4 
inch rails; it reduced the PV (pressure/velocity coefficient). Also 
the fact that the round rails were end-supported only made it a good 
idea to use a larger diameter.  NOW, I am WELL within acceptable 
bearing loads. My allowable mfg. tolerances are greater. My suppliers 
are breathing easier, which is good for both/all of us<G>.

B) Making it easier for you to build and adjust makes it easier for 
me to support.

C) I've eliminated two suppliers. The logistics of MFG. will be 
easier. Our cost to mfr. "may" be lower, but only time will answer 
that one for sure.

The downside? This "lost" week of re-doing things, money spent for 
parts that now won't/can't be used, and I DID lose a really great 
little place to join the Z/A/C motor and it's cable inside a housing. 
(Still working to see if I can get those wires back "inside" 
and "under cover" (And I prob'ly WILL; I hate dangling wiring<G>) 

Thank you for your patience, and all the expressed interest. Pictures 
this week<G>

Ballendo