Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Robert Hedan <robert.hedan@v...>
wrote:
> These are the reasons why I am making provisions for extra room for more
> tools on the head.  At first I was thinking of a tool carrousel, but
I'm not
> ready for that yet.  The rotation would add yet more 'slop'.
> 
> Instead, I'm going to distribute the tools as close to the center of the
> work area as possible, and calculate an offset for each tool.  I believe
> Mach 2 already has that feature.
> 
> 
> "The solder paste could be dispensed via screw-driven syringe
> substituting for the drill/mill head."
> 
> EXCELLENT idea!  I was racking my brains for a consistent technique of
> applying paste.  I kept thinking motor and couldn't get out of that
> 'groove', a screw is perfect for a slow regular flow control.
> 

I've often wondered why not use a cnc machine to cut a paste stencil?
 Bascially, its just a couple mil thick piece of plastic sheeting that
you squeegee (sp?) the solder paste over.  A stencil is pretty easy to
use - I watched a guy prep a board for reflow in about 5 minutes with one.