Homebrew PCBs

I have a question that I am sure will create some sort of 
controversy... so I apologize in advance. However, I am considering 
making a CNC device (probably using a kit), for low usage level use 
in particular for making PCB's.

My question is this:
- Which is the best CNC software to use on a hobbyist production 
level (low), for making PCB's, on a very strict budget (lower $$$ = 
better)?

I understand that some features may be indespensible and may cost 
money. I am just looking for the best $/benefit ratio (where ZERO [or 
a negative number -- theoretically] is the goal) for CNC software for 
use on making PCB's.

As a side question: Is there a particular kit or completely built 
unit that stands out as being "heads-and-shoulders" above the rest on 
the same $/benefit curve?

Thanks,

Bob H.

Hi,

I have answered this on another group. Take a look at http://www.crankorgan.com/ But he doesn't like brits though, and for software I'd look at TurboCNC.

Regards,

Terry


I have a question that I am sure will create some sort of 
controversy... so I apologize in advance. However, I am considering 
making a CNC device (probably using a kit), for low usage level use 
in particular for making PCB's.

My question is this:
- Which is the best CNC software to use on a hobbyist production 
level (low), for making PCB's, on a very strict budget (lower $$$ = 
better)?

I understand that some features may be indespensible and may cost 
money. I am just looking for the best $/benefit ratio (where ZERO [or 
a negative number -- theoretically] is the goal) for CNC software for 
use on making PCB's.

As a side question: Is there a particular kit or completely built 
unit that stands out as being "heads-and-shoulders" above the rest on 
the same $/benefit curve?

Thanks,

Bob H.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Terry, I think that says that he will only deal with US and Canadians. I 
don't think that he specifically picked on Brits....but I must admit I 
almost considered getting a US friend to order the "Brute" on my behalf <g>.

Regards,

Ross

Terry Owens wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have answered this on another group. Take a look at 
> http://www.crankorgan.com/ <http://www.crankorgan.com/> But he doesn't 
> like brits though, and for software I'd look at TurboCNC.
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry
>
> I have a question that I am sure will create some sort of
> controversy... so I apologize in advance. However, I am considering
> making a CNC device (probably using a kit), for low usage level use
> in particular for making PCB's.
>
> My question is this:
> - Which is the best CNC software to use on a hobbyist production
> level (low), for making PCB's, on a very strict budget (lower $$$ =
> better)?
>
> I understand that some features may be indespensible and may cost
> money. I am just looking for the best $/benefit ratio (where ZERO [or
> a negative number -- theoretically] is the goal) for CNC software for
> use on making PCB's.
>
> As a side question: Is there a particular kit or completely built
> unit that stands out as being "heads-and-shoulders" above the rest on
> the same $/benefit curve?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob H.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Terry Owens" <jo001k1132@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 1:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Controversial question....


> Hi,
>
> I have answered this on another group. Take a look at 
> http://www.crankorgan.com/ But he doesn't like brits though, and for 
> software I'd look at TurboCNC.
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry
>
>
> I have a question that I am sure will create some sort of
> controversy... so I apologize in advance. However, I am considering
> making a CNC device (probably using a kit), for low usage level use
> in particular for making PCB's.
>
> My question is this:
> - Which is the best CNC software to use on a hobbyist production
> level (low), for making PCB's, on a very strict budget (lower $$$ =
> better)?
>
> I understand that some features may be indespensible and may cost
> money. I am just looking for the best $/benefit ratio (where ZERO [or
> a negative number -- theoretically] is the goal) for CNC software for
> use on making PCB's.
>
> As a side question: Is there a particular kit or completely built
> unit that stands out as being "heads-and-shoulders" above the rest on
> the same $/benefit curve?

I think you would be better off making the PCB conventionally, using CNC for 
drilling the holes.

Leon

Hi Ross,

I had to order and paid for the Brute plans via a friend in the States. He was very annoyed at this when I asked him a question via email and demanded to know who did this for me. After his response at my asking why he didn't ship outside the USA I declined to provide him with this information.

Regards,

Terry


Terry, I think that says that he will only deal with US and Canadians. I 
don't think that he specifically picked on Brits....but I must admit I 
almost considered getting a US friend to order the "Brute" on my behalf <g>.

Regards,

Ross

Terry Owens wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have answered this on another group. Take a look at 
> http://www.crankorgan.com/ <http://www.crankorgan.com/> But he doesn't 
> like brits though, and for software I'd look at TurboCNC.
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry
>
> I have a question that I am sure will create some sort of
> controversy... so I apologize in advance. However, I am considering
> making a CNC device (probably using a kit), for low usage level use
> in particular for making PCB's.
>
> My question is this:
> - Which is the best CNC software to use on a hobbyist production
> level (low), for making PCB's, on a very strict budget (lower $$$ =
> better)?
>
> I understand that some features may be indespensible and may cost
> money. I am just looking for the best $/benefit ratio (where ZERO [or
> a negative number -- theoretically] is the goal) for CNC software for
> use on making PCB's.
>
> As a side question: Is there a particular kit or completely built
> unit that stands out as being "heads-and-shoulders" above the rest on
> the same $/benefit curve?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob H.
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I have answered this on another group. Take a look at 
> http://www.crankorgan.com/ <http://www.crankorgan.com/> But 
> he doesn't 
> like brits though, and for software I'd look at TurboCNC.
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry


Nah, he doesn't like any foreigners.  Specifically, he found dealing with
foreign currencies and sending stuff overseas a pain.  He isn't alone there.
A lot of people will only deal with domestic customers.  Customs usually
sucks regardless of country.

Probably hates PayPal too, which would help with his currency problems.

Somewhere on his site he mentions the emails vs orders ratio, for overseas
customers it was too low to bother with.

Tony