Homebrew_PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Lez <lez.briddon@n...> wrote:
>
> A few people seem to be saying they are going to build something
along
> the cnc lines etc, what about a concerted group effort, organize
> ourselves etc and build a one-off machine thats been well thought
out
> with the knowledge of us all.
>
>
> 1) Its a cooperative build, everyone has a right to their opinion,
> disputes settled by a quick straw ballot/vote etc no point arguing
over
> an item for weeks slowing us all down.
>
> 2) It may be best to do this in separate groups for the hardware
part of
> the build to geographic availability of parts. (country not county!)
>
> 2a) software etc knows no bounds, so that should be same world over
with
> maybe the development of language packs.
>
>
> 3) Maybe shift it to another group to avoid clogging up the
pcb/toner
> threads with stepper motor resistance / drive current threads etc
> (group created at cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com can soon be
deleted if
> not needed)
>
>
> 4) if you disagree with all this and think its best to build alone,
tell
> me to shut up!
>
>
>
> just a thought.
> cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com

>
> A few people seem to be saying they are going to build something along
> the cnc lines etc, what about a concerted group effort, organize
> ourselves etc and build a one-off machine thats been well thought out
> with the knowledge of us all.
>
>
> 1) Its a cooperative build, everyone has a right to their opinion,
> disputes settled by a quick straw ballot/vote etc no point arguing over
> an item for weeks slowing us all down.
>
> 2) It may be best to do this in separate groups for the hardware part of
> the build to geographic availability of parts. (country not county!)
>
> 2a) software etc knows no bounds, so that should be same world over with
> maybe the development of language packs.
>
>
> 3) Maybe shift it to another group to avoid clogging up the pcb/toner
> threads with stepper motor resistance / drive current threads etc
> (group created at cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com can soon be deleted if
> not needed)
>
>
> 4) if you disagree with all this and think its best to build alone, tell
> me to shut up!
>
>
>
> just a thought.
> cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

> A few people seem to be saying they are going to build something along
> the cnc lines etc, what about a concerted group effort, organize
> ourselves etc and build a one-off machine thats been well thought out
> with the knowledge of us all.
>
>
> 1) Its a cooperative build, everyone has a right to their opinion,
> disputes settled by a quick straw ballot/vote etc no point arguing over
> an item for weeks slowing us all down.
>

> 2) It may be best to do this in separate groups for the hardware part of
> the build to geographic availability of parts. (country not county!)

> A search on yahoo groups shows one group already doing similar things:
> CNC-PCB_Design
> Dunno how active they are, but it is free to join.
> Ed

> ttp://www.webjb.org/pub/img/05133/000_0964.JPG
> it is bottle heater, 300W, made of England, T can be
> adjusted.

> First off, votes don't count much if you haven't actually done both of what
> ever is in question. The group can easily be tremendously wrong on a vote,
> simply because one way seems better than another from looking at it, if you
> don't actually construct both.

> Hardly needed anyway, nothing to stop anyone from departing from instructions
> if they want to do it a different way. Two or three different ways isn't too
> many either.

> Can't imagine anything coming close to as fast as what I've got for being put
> together. You could easily use printer rails etc if you like in place of them,
> but you'll have to spend more time getting them aligned. Once I give basic
> dimensions on mine and how to put together there won't be need for much else, if
> you want to make it different it'll still be a good basic guide. I could easily

> put together 10 of my mechanics in a day, maybe just an afternoon. I doubt many
> others could do that. At only $75 or so for the hardware, it's a great thing to
> start with, then do more if you decide you need it.

> The real thing is for me to decide to donate my board layout and code. Both
> are superior.

> I understand how to do binary math properly, which very few
> people really do. Perfect binary division, so it always ends up on the correct
> step whether it's one or a few billion steps, and through all three dimensions.

> dimensions. In other words you can add more dimensions by simply adding another
> variable set in the loop. It can move through 20 dimensions all at once and

> all be done straight in binary if you know what you're doing. Anyone tells you
> different then know for sure they may be a good programmer but they're quite
> lacking in binary math skills, even if they don't think so.

> the way, and with controller based timing. Of course that can be put in too, so
> you can use other CAM programs that are out there for the interface. All the
> higher math is done on the PC side in my code, so it's easy to adjust how the
> user interface works. It works the way I'd want it to work. Only needs a
> little more user interfacing code and a few extras, I just left it at basic
> input statements since I knew exactly what I was making it do.
>

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Okerson" <ed@o...> wrote:
> A search on yahoo groups shows one group already doing similar
things:
>
> CNC-PCB_Design
>
> Dunno how active they are, but it is free to join.
>
> Ed
>
> >
> > A few people seem to be saying they are going to build something
along
> > the cnc lines etc, what about a concerted group effort, organize
> > ourselves etc and build a one-off machine thats been well
thought out
> > with the knowledge of us all.
> >
> >
> > 1) Its a cooperative build, everyone has a right to their
opinion,
> > disputes settled by a quick straw ballot/vote etc no point
arguing over
> > an item for weeks slowing us all down.
> >
> > 2) It may be best to do this in separate groups for the hardware
part of
> > the build to geographic availability of parts. (country not
county!)
> >
> > 2a) software etc knows no bounds, so that should be same world
over with
> > maybe the development of language packs.
> >
> >
> > 3) Maybe shift it to another group to avoid clogging up the
pcb/toner
> > threads with stepper motor resistance / drive current threads etc
> > (group created at cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com can soon be
deleted if
> > not needed)
> >
> >
> > 4) if you disagree with all this and think its best to build
alone, tell
> > me to shut up!
> >
> >
> >
> > just a thought.
> > cncpcb-homebrew@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and
files:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

> I was thinking that eventually, walking robots may have the ability to
> do c&c with their hands. I want to make a c&c that can grind glass to
> make a low cost ultrathin 24" reflector telescope.
>
> Ted
>

> I have tried THREE times to ATTACH some photos relevant to this point,
> but I
> clearly don't have a CLUE how to do it.
> One member who's name I stupidly did not jot down asked me to send the
> pics
> to him, and he would help. I did. He musta gone on vacation!
> I would GLADLY follow protocol to send these photos relevant to this
> SUBJECT
> if I only knew WHAT to do.
> Jan Rowland

> LOL I'm here Jan. I've just been busy a bit, and a new issue arose. I
> vote we create a new group, we do what we want, no ego problems from
> another
> group that has a different perspective and outlook on the subject (like
> milling vs drilling).
> The most important reason why we should start our own is SPACE!. We're
> going to clutter the Files section of this group with material of another
> topic; that's not fair to those that couldn't care less about drilling
> stations. They joined for PCB material, and I think we should not
> pollute
> their 'space' more than we have already with these threads.
> That's why I haven't uploaded the pics Jan.
> That being said, I'll start up another group right now, since interest is
> obviously there. We can call it CNC drilling or something like that,
> since
> that is what we are mainly interested in at this point. If we do decide
> to
> take the next step and upgrade our machines to full CNC capabillity, then
> we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
> Give me a little while, I just got home. I'll post back when I have
> something started. I'd like to follow the same format as what is done
> here,
> so if I screw up a group setting, please slap me upside the head and let
> me
> know what I did wrong.
> Robert
>

> There are already 2 good groups for it,
> this one and cnc_pcb, why do you need another one?
>
> I don't see why the same people must go to another group only to

> the same topics.
>
> PCB drilling is on topic here. Steve doesn't mention it on the

> has said so in the past.
> It is also very much on topic on cnc_pcb.
> you have the people on these groups already that know stuff (been

> done that like knowing).
> One can make a case for the separate CNC group, but for another

> dunno. Then we end up with toner transfer group and photosensitive

> and ...
>
> I'd urge to keep things together. We really don't need a new group

> each new thread.
>
>
> ST
>
> Oh, and upload these files please!
>
>
> On Tue, 31 May 2005 23:30:35 +0200, Robert Hedan
> <robert.hedan@v...> wrote:
>
> > LOL I'm here Jan. I've just been busy a bit, and a new issue

> > vote we create a new group, we do what we want, no ego problems

> > another
> > group that has a different perspective and outlook on the

> > milling vs drilling).
> > The most important reason why we should start our own is

> > going to clutter the Files section of this group with material

> > topic; that's not fair to those that couldn't care less about

> > stations. They joined for PCB material, and I think we should

> > pollute
> > their 'space' more than we have already with these threads.
> > That's why I haven't uploaded the pics Jan.
> > That being said, I'll start up another group right now, since

> > obviously there. We can call it CNC drilling or something like

> > since
> > that is what we are mainly interested in at this point. If we

> > to
> > take the next step and upgrade our machines to full CNC

> > we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
> > Give me a little while, I just got home. I'll post back when I

> > something started. I'd like to follow the same format as what

> > here,
> > so if I screw up a group setting, please slap me upside the head

> > me
> > know what I did wrong.
> > Robert
> >

>> http://www.webjb.org/pub/img/05133/000_0964.JPG
>> it is bottle heater, 300W, made of England, T can be adjusted.


>good idea, i'd have used some additional lining 'cause i'm not sure it

>supposed to hold up to ferric cloride (maybe a thick plastic bag?).

>Bit small 'tho.

> http://www.webjb.org/pub/img/05133/000_0964.JPG
>
> it is bottle heater, 300W, made of England, T can be
> adjusted.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Stephan,
> Robert's point is well taken. As of now, 90% of this groups photos
> file size is filled. That only leaves a couple of meg left.
> Unless Yahoo is planning on expanding all the groups storage, then
> we will hit the limit soon.
> Myc

> Stephan,
> Robert's point is well taken. As of now, 90% of this groups photos
> file size is filled. That only leaves a couple of meg left.
> Unless Yahoo is planning on expanding all the groups storage, then
> we will hit the limit soon.
> Myc

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mycroft2152
> Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 3:18 PM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: CNC drilling group
>
>
> Stephan,
>
> Robert's point is well taken. As of now, 90% of this groups photos
> file size is filled. That only leaves a couple of meg left.
>
> Unless Yahoo is planning on expanding all the groups storage, then
> we will hit the limit soon.
>
> Myc

>
> Alan King wrote:
>
>> First off, votes don't count much if you haven't actually done both of what
>>ever is in question. The group can easily be tremendously wrong on a vote,
>>simply because one way seems better than another from looking at it, if you
>>don't actually construct both.
>
>
> True, but thats the look of the draw, hopefully someone will have tried
> or had experience etc.
>

>
>> Hardly needed anyway, nothing to stop anyone from departing from instructions
>>if they want to do it a different way. Two or three different ways isn't too
>>many either.
>
>
> No but if one person doing it is own way has a problem, he's on his own,
> even with the help of others they cant really /see/ his problem except
> by his description, to quote etc a picture is worth a thousand words,
> and if your building the same thing then holding it in your hands has
> got to be worth a thousand pictures, and if more than one person is
> holding it, more chance of seeing the problems solution.
>

>
>
>> Can't imagine anything coming close to as fast as what I've got for being put
>>together. You could easily use printer rails etc if you like in place of them,
>>but you'll have to spend more time getting them aligned. Once I give basic
>>dimensions on mine and how to put together there won't be need for much else, if
>>you want to make it different it'll still be a good basic guide. I could easily
>
>
> So you've come this far on your own, hell even completed it etc, your
> design may well be worth adopting I'm _not_ saying a johnny come lately
> group of us banding together _will_ come up with anything better.
>

>
>
>>put together 10 of my mechanics in a day, maybe just an afternoon. I doubt many
>>others could do that. At only $75 or so for the hardware, it's a great thing to
>>start with, then do more if you decide you need it.
>
>
> But can everyone buy that hardware?
>

>
>
>> The real thing is for me to decide to donate my board layout and code. Both
>>are superior.
>
>
> mmmmmmm, trumpet, own and blowing.....
>
> You /dont/ know that its superior to something that may get built and
> has not even been roughly designed etc, would be nice to see it mind,
> I'm not saying yours is poor just that you cant really claim it to be
> the best in the world unless its compared to the rest in the world.
>

> Funny thing is I hate work and math. I learned early on that if you spend 5%
> more time understanding the root concept and breaking it down further than most
> people bother, you can eliminate about 95% of any actual work by making the
> whole solving process more simple.

> So may sound like tooting my own horn, but the fact is I've researched it
> quite a bit and don't see much to equal it from a common sense standpoint,
> without spending a good deal more money or effort. At least for the parts I've

> Still might even do it eventually, I have most of the parts on hand to make
> 20 or 30. And at a cost where I could do ok at $250 for mechanics, motors,
> controller and power supply all included.

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_CNC_drilling/
>
> The group is up!
>
> Robert
> :)
>
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

> I have tried THREE times to ATTACH some photos relevant to this point, but
> I
> clearly don't have a CLUE how to do it.
>
> One member who's name I stupidly did not jot down asked me to send the
> pics
> to him, and he would help. I did. He musta gone on vacation!
>
> I would GLADLY follow protocol to send these photos relevant to this
> SUBJECT
> if I only knew WHAT to do.
>
> Jan Rowland
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 6:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: CNC drilling group


> On Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:17:42 +0200, mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...>
> wrote:
>
> > Stephan,
> > Robert's point is well taken. As of now, 90% of this groups photos
> > file size is filled. That only leaves a couple of meg left.
> > Unless Yahoo is planning on expanding all the groups storage, then
> > we will hit the limit soon.
> > Myc
>
>
> That does not necessarily mean the discussion needs to be taken away.
> There sure is space to be found somewhere.
>
> What 'bout cnc_pcb? there is plenty of space.
> I remember when it was created there was a similar discussion. Still i
> find here some good ideas that don't pop up there. Another group is going
> to make that worse. It was made for the very purpose you know, fear this
> list might be clogged up with too many details.
>
> ST
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

>There are already 2 good groups for it,
>this one and cnc_pcb, why do you need another one?

>
> I kinda agree with this.
> One question though. Has anyone compiled a FAQ from
> this forum. I don?t know if this type of thing still
> goes on but years ago the decent newsgroups used to
> compile all the ideas etc into a reference file.
> As someone else mentioned there isnt only one way to
> do this type of thing, but if there were a dynamic
> reference to all the ideas on various stages of whatever
> one does, it would provide a good quick reference and
> prevent rediscussing things over and over again.
> Food for thought.
> Cheers
> Andy S.
> http://www.remixreality.com

>>There are already 2 good groups for it,
>>this one and cnc_pcb, why do you need another one?
>
>
> I kinda agree with this.
> One question though. Has anyone compiled a FAQ from
> this forum. I don’t know if this type of thing still
> goes on but years ago the decent newsgroups used to
> compile all the ideas etc into a reference file.
>

> Well, after reading that, I realize why I had joined the geckodrive Yahoo
> group as well. I don't know anywhere near enough about switching to make my
> own drivers. I can program a PIC, but then there's still the matter of
> getting the signal to the motors in a safe manner. But the Gecko system is
> waaaaay out of my budget for the time being. I had my eye on Xylotex for a
> cheaper alternative, but I never went ahead.
>
> I for one would be more than happy to buy my drives from you as long as they
> are not too expensive. I have 3 unipolar SP57B 24V steppers from COPAL
> Electronics, obsolete, can't find specs on Google. I'd love to be able to
> recycle those on my machine if possible, especially 'cause they cost me only
> $5 each.

> All I'd need would be the assembled PCB driver boards, since you appear to
> have quite a lot of inventory on hand. :) I can take care of fabricating a
> box. I guess I'd start with 3 axis, and get that working first. All I'd
> need to know is exactly what input the drivers expect, and I should be able
> to feed it something, somehow, someday, from a PIC.
>
> Let me know if you are interested.
>
> Robert
> :)
>

> All I'd need would be the assembled PCB driver boards, since you appear to
> have quite a lot of inventory on hand. :) I can take care of fabricating a
> box. I guess I'd start with 3 axis, and get that working first. All I'd
> need to know is exactly what input the drivers expect, and I should be able
> to feed it something, somehow, someday, from a PIC.
>

> Stephan,
>
> Robert's point is well taken. As of now, 90% of this groups photos
> file size is filled. That only leaves a couple of meg left.
>
> Unless Yahoo is planning on expanding all the groups storage, then
> we will hit the limit soon.

> When pictures are uploaded, Yahoo keeps the full size version and only
> presents a down-sized version in the photos area.
>
> The photo owner and the moderator have the option of removing the

> version of the image. Since they're the only ones who can view the

> version, this makes sense. This gives back space to the photo area.
>
> Hmmm. I just looked and it appears that only 7Mb of 30Mb is being

> photos, but most of the 20Mb for the files area is being used.
>

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Alan King <alan@n...> wrote:
...
> Yep, but it gets very difficult to judge who's vote should count
where. Do
> they really have enough experience with both to judge properly or
did they just
> not understand one of the methods well enough to try it correctly?
The results
> may be uesful, may not be, it ends up very ambiguous..

Absolutely.

As for charges of tooting your own horn, I am certainly not confident
that -I- know everything so I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Steve Greenfield

> >
> > I kinda agree with this.
> > One question though. Has anyone compiled a FAQ from
> > this forum. I don?t know if this type of thing still
> > goes on but years ago the decent newsgroups used to
> > compile all the ideas etc into a reference file.
> > As someone else mentioned there isnt only one way to
> > do this type of thing, but if there were a dynamic
> > reference to all the ideas on various stages of whatever
> > one does, it would provide a good quick reference and
> > prevent rediscussing things over and over again.
> > Food for thought.
> > Cheers
> > Andy S.
> > http://www.remixreality.com
>
>
> There is no list faq, no. there are several individual howtos
> in the links
> and files.
>
> I do not think it is easy to compile a FAQ, because there are
> too many
> disagreements.
> Who would decide what is the correct way to do things?
>
> Most of the discussion is not fixed facts, that work this way and no
> other, mostly we discuss new ideas and experimental stuff.
> Putting that in a faq is kind of useless.
>
> It is true the same topics come up again and again, but it
> think this is
> how it is meant to be. It is always different tho, kind of
> like comparing
> notes.
>
> If you have a good idea of making a useful FAQ, i'm all ears.
> What could
> be useful is a basic "tree-like" guide that shows a beginner all the
> possibilities with short descriptions and links to other
> guides. Often,
> beginners do not know what possibilities are out there.
>
> ST

> I just went through and deleted large versions of a bunch of

> It is much easier for me if I don't have to do this! I am

> moderator of almost 20 Yahoogroups right now, most not as busy as

> one, but still... have a heart!
>
> There are quite a few images in the Files section that could be
> smaller, and/or cropped. There are also some files that may or may

> need to be deleted, I can't tell for sure since their reasons for
> upload are lost in the mists of the archives. Again, I could do it

> I just don't have enough hours in the day.
>
> Steve Greenfield

> Robert Hedan wrote:
>
>>All I'd need would be the assembled PCB driver boards, since you appear to
>
> that and stick it in real fast, that'd get me 10 made up for little effort, so
> may be willing to do something shortly. Gotta hurry though it takes 2 weeks or
> more to get back the double sided boards..
>

> I'm interested.
>
> Let me know what kind of money you want once you've got a detailed breakdown
> of your parts and outsourcing.
>
> I suppose PayPal would be an acceptable payment method?
>
> I have my own DIP 16F877s on hand, as well as plenty thru-hole resistors and
> capacitors. I don't know if you're going all SMD to cut down on spacing,
> but maybe you can offer a kit where we can add ordinary parts. You could
> include those design-specific parts like the MOSFETs and such, just an idea.
>
> Robert
> :)
>
>

> All I'd need would be the assembled PCB driver boards, since you appear to
> have quite a lot of inventory on hand. :) I can take care of fabricating a
> box. I guess I'd start with 3 axis, and get that working first. All I'd
> need to know is exactly what input the drivers expect, and I should be able
> to feed it something, somehow, someday, from a PIC.
>

> All I'd need would be the assembled PCB driver boards, since you
> appear to have quite a lot of inventory on hand. :) I can take care
> of fabricating a box. I guess I'd start with 3 axis, and get that
> working first. All I'd need to know is exactly what input the drivers
> expect, and I should be able to feed it something, somehow, someday,
> from a PIC.
>

> Would it have to be PC-driven?
>
> I've been thinking a lot about the via pins and working on a basic design;
> possibly using a soldering iron, solder wire feeder and a stamp/anvil to
> 'squish' the solder flat (for multi-layer boards). The thing with all these
> operations is that they require specific coding:
>
> - select a diameter for vias on a LCD input screen.
> - holes of matching diameter in the DRILL file will be treated as vias.
> - via process:
> * drill.
> * stamp a small circle of the via pad on both sides, to make a depression
> around the hole, or maybe use a wide V pattern.
> * fill hole with solder.
> * stamp solder mound with a top flat stamp and bottom anvil (a simple
> solenoid should make a great stamp, maybe spring-loaded to reduce the
> vibration on impact).

>
> I'm trying to find a flexible way of making vias, without chemicals, that
> would allow me to use multiple layers one day. I might be content making
> 2-sided prototypes for now, but I'd like to be ready for the future.
>
> I don't really care to have your code controlling the motor control.
> Ideally, I'd like to be able to control the pulses, and have a black box
> that makes the motors work. Look at the Gecko system, it is a similar
> two-part system if I read the stuff right: a single controller and
> individual drivers for each motor.

>
> If you incorporate the 'controller' aspect within your driver board, I lose
> all flexibility to add customized tools in the future. Maybe if you make a
> PIC that we would pass parameters including all g-code data required to make
> both arcs and lines. This PIC would then communicate with the drivers and
> have protected software just like the drivers.

> "What you're describing here will have little if any functional advantage,
> and the
> notable disadvantage that it'll be unlikely to work in a stable manner
> across
> time and many holes. By all means knock yourself out if you want to do it,
> just
> realize ahead of time it'll probably be 10 times longer to get it working
> and 10
> times more prone to problems once running than a simple wire system."
>
> That's why I think it through first. If it turns out to be more trouble
> then it's worth, I move on. Once I get all my parts on hand, the plan that
> remained on the table is the one I'm following; most likely the wire-cutting
> system which was my original plan, but manually (hence the dozens of
> copper-wire rolls on hand).
>

>
> ---------------------------------------
>
> "That is what the dumb mode is for."
>
> I must have missed that part, that's good.
>

>
> I have no intention of modifying your design in any way. I don't have
> anywhere
> near enough experience to decide 'my' way is better than yours. Shoot, I
> don't
> even know what my way is yet. I'll know that when I have everything in
> front of me,
> until then I'm just reviewing my options and making suggestions.
>

> "Gotta get some things out tomorrow or I'd look at it tonight."
>
>
> I don't think anyone here is in panic mode for a driver just yet. :)
>

> I received my UPS tracking number, so I know my rods and bearings are on
> their way. Still trying to figure which option provides more flexibility in
> the long run; the standard moving gantry technique, or a fixed
> center-mounted plate for various tools with 2-layer sliding platforms.

>
> I suppose this is only going to be version one out of probably several
> generations of a machine. So I proably can start with whatever is the
> easiest to assemble. I'm just not sure which one that is though 'cause I've
> never done quite this sort of machine.
>

> One thing I would 'like' to have, is the ability to work aluminium. Some
> framework of my first machine will most likely be wood since that is the
> tooling I have now (carbide-tipped). I don't have any metal-working bits
> yet, but I will start piling those up. Aluminium is priced competitive with
> steel locally and is not as dense, making machining easier, lighter and more
> forgiving.
>

> My plan is to use the wooden/scrap-metal version to fabricate aluminium
> parts for a 2nd generation machine; bigger, stronger, faster. Now where did
> I hear that before? Hope it'll cost less than to rebuild 'him'.
>