RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Semi-homebrew PCB Router W/X-Y Table?

> Questions (Answers appreciated!!)
>
> 1. Is a Dremel on the Z axis really going to be able to "cut it"? Can
> it really take constant use?

A dremel is not very likely to stand up for long. I have used a Foredom flex
shaft in a holder in my milling machine and it seems much more capable of
taking the stress. Best bet would be a dedicated high speed spindle.

> 2. Would it be totally stupid to get a "china cheap" drill press and
> mount the table to the bottom plate? I have some ideas for "pulling
> down" the drill press with a stepper and a jackscrew for drilling
> holes.

This will not have the RPM you need for the small bits you will be using.
Also, a drillpress is not made to take side loading.

> 3. I found a few pieces of software on the 'Net that seem like they
> could control these things for PCB and engraving. Is anybody doing
> anything similar. What do you use?

If you are using step and direction drivers the most common software is CNC
Pro and EMC. Art from this list has a Windows based software that I have no
experience with, but looks like it would do the job. DeskNC is an option,
but I was not totally satisfied with it and I know others that would concur.
All of these programs require that you generate g-code. I have used Eagle in
combination with Vector to do PCB g-code for drilling.

Tim
[Denver, CO]

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