Re: Semi-homebrew PCB Router W/X-Y Table?

Hi,
I use a Dremel to route 4X6" PCBoards. I am using the mechanical
etching bits from Think and Tinker. The newer Dremels have enough
power to break a 1/8" shaft in two. My Dremel has 25 hours on it so
far, and the bearings and brushes are still good. Check out my
machine.

http://www.geocities.com/crankorgan/


John

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "The AntiYuppie" <sloboyko@m...> wrote:
> I just acquired a few New England Affiliated Technologies X-Y
tables.
> I think the company was bought out and their part numbering schemes
> changed, but they are similar to the XY-8080 listed on their
website
> (www.neat.com) and described in a PDF. I also got the
> driver/controllers for them (Oregon Microsystems 10 microsteps/step
> units). I know quite a bit about electronics, stepper motors,
> software, and PC's. I once did some interesting work with
converting
> Gerber files to an antiquated automatic insertion machine for a
> company I worked for, under the direction of manufacturing and PCB
> engineers. I don't, however, know much about CNC. Gee, I wish my
> grandfather was still around, a foreman of a machine shop.
>
> My needs are pretty simple: I'd like to build a device to "route"
PCB
> patterns from HP-GL or Postscript output. Maybe, do the drilling,
> too. And, maybe, do a little engraving on brass. I know its
overkill,
> to say the least, to do this with this level of equipment, but,
hey,
> this is what I've got to work with.
>
> 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?
>
> 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.
>
> 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?
>
> I recently sold one of these on eBay (search eBay completed items
> for "CNC Table steppers", there are pics) but I'm a little nervous
> about buyers knowing what they're doing. Apparently, it's OK to
> mention stuff for sale in this group. I'd rather sell to people who
> know what they are doing. If you're reading this, you probably do.
> So, if anyone is interested, email me.