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

Dear Neil,

How much of a MAC computer does it take to run this program? I am totally
outside the MAC world. How much would it cost to get the MAC all set up?

Tom Eldredge

----- Original Message -----
From: Neil Gillies <neil@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2001 2:06 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] RE: Semi-homebrew PCB Router W/X-Y Table?


> Hi
>
> I can suggest an alternative option for routing PCB's - using a Macintosh
> for the clean intelligent stuff, and an old 386 black box to do all the
> dirty work :-)
>
> Use Osmond for the PCB design (excellent shareware PCB design package) -
you
> can use Designworks to design the schematic initially and import to Osmond
> to draw the PCB. Osmond can export to sCAM (my own Mac CAM program -
> currently freeware) - it will offset the toolpaths automatically in the
> process by whatever diameter router you set in the preferences. sCAM can
> then sort the toolpaths for order/direction (reduces cut times ENORMOUSLY
> !!!). If you wish, sCAM can then output in sorted HPGL (amazingly - not a
> GCode in sight either :-) This file can then be dumped to your favourite
> stepper prog via ethernet/serial/floppy.
>
> Regarding the Dremel tool - if that's all you can get, then use it - I've
> used them in a couple of small educational machines with little problem.
The
> main issue is that the front bearing is none too smart - tends to let the
> drill/cutter "flail" about when using small sizes. Use it at 30,000 RPM of
> course. Better and cheaper option is a small air engraving tool which can
> operate at about 100,000 RPM from a standard small compressed air
generator
> (these are not much more expensive than a Dremel BTW) - buy a pair of ear
> defenders, they howl like a banshee :-) I generally use either a 0.8 or
> 0.5mm cutter to cut the tracks. Bear in mind, that this method of routing
> only defines the track outlines using the cutter - leaves the tracks in a
> "sea" of copper - saves an AWFULL lot of time, and no chemicals.
>
>
> Cheers
>
> Neil
>
>
>
___________________________________________________________________________
>
> Neil D. Gillies Tel: +44
(0)1383-823489
> SeaGull Technologies Fax: +44
(0)870-0543622
> 11 River View Mobile: +44
(0)771-4330793
> Dalgety Bay, Fife
neil@...
> Scotland KY11 9YE
http://www.sea-gull.demon.co.uk
>
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