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

I just recieved one of these. WOW, what a nice piece of hardware and
it looks to be in never used condition. If it was uses it was so
little you can not tell. Planning to make it the XY for a little PCB
router and drill machine.

Tim
[Denver, CO]

--- 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.