Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Milling / drilling PC boards on home shop CNC equipment.

My Choice would be the Series 3 Vision - or the NewHermes 4000-9000 units. They have the
spring built in.

I think however your $100 won't go very far......... UNLESS you watch E-bay !! I have
seen spindles there in that $$$ neighborhood !
Just takes a little patience.


Chris L

Alan Marconett KM6VV wrote:

> Hi Chris,
>
> Thanks for the comments, and the URL to your website!
>
> The Western Engravers' spindles look interesting. Which of them would
> fit something Sherline sized? I'd also like to keep the price under
> $100 USD! Nice big router you have, far bigger then my current
> expectations (or pocketbook).
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
> Chris L wrote:
> >
> > Alan Marconett and Larry Edington wrote:
> >
> > > > The most important thing for isolation milling is a floating head. You want
> > > > the head to move down and put pressure on the PC board blank to help keep it
> > > > flat. Or to at least contact the board to ensure the bit penetrates into the
> > > > blank the same amount each time.
> > >
> > > >>>I was asking about that about a week or two ago.<<<
> >
> > Alan,
> >
> > I just thought I would post this link to my machines floating spindle.
> > http://www.data-cut.com/page5es.html
> > I am sure many of the fellows are familiar with these as they are found typically
> > on Computerized Engraving machines. They are a little on the expensive side but
> > plenty worth it. They will generally spin day in and day out up to 30K rpm. They
> > are available for 1/8", 11/64" and 1/4" diameter tooling, and the 1/4" is also
> > available with a top and bottom loading collet/drawbar setup. Just about ANY style
> > of a bit is available from: http://www.antaresinc.net/
> >
> > I too have done some circuit board work without any problems though I am far from
> > an expert on the subject. When I do drill a hole in the center of a
> > pad............ it is in the center of a pad !!
> >
> > My spindle is from a NewHermes 7200 machine. It costed around $500. There are
> > numerous different styles for less $$$.
> >
> > If you look at the 3rd picture from the top, The floating spindle consists of only
> > the black portion seen on the top, NOT the whole aluminum Slug. I just use the
> > Slug to hold it in my clamp easily. These things mount real easy on a smaller
> > machine.
> > Swapping out the V-Groove pulley for a toothed one would make an excellent spindle
> > for some of these desktop mills.
> >
> > Your typical setup of a bit ( in a top loading engraving spindle) would be to:
> >
> > 1. Set the built in Micrometer at the base of the spindle to 0.
> > 2. Then adjust the spring tension prefered via the larger knurled section at the
> > bottom.
> > 3. Then, jog the head down on top of your material ( the 5th picture shows one of
> > the many styles of "feet" available to "drag" on your material- this one with dust
> > collection), while watching for some "space" to show up just under the top pulley.
> >
> > 4. Then, loosen the setscrew in the brass "collar" on the top portion of the
> > tool.
> > 5. Slide the tool and collar down thru the spindle from the top letting the tool
> > touch the material.
> > 6. Turn the brass collar in Counterclockwise at the top.
> > 7. Tighten the setscrew in the brass collar at the top of the tool.
> > 8. Raise the Z axis.
> > 9. "Dial" the Micrometer head in the bottom of the spindle UP to expose the amount
> > of tool you would like exposed.
> >
> > Some day I need to install a 90 VDC motor with Feedback on my spindle in place of
> > the "sewing machine" motor.
> >
> > If your ever interested in purchasing one, there are a few rebuilders on the
> > internet, but probably the best affordable source is Western Engravers.
> > http://westerneng.com/html/spindles.html
> >
> > Careful though, Some DO NOT have a built in spring !!! Those are generally less
> > expensive.
> >
> > It is one "accessory I can't do without !!!
> >
> > Chris Luebke
> > DATA-CUT
> > http://www.data-cut.com/Index.html
> >
>
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