Re: PCB Routing - Dremel

I've done some photo/etch PCBs in the past. I'm awaiting the arrival
of my new Taig CNC mill, and am anxious to try milling a few PCBs.
(goodbye to acid forever, I hope!) With the photo/etch approach, you
mask the areas you don't want etched (ie, the traces) and clear off
all remaining copper. W/ the milled approach, it seems (sensibly)
that you use the opposite approach - leave large tracts of copper
that are your 'traces', just milling out thin sections that separate
these large areas. What software are people using to lay boards out
like this or to convert a standard 'trace'-based layout to
this 'block'-based layout?

Thanks for any help/info!!

Jim


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Peter Cruickshank"
<crankshaft_sg@y...> wrote:

> Hi JJ;
>
> Thanx for your feedback.
>
> I have not started routing yet, the last time I created PCBs was
> with ferric Chloride about 20 years ago, but now I have the need

and

> don't want to play with that stuff again !!.
>
> Cheers
>
> PeterC
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, John Johnson <johnatl@m...>
> wrote:
> > Dremel tools have ball bearings on the shaft which will withstand
> axial
> > loads.
> >
> > For machining PCBs, you shouldn't have to worry about axial

loads.

> > Machining PCBs is much less load than Ol' Joe sharpening his
> lawnmower
> > blade.
> >
> > If you can handle the tool before buying it, check for side-to-
> side
> > play, as well as up-and-down play in the spindle. You will
> probably
> > find the Dremel tools are excellent in this regard. If you're
> > considering a Chinese import, however, I would check this
> carefully.
> >
> > One other note, the Moto-tool with the digital speed control
> sounds
> > like it has feedback to maintain a certain speed, but if you read
> the
> > manual, it says the speed will vary with the incoming voltage.
> >
> > What kind of bits are you using to cut the traces? I recently
> broke my
> > 0.010" end mill (it still works for PCBs though :-)) and am
> looking for
> > a replacement. I'm considering a 1/8" 60 deg cone shaped single
> flute
> > carbide bit, and wondering if it will work.
> >
> > FYI, www.mscdirect.com has the aforementioned bit, as well as PCB
> > drills with 1/8" shanks.
> >
> > Regards,
> > JJ
> >
> > On Tuesday, Feb 10, 2004, at 04:51 US/Eastern, Peter Cruickshank
> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi;
> > >
> > > I recall seeing some threads regarding the choice of Dremel

drill

> > > for PCB routing, something about one (or more) of the models has
> > > thrust bearing which would prolong it's life if you use it as a
> high
> > > speed Router Spindle on a Sherline Mill - any ideas ???
> > >
> > > Didn't someone design a adaptor to attach a dremel to the
> sherline Z
> > > axis ??
> > >
> > > Any help greatfully appreciated.
> > >
> > > CrankShaft.
> > >
> > >
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