RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Plans for dirt cheap etcher?

HI,

Building a PCB router on the cheap? I'd have to second CrankOrgan for a
source of inexpensive plans. If you really can't afford his inexpensive
plans, then it's gonna be HARD to buy the parts, drivers, power supply, CAD
and controller software to drive it!

There were some pix on a small router made from metal drawer slides in the
files. No plans, but throw in some threaded rod, and you'd have it. Can
you draw your own plans from pictures? Original article was from "Nuts &
Volts" magazine, you might be able to do a search and get a reprint. I
think it was Dan who had written the article, but I don't believe he has any
copies of it available. He might know the issue date.

Basically figure a gantry style mill; that is a bridge that holds the Y axis
up in the air. The X axis moves fore and aft "under the bridge". The Z
axis is suspended and travels back and forth "across the bridge". Use wood,
or aluminum angle to build it. The drawer slides give it "guidance", and
threaded rod from the hardware store (turned by surplus stepper motors
bought on e-bay) drive it. Blocks of delrin (plastic) make up the leadscrew
nuts. Pick one of the low cost driver boards that have been recently
discussed (make sure your motors match).

Here's a picture of a nice gantry mill in aluminum from the UK.

http://www.cncdudez.com/


Dave has a $25 set of plans, although it will cost $$ to buy the precision
shafting and leadscrews he specifies.

http://www.hobbycnc.com/plans.php


You might get some ideas here (got any old plotters/printers?):

http://www.robio.be/cnc


And some PLANS you CAN download:

http://www.otocoup.com/Plans_e.htm

Alan KM6VV

> krashking405 wrote:
>
> >Should have called it something other than an etcher, guess I really
> >want a small 3 axis CNC, say around 6" travel from the center in X
> >or Y axis.
> >
> >