Re: Plans for dirt cheap etcher?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "krashking405"
<krashking405@...> wrote:

>
> Don't want to build a PCB router, more a small CNC mill, stock that
> would be at max 12"X12"X3".
>

An etcher implies to me a gantry with moving spindle in Y ans Z.

a mill implies a moving carriage in X and Y under a fixed Z that moves
up and down.

The gantry machines are considderably more stable for the size as when
you fix both ends of a thing, you increase it's stability.

12 x 12 is nearly impossible for a mill. A common Bridgeport doesn't
have 12" that is huge for a mill. 9" is much more common on those
2,000 pound behemouths. a 9" wide table that moves about 12".

If you have any plans of milling any metals, skip past everything and
buy a mini-mill. it will be pretty expensive (Homier road shows are
cheapest source) and the motors and electronics will be heaftier as well.

If you feel the need for 12 x 12, you most certainly have to go with a
router.

I did a search of the archives about the Seig X2 ? mini-mill, I think
that is the right number. sold by Homier, Harbor Freight, Grizzly and
others. didn't find much at all.

Some notes about needing larger motors than anticipated. 300 oz-in or
better ? anyone do a mini-mill conversion can shed some light ?

If you need 300 oz-in motors, 6 wire, I think Camtronics is the only
place that offers them. 8 wire anyway.

But, if you are going that big, you may be in Gecko territory anyway,
so would be able to use 4 wire motors.

but, at this point, I am well over $1,000 for a machine, power supply,
breakout board, drivers, motors and other related equipment.

A pcb type router that would do wood could come in under $100 if you
are clever. or over $1,000 if you buy things others might make.

If you are not in a rush, build a simple, small unit. get the
experianace, and in the end, you'll have a machine that can help you
make a bigger machine much easier.

A friend build a Crankorgan unit and is using that to make parts for a
3 ft x 8 ft gantry machine.

And, along the way, you'll pick up parts and stuff and wind up with a
much better understanding.

Dave