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

> > 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

> up and down.
>
> The gantry machines are considderably more stable for the size as

> you fix both ends of a thing, you increase it's stability.
>
> 12 x 12 is nearly impossible for a mill. A common Bridgeport

> 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

> buy a mini-mill. it will be pretty expensive (Homier road shows

> cheapest source) and the motors and electronics will be heaftier

>
> If you feel the need for 12 x 12, you most certainly have to go

> router.
>
> I did a search of the archives about the Seig X2 ? mini-mill, I

> that is the right number. sold by Homier, Harbor Freight, Grizzly

> others. didn't find much at all.
>
> Some notes about needing larger motors than anticipated. 300 oz-

> 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

> place that offers them. 8 wire anyway.
>
> But, if you are going that big, you may be in Gecko territory

> so would be able to use 4 wire motors.
>
> but, at this point, I am well over $1,000 for a machine, power

> breakout board, drivers, motors and other related equipment.
>
> A pcb type router that would do wood could come in under $100 if

> 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

> make a bigger machine much easier.
>
> A friend build a Crankorgan unit and is using that to make parts

> 3 ft x 8 ft gantry machine.
>
> And, along the way, you'll pick up parts and stuff and wind up

> much better understanding.
>
> Dave
>