Re: High Speed Spindle for SIEG X2 - Finally .... ... just a nagging doubt ?

Alan

I design my pcbs using Corel, it may be a bit old fashioned, but I
like the control of doing it all manually. I am producing hundreds of
each design so the time it takes to get it the way I want it is not as
important as it might be.
I then create a bitmap and manually edit it until it is just right.
I then use the bitmap to laser print onto press-n-peel which is ironed
on and etched.
As far as the drilling files go, I have used the PlatinCNC demo.
It scans the bitmap and recognises where the holes are.
It outputs an nc file which I manually edit where required.
I have to scale the bitmap to compensate for shrinkage of the
press-n-peel process (about 102%)

Currently I run the nc file in a demo version of Mach3 Mill but once I
have some pennies I will buy a registered version (although I can
manage fine with the demo, the author deserves it)

The file for the profiling of the board (my boards are funny shapes,
round with cut-outs in the edges) is created manually with the help of
mach3

With the two files spliced, I can drill the board and cut it out
without manual intervention.




As far as a top support for the Proxxon is concerned, I have only just
got this second spindle up and running, so far it doesn't look like it
needs any extra support. The bracket is 1/2 inch steel and clamps
firmly onto the proxxon... I may be lucky that the tail end of the
proxxon just touches the plate for the main spindle motor. and of
course I only use it fro drilling so there is no lateral force.

A couple of comments about the rest of the machine..

My stepper motor mounts were fabricated from 1/2 inch aluminium bar
stock.. they have two ABEC 9 skateboard bearings in each and have a
little pre-load to eliminate end-float. The ends of the standard
leadscrews were extended to take the steel timing gears you see in the
pic.. The hardest part was reaming the bar to fit the bearings. but
using a sandwich of plates it was fairly easy to align everything..
once I had machined them it only took a few minutes to mount and set
them up..

The counterweight on the x axis is vital.. it is made from lead cast
into dried milk tins. as I only have a tiny stepper for the axis I
have to balance the head fairly accurately. It runs over a couple of
pullies made from aluminium stock via a 3mm steel cable. I had to add
some weight to counter the weight of the proxxon. I haven't yet got
round to mounting bearings for the x axis leadscrew so I have it
biased to make downward movement easier.. it removes the backlash
from the z axis..
I don't think a pneumatic spring thingy would be as reliable as the
counterweight.

Next on the list is to make some Delrin leadscrew nuts.. I haven't yet
decided whther to injection mold them or make a tap from a bit of
leadscrew.. probably the latter as it is easier (but not so much fun)

Eventually I will make a much faster custom machine for pcbs, but for
the time being the X1 does what I need.. and it does a whole lot of
other jobs besides.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Alan Marconett <KM6VV@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Chris,
>
> Sounds like a plan! Did you consider an upper mounting
block/bracket to
> help stabilize the Proxxon?
>
> I initially designed both a bottom clamp for the 60mm diameter mounting
> ring of the DeWalt DW760 router, and also a clamp for the top. So far,
> I've only made the bottom clamp, and it seams really sturdy. I haven't
> tried to mill anything yet with it (I still need some spacers and
> couplers for the stepper motors).
>
> Yeah, it does look like you've created a monster! but if it does the
> job. What software do you use for generating the tool paths for PCBs?
> I'm using Eagle, 1st level. I like to "run" the Gcode through Vector
> CAD/CAM, so that I can study/verify the isolation tool paths.
>
> Thanks for the pix. Yeah, I can't post pix either!
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
> Chris Horne wrote:
> > Alan,
> >
> > got the proxxon mounted and it seems to run sweet as a nut !
> > just over 115mm offset from the original spindle, allows me to make
> > boards over 100mm diameter (more than enough for my purposes)
> > I just need to connect up the relay control of the spindles to turn
> > off each motor when it is not being used.
> >
> > I have a picture on the X1 group
> > http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/photos/browse/1dbe
> >
> > or on my website
> > http://www.spiyda.com/Images/dual.jpg
> >
> > don't seem to be able to create an album on this group at the
moment :-(
> >
> > The machine seems to be turning into a monster with bits sticking out
> > all over the place, but as long as it does what is was built for
.. :-)
> >
> > The pulleys on the main spindle were cast and turned in the workshop,
> > and they have dual belts in case a belt breaks during a run.
> >
> > Chris
> >
>