RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] milling circuit boards

Hi Dennis,

It's more that I CAN make circuit boards with my existing equipment. I use
Eagle and the PCB-Gcode ULP to generate Gcode. I ENJOY importing the Gcode
into Vector CAD/CAM, and examining the tool paths created. I re-generate
the Gcode for the isolation cuts and holes, although they could probably be
run without the CAD/CAM step.

I just like being able to mill the boards. I just got my first two sided
board milled! OK, they are not as dense, but they work for the projects I
want right now. Would I recommend going out and BUILDING/BUYING a hobby CNC
system solely for the purpose of making boards? Of course not! (Although
something like an LPKF system might be a consideration for a commercial
enterprise).

I AM actually building a "Baby PCB Mill" of my own design from the surplus
linear motion stuff I've been collecting over the last 8 or so years.
Because I WANT to! But then I'm also the type that writes his own CNC
controller program (STEP4) and also a Gerber to Gcode conversion program.
It's the challenge!

Ten years ago, I'd have wire-wrapped the projects. These last few projects
all use PICs, and have a fair amount of analog circuitry.

I also find the motions of the CNC hypnotic! I can watch it for hours. I
had the same fascination with an HP7570 pen plotter...

Alan KM6VV

> [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Schmitz
>
> Sorry, this isn't an answer, but another question. I think I've read
> posts from 2 or 3 people milling circuit boards, or trying to. What's
> the cost breakdown? Is it really and truly cheaper to make these
> boards after you factor in your time and amortize your equipment?
>
> You can get some pretty good prototype quantity boards from internet
> outfits like PCB123 now for very cheap, and if you're running
> production, there are plenty of board shops out there all undercutting
> each other. Check out the back section of any of the EE mags for a
> long list of them.
>
> Even 10 years ago "breadboard" meant giving a hand-drawn circuit to a
> tech to solder together with perfboard. Today it means doing a quickie
> in Eagle and sending it out to an overnight proto house. It's cheaper
> than paying the tech.
>
> So where's the upside? Why bother building a machine for it? (serious
> question, not sniping)
>
> This is probably off topic, so feel free to email me directly.
>
> TIP: you always pay for one panel, so lay-up several different ones in
> the gerbers. If you have space, there are a bunch of free patterns for
> proto-boards available to fill it in.
>