Laser "route" Printed Circuit Boards

I have a T-Tech PCB milling machine that works just great making PCBs for "standard-sized" components.

For some of the surface mount stuff, though, it's a wee bit iffy; end mills of small enough diameter break and V shaped cutters cut too wide a swath.

It occurs to me that laser beams are nice and thin, and that if we can laser cut thick steel slabs, we should also be able to laser route thin copper sheets.

It seems like a guy _should_ be able to mount a small laser on the Z axis for outline milling the traces and then drill using the existing spindle.

Is this nuts?

If not, any getting started information gratefully appreciated.


Alan


--
Alan Rothenbush
Client and Research Services
IT Services
Simon Fraser University