Homebrew PCBs

Thanks for the info! I looked at Xylotex earlier, and I don't think 
I could do any better than their 3 axis setup. Looks like exactly my 
kind of price and function!
Has anyone here used them?
I joined their Y! User Group here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Xylotex
but haven't read it much.

I'll be happy to post my experiences/photos.
The machine I make might be a little more rugged than just a PCB 
drilling m/c. I would like to machine some soft metals too.
That means using the 3rd axis drive.

I think that the slides will be made like small box ways, but using 
bronze wear strips on the slide riding in a steel U-Channel on the 
frame.
Either that, or figure something out with roller blade bearings like 
Stefan suggested. But the rails are a problem...

There's a nice little project called Zoltar that I'll likely follow 
fairly close:
http://www.rcmodels.net/cnc/hobby/cnc.html

A lot of design work has to be done, but I have seen quite a few 
home CNC's on the net in the last 2 days, so I have some good 
ideas :-)
I grabbed TurboCNC the Dos program that seems to be real popular, so 
I'll see if I can make it do my PCB's plus some other milling jobs.

I never intended to mill PCB's anyway. My Etching routine is working 
out very nicely for these small boards. 

It may take some time for me to build, mainly cuz I don't have 
access to a mill or lathe anymore, but I'll post when milestones are 
reached ;-)

Thanks to all you guys that have provided input!
It's very much appreciated!


PS. About that Derma-Spec UV light...It works excellent! I modified 
it by adding parallel, a 100uf electrolytic to C1 for a time of 2.45 
minutes. And beefed up the heatsink with foil wings.
I laid a piece of glass on top along with my artwork and small 
board, and it came out perfect!

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Victor Faria" 
<victorf57@c...> wrote:
> OK . It just so happens I have been looking at these drives
> www.xylotex.com looks great they also sell the steppers used at a 
good
> price.
> as far as software turbocnc seems to take it hands down it is dos 
it is
> shareware it does work not crippled if you register for $20.00 you 
get the
> source code.
> they also have their own groups.
> as far as slides I have built some from linear bearings and hard 
shafts.
> there is one thing many people will be interested in this project.
> how about you keep a log of you experiences and post them at the 
group or at
> your site or???
> maybe tell what you used as far as components/software/????? and 
why
> this way others can learn from this
> maybe put in their own .02 cents worth.
> regards
> victor