Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "crankorgan" <john@k...> wrote:
> Steve,
>       Both a drilling and milling machine for a pcboards are the 
same 
> machine. The both require the same size,accuracy and stiffness.
> 


I disagree.  for a drilling only machine, one could move the board 
around with a plotter as 100% of the forces are pressing down and 
withdrawing.

with routing, one has to also handle the side loads however light 
they are.

Drilling is by far the most efficient method of metal or part removal 
as would be witnessed by a simple home drill press with a 1/3 HP 
motor being capable of drilling a 1 inch hole.  a 2 hp mill has a 
tough time with a 3/4 mill.

6 times the hp, 3/4 the power.

maybe not a truly fair comparison, but drilling requires much less 
energy.

Dave