Homebrew PCBs

On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:57:51 -0000, you wrote:

>Howdy, homebrew folks.
>
>I've done a bunch of googling, searched the homebrew PCB archives, and the like, and the information I've been able to find on this subject is... sparse. So, I figured I'd ask more directly.
>
>I'm looking to spend probably a few thousand dollars in the near future for a CNC setup at home. Though not exclusively for them, PCBs is one of the things I'd like it to be able to do well.

PC boards need a high speed spindle for routine and drilling.  Low
mass, and the tools have a limited life.  One estimate is 75 linear
feet of machining (look at a complicated board to see how little that
may be).  They also cost 5 to 10 USD per tool bit, and that's the
discount price.

The actual movement speed of the table may be less important, and
there's a limit to the minimum width of the path that can be removed.

One option is a proxxon (or equivalent) as an add-on to the X series
(Harbor Freight (etc) micromill, minimill, etc).

What it works out to is that PC board milling may not be useful
depending on the size of the boards and the complexity, and the size
of the traces you want.

>
>Unfortunately there seems to be very few resources out there that list what setups are actually available, how they compare, that kind of thing. I can find a site here or a site there that give a little information, but frequently not enough to really be useful.
>
>So, my question is... is anyone familiar with such a resource, that would list the options (specifically with PCB milling in mine), the pros and cons of each, etc? Or, does anyone have a cheat sheet they can post (or email) that at least lists the options?

I would recommend a standard CNC setup, with an add on spindle.  The
spindle will be a Proxxon (use the AC model), and will allow you to
work in both worlds. 

The LKPF machines (or the T-Tech machines) generally must be used with
their own software, which adds an additional cost of several hundred
dollars to the price, if not included.

The T-Tech machine has a processor in it that interprets their own
proprietary G-code version, and must be bypassed for a general CNC
driver solution.  The head is a solenoid drill, which has two states,
up and down, and is not a full Z axis.  Definitely a PC board setup
only.

Harvey
>
>I really appreciate any information that folks can toss my way.
>
>Thanks!
>
>-jay
>
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