Homebrew PCBs

On Sun, 25 Apr 2004 11:15:32 -0000, ballendo <ballendo@...> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Most pcb layout software of decent quality will output drill files,
> which as just described, can be easily modified to become dispensing
> files. And there are other ways as well.

easily modified - how does one do that.
that is the point i don't understand, is there some software which will do 
that
for me or do i have to edit the file per hand, taking as much time as
just dispensing the paste by hand?

>
> And the same can be said for the picn and place aspects. Expensive
> ecad will have these sorts of things inherent, and less expensive
> types(like Eagle can use ULP's) usually have a mthod to create these
> types of files.
>
> Face it, what we're discussing is not brand new to the pcb fab world!

It is brand new to me ;-)
And maybe it is not that common to homebrew (couldn't find a single page 
on the web).
I really have no idea how one could possibly generate a file for pick and 
place,
but it is no priority, only drill and paste would a lot of help already.

>
> Ballendo
>
> PS. I bet you've already started a reply which says, "But with SMD's
> you DON't drill holes..." Gotta think outside the box sometimes, but
> the capability is there, and easily obtained.

No, i have another reply started (and sent) already.
i completely understand the "fake drill is paste dot" part.
I reckon i would make 2 "drill" layers, or use the solder paste layer like 
a drill layer,
to allow for mixed design.

>
> Quite a lot of answering for something you "won't be doing" anyway<G>
>
I won't be doing it JUST NOW.. i want to know if i have to look out for 
proper slides
and stuff, i have it in the back of my head for some time already...
There are other more important things that need time & money now, but i 
want
to find out if i need to set the cnc on the list or not.
And i fear this demands for finding out how i would do it.

thanks

ST