Need advice on mini PCB milling build

[cdelicath]

Hey guys I am looking to build a mini CNC for milling PCB's like maybe 12" x 12" or something. I was just wondering what the best route is. I have a Joe's hybrid 4x4 I use for everything else so I can cut my own parts and stuff. I started looking at different machines but i figured I would get the ins and outs here first.

[HorridHenry]

You know a little machine like that is capable of being driven with printer steppers.

I have a whole bunch of these taken from scrap printers,some vary in size but mainly like this....

[cdelicath]

nice. I will keep that in mind. I'm sure I could design my own machine but I am looking for a quicker solution. I was hoping there was a kit or something out there that everyone thought was a good working unit and I could cut my own parts and built it. then my only real cost would be a controller and motors and dremel really.

[LUCKY13]

There is several plans down in the wood router section. I am sure you know this though if you have a Joe's router built already.




I am not really sure what your after, I mean are you looking for cheapest, easest, best performing, or what? Your description leaves a lot open to amagin.



You could go the MDF route very cheap, or the 80/20 route would not be to expencive with the machine being this small.


Really this section is more of the benchtop mill section with the RF-45 and GO704 machine being the most popular builds. Down in the wood router or maybe even the electronics section you might find some expeirance PCB machine builders that may understand more of what your needs may be. All though a PCB milling machine may seem simple I am sure there could be a lot of little things that could make it more sooted to its purpose. I know thats what your trying to do here but I think this section of the forum may be a little lacking in the expeirance.


The one thing I might could add is these machines seem to need more speed than rigidty. The small leanier rails and blocks are cheap if you take time to find a deal on ebay. Even ballscrews in this size seem to be cheap as long as you look long enough. Example I bought #9 size rails & blocks plus some 10 mm ballscrews and probably have less than a houndred and fifty in all of it with it all being new in packs. This would make a great setup for such a machine if you was willing to put the drive system that was good enough to make use of such parts. But then again I dont reallly know what kinda performance your after.


One thing I have seen that would make for great spindle motors for machines like this is people starting to use the BLDC hobby aircraft/heli motors and runnning a belt drive to small purpuse made spindle. With some of the new controls out there for these motors extreeme rpm and power can be had very easy. WIth it being such a small light weight setup it fits great with a machine this size also. INfact they have so much power some of the guys are using some of the bigger motors on machines like the X2 mill. Anyway,


Sorry I know this didnt help much, but I hope you find your anwsers.


Jess