will this work?

[campaX]

Hi,

I'll like to built a cnc pcb engraver.

will a cross slide table (like the one you see in the picture below) do the job for X/Y axis?
its only 9'' x 4'' of travel. but that will be fiine for me.

How hard will be to modificate this table to work with steppers?
has anybody done this before?

I already bought 3 steppers in ebay, 127oz-in of holding torque. what do you think about this motors?

I know electronics, so i will built my own controllers.

Thanks!

[erikkate]

It isn't that hard, few people over here did that before.
Succes! Keep posting your progress (with lots of pictures).

[CRFultz]

Originally Posted by campaX Hi, I'll like to built a cnc pcb engraver. will a cross slide table (like the one you see in the picture below) do the job for X/Y axis? its only 9'' x 4'' of travel. but that will be fiine for me. How hard will be to modificate this table to work with steppers? has anybody done this before? I already bought 3 steppers in ebay, 127oz-in of holding torque. what do you think about this motors? I know electronics, so i will built my own controllers. Thanks!

As long has the ways are tight and there is no backlash on the screws.

[campaX]

Thank you!

really fast awnsers!

What about the motors? are they big enough for the job?

Mario.

[CRFultz]

127oz-in of holding torque.
I think for a engraver, those would be fine.
You could also use a timing belt setup if you feel you need more torque.

[jfong]

That base is the X-Y for the Harbor Freight/Seig X1 Micro-mill. I have one that is converted to CNC with 150 oz steppers. Works just fine for engraving. The complete micro-mill sometimes goes on sale for about $250 which is a pretty good deal.

For more info on cnc conversion of the micro.....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hf47158toCNC/

Jim

[bkukowski]

Just curious, usually people silkscreen text on them. Never heard of engraving type... Anyways, good luck!

[JRoque]

He probably meant mill the PCB. However, I've both milled and engraved PCBs with the same machine.

JR

[campaX]

Originally Posted by JRoque He probably meant mill the PCB. However, I've both milled and engraved PCBs with the same machine. JR

yes, i mean milling, but i like the engraving you did in that pictures, looks great.