Newb seeking help - which cnc machine to buy

[dogbox]

Hi,
I don't know much about CNC machines. I have seen a cheap one on ebay for $599.00 + shipping. Will this do making my own pcb's??
I make guitar pedal effects, so the borads I make are about the most basic kind there are. Single sided through hole.

I don't want a CNC to mass produce boards - just for prototyping and small runs? I'm just fed up with etching and drilling.

The one on ebay looks a lot like the diy kit one?? Know he one I mean??

Any info at all would be appreciated.

This is my first post - Hi to all
cheers
Steve

[Jay C]

You are very stingy with the details of your needs

You didn't say

• what size traces
• what size circuit boards
• what size components (through-hole or SMD)
• production or prototype
• or provide link to the machine you are looking at

$599 likely covers just the mechanics, not the spindle, motors and driver electronics, or PC and software.

Once you know your requirements, then you can go on a hunt looking for one with the specifications you'll need. Going the other way around just leads to disappointment.

-Jay

Hi,
I don't know much about CNC machines. I have seen a cheap one on ebay for $599.00 + shipping. Will this do making my own pcb's??
I make guitar pedal effects, so the boards I make are about the most basic kind there are. Single sided through hole.

I don't want a CNC to mass produce boards - just for prototyping and small runs? I'm just fed up with etching and drilling.

The one on ebay looks a lot like the diy kit one?? Know he one I mean??

Any info at all would be appreciated.

This is my first post - Hi to all
cheers
Steve

[Drools]

I would read this thread.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...p_machine.html
If I did not have all the hardware (thk slides, couplers, motors) to make my own I would surely get one of these. Perfect for small PCB, plastic and wood projects.

[psychoul]

This is what I am researching at the moment. Pretty cheap
http://www.cncdiy.org/

[dogbox]

Ok I made a mistake - thats $599.00 includes Shipping worldwide.
CNC Router / Engraver Machine,PCB's,engraving Free Post (eBay item 220691504909 end time 08-Nov-10 04:38:39 AEDST) : Business Industrial

here's some more info on the boards I make - sorry for being stingey
min trace width would be 24mil trace width (up to 32)
.7mm hole, pads 25mil - thats a typical example. boards contain standard parts through hole -regular ceramic/mylar/16 lytic caps, 1/4w metal film resistors, pdip8 ics, TO-92 transistors etc etc. Largest size so far is 75mm x 35mm...

Would this type of cnc be able to produce boards such as these. At the price these are selling I'm almost (not quite) ready to just suck it and see. I figure I could at least use it as a learning tool, then if I still have desire upgrade down the track. But that saying "but cheap-buy twice" keeps ringing in my head from other experiences in the past I have had with cheap chinese buys.

Thanks to the guys who posted links - will go through the info and digest it..looks great.

cheers

[Jay C]

Based on your requirements, a smaller CNC machine like that should be able to do it. I mistrust their .01mm run out claim. They spindle has a jacobs chuck is one reason why I'm dubious. I'd say keep looking.

[Jay C]

Oh, and have a look at DIY: Wiki Home - Make Your Bot!

[dogbox]

Oh, and have a look at DIY: Wiki Home - Make Your Bot!

Hi Jay - Wow that Mantis machine looks cool-very tempted. Thanks heaps for your input mate - much appreciated.

The problem I have (like a lot of us) I have a full time job, electronics has been a hobby which is has now turned into a small diy effects pedal kits supply business. Time is my enemy - if they invent the 30 hour day I would be happy

As much as i would love to go down the DIY CNC route - I think initially I will try and buy a cheap machine to get started with.

I have been doing a bit of research into the cncdiy.org machines mentioned previously. Am now targeting the CNC 3040 machine as I think that may be suitable for my needs!!
I'm now wondering about whether anyone thinks it realistic expectation to do both milling pcb's and drilling diecast aluminium project enclosures on the same small format machine??? I currently get these boxes in lots of 100 and drill with my drillpress-takes a loooong time. The dimensions of the boxes are (117 L x 63.5 W x 37H) holes vary from 5mm to 13mm. My boxes get drilled on 3 sides, so I realise that this would not be practical, but most of the holes I drill are on the top surface (for toggle switches, leds, pots, 3pdt switch etc). Even being able to set up batches of 10 or 12 up, in some kind of jig and drill out the tops would be an awsome time saver for me.

Does the CNC3040 sound like the right machine for my needs??? If not what can anyone recomend. I am still trying to find a machine that is under $1000.00 - cheers

[Jay C]

Working with metal involves higher forces to deal with. At first blush (and no direct practical experience with the machine you are considering) I would say maybe

[Drools]

If Aluminum is within your scope then have a look at an 80/20 fixed gantry machine. I know I seen a very nice build log but at this time I can't find. Must be something to do with me actually looking for it and not just surfing.
Here is the link. This one might be stiff enough to do Ali/brass nonferrous metal.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...ter_build.html

[shanny1125]

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