what to buy? - good compromise CNC driller for PCB prototyping.

[pedro.duarte]

Hello mates, I'm looking for a 1st or 2nd hand driller to make PCB prototypes. single and dual layers.

I used to work with one at my previous job but I forgot the reference.. pretty much you just put the copper board there, feed the machine the CAD files, and it drills the holes and tracks.

Do you know what would be a good buy? I live in Europe. so something in Europe would be good, like a german company or whatever.

I was looking for somethign not more expensive than 300-400 euros.

Can you help me?

Cheers!

[ebidk]

I live in Denmark and am looking for pretty much the same as you described, did you buy one yet? Which one? Are you happy with it or should I look for another one?

I'd like to be able to make PCBs for SMD work too.

[pedro.duarte]

didn't buy any so far.

I asked this a couple of months in advance to wait for some answers.. time is running ou now

Better luck mate!

[ebidk]

Seems we might have a problem finding cheap enough ones.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/pcb_milling/81836-computer-numeric-control_pcb_mill_buy_diy-post618220.html

From #emc on freenode IRC I got that someone pieced one together from scrapped machines for something like 300-350 EUR but I doubt I'd have much luck with that myself.

[mcphill]

I use a Fireball V90 running on MACH3. I design the circuits in Eagle, output the GCode using pcbgcode(.org). I don't think you can get there any cheaper than this solution. I don't use a Dremel - too much tooling play, and not enough power. I use a Bosch Colt trim router. This setup is VERY capable, after you learn the machine and understand how to adjust it and keep it running in good shape. It isn't the most robust machine, but can put some great work out.

You can get them here: http://www.probotix.com/

I got the large box with 40V power supply and the yellow motors, but you can buy a cheaper system with smaller motors. It would run slower, but still be capable of PCB work.

I started with 60 degree tools, but am now using snub nosed 0.015" mills and the traces look fantastic.

[ebidk]

Yeah that looks nice, a bit steep in price for me but it could maybe work for pedro.duarte.

Guess I'll have to wait till I have some more saved up.

[Jay C]

I started with 60 degree tools, but am now using snub nosed 0.015" mills and the traces look fantastic.

Link please.

[mcphill]

The 1/64" bit on this page:

http://mctinfo.net/carbide-end-mills...th/cat_22.html

These should all work very well too, but I have not personally tried them:

http://www.mctinfo.net/lpkf-tools/cat_21.html

[jam5295]

The V90 isn't a very good match for pcb's unless you are building old style DIP packages and simple circuits. Looking through the forum shows a fair number of quality problems with Probotix and a few unhappy customers as well as some poor treatment of those.

[Jay C]

Do you have any photos of the results with that end mill? I use the www.drewtronics.net 60 degree bit. I also use this bit for engraving in plastic and wood (see the second photo).

Jay

Updated the image of the name plate .. .the orange LEDs were too dim for me.

[mcphill]

Do you have any photos of the results with that end mill? I use the www.drewtronics.com 60 degree bit. I also use this bit for engraving in plastic and wood (see the second photo).

Jay

I am putting together a collection of pix and vids now, may be a few days/weeks to get them publicly posted. What's your e-mail, and I can shoot you a few.

[kn6za]

Jayc,

Nice pics! What are the trace widths on the pcb in the photo? Nice board.