Need advice on cnc to pcb circuit job!

**C_Bubba** · 18-10-2015

It looks like those boards might easily be handled by Eagle Lite (no cost for a hobbist) and the ulp is also no cost.
Might be a winner setup for you.

**alfons37** · 18-10-2015

So it is free card for eagle lite?, Would be fun to try cnc , but no one has tips on a cnc router with good price and easy to use!

**C_Bubba** · 18-10-2015

I built my router (about 330mm x 330 mm x ~50mm) and control it with an old DOS program called Turbocnc.

The router was built with and aluminum channel and flat stock. I found some linear rails to use for the X, Y, and Z. Managed to get a spindle (only 70 watts but works for PCB work). used acme lead screws with derlin nuts for zero backlash.

Works for me.

**Tenson** · 18-10-2015

How many PCB can you buy for the cost of a router?

**C_Bubba** · 18-10-2015

I do it because I CAN and want to do it. Its not a money thing. I do it to prove to myself that I can. A hobby is not all about saving money, sometimes it is proving that you can do it yourself. If it was all about saving money, I would not have any hobbies and simply buy whatever it is. Also, my hobby projects are typically one off types. I have no plans to manufacture a product. So I can go from a board design to finished board ready to populate in less than an hour usually. How quick can you get a turn around on the board (one off) that you want to buy???

Its different strokes for different folks.

**alfons37** · 18-10-2015

Thanks

**davegrennan** · 18-10-2015

I built my first cnc for the very same reason as alfons37. Took me a while to even get as far as trying to route a pcb. You gotta learn how to cnc before you start on a pcb. Then theres the added complication of levelling, alignment pins for double sided etc pretty soon it all gets pretty darn hard. Prepare to destroy a load of copper boards. You gotta keep in mind when designing the boards that you can expect to route 0.1mm gaps easily so you need to keep your pcb design modest.

To get to the op's question, the machine you need will need to be super precise but not necessarily super strong, if knocking a few microns of copper off the top of a board is all the stress it will get. The chinese machines may well do the job, but you cannot be sure of what you are going to get with one of these. However given your budget, your choice is a cheap chinese machine or none at all.

**JAZZCNC** · 18-10-2015

Originally Posted by C_Bubba

I do it because I CAN and want to do it. Its not a money thing. I do it to prove to myself that I can. A hobby is not all about saving money, sometimes it is proving that you can do it yourself.

Well said that Man.!! . . . Exactly how I got into CNC and one of the things that still motivates me.!

**C_Bubba** · 18-10-2015

Thanks Jazz
At my age, it is projects like this that make me want to get up in the morning and do something instead of sitting around the house all day. I like staying home and putzing around in the shop or dreaming up new projects.

**eurikain** · 18-10-2015

Originally Posted by C_Bubba

I do it because I CAN and want to do it. Its not a money thing. I do it to prove to myself that I can. A hobby is not all about saving money, sometimes it is proving that you can do it yourself. If it was all about saving money, I would not have any hobbies and simply buy whatever it is.[...]
Its different strokes for different folks.

Saying thanks wasn't enough for me. It's been a while I haven't read one like that. To me, even if the things I make myself never pay back for what I spent for the machine, it's all about the fun to design it, make it, and see it coming to life. That, is priceless. Sorry if I'm off topic, but I couldn't hold myself from sharing :)