Need advice on cnc to pcb circuit job!

[alfons37]

I need for small job. Maybe 4-5 pcs pcb year

Example for my job.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1...font-b-ECU.jpg

[C_Bubba]

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]

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]

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]

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

[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. 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]

Thanks

[JAZZCNC]

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.!

[eurikain]

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 :)

[Tenson]

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.

My question was actually to the OP who doesn't already have a CNC machine and doesn't have the skills yet. If his goal as set out in the first post is to produce a few PCBs, it will be less expensive and return better quality to use the manufacturer I linked to. £30 will land you a handful of PCBs delivered to your door.

On the other hand, if you are doing this as a hobby then a CNC machine will give you a lot of joy and be highly useful! Alfons37 what is your ultimate goal?