-Specifications- Processors: n/a Power Source: n/a Weight: ? OS: n/a Programming Language: n/a Sensors: n/a Motors: 3 nema 17 stepper motors, ROTOZIP Output: n/a Time to Build: 6 months Cost: ~$600.00 USD Status: Completed

Back in August of 2001 I had an accident while in the process of trying to make some PCB's at home. I have decided that the resist pin / acid method really really really sucks. After a little research I found that a PCB milling machine would be the best way to go. These machines are ridiculously expensive for what they do. The Objective of this project is to make a cost effective PCB milling machine from common traceable / replaceable parts. My goal is to create a PCB milling machine capable of producing double-sided prototype boards with enough accuracy to handle most surface mount as well as through-hole components.

Although this machine is not capable of making PCB's it was a very successful first attempt, I was able to achieve repeatability of better than 13 thousands of an inch. This isn't enough to make PCB's, however, I have learned enough during this project that I feel confident that the next machine will achieve the desired results. One of the factors that hindered accuracy was the yaw in the Y-axis, my next machine will have dual lead screws per axis, this will greatly cut down the teeter-totter effect, thus, improving accuracy and repeatability.

This will require a new controller that will handle 6 stepper motors; I would also like to add limit switches and the capability of utilizing a Palm pilot as the master controller. I really don't like the idea of having to have a dedicated computer setting in the garage attached to this machine.