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Build Your Own PCB Milling Machine

Posted by timothy on from the for-large-values-of-it dept.

mwandel writes "It used to be that one off amateur printed circuit boards were all etched in acid. A lot of companies nowadays use a special form of milling machine to mill them out of solid copper clad circuit boards. This guy Jonathan Westhues built his own PCB milling machine out of various parts, with a laminate trimmer as the milling head. Lots of other neat hacks on his Webpage as well."

2 of 210 comments (clear)

  1. Electronics Enthusiasts... by Kevin+Burtch · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It seems dabbling in electronics is a dying hobby for the younger crowds... I hope projects like this spawn new curiosity and interest.

    For those new to this hobby... here are some publications that could be of great value to you:
    http://www.nutsvolts.com/
    http://www.circui tcellar.com/
    http://www.poptronics.com/

    Anyone know of any others?

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  2. Re:There are easier ways by Ratso+Baggins · · Score: 5, Insightful
    You may be missing the point, he machine's turn-around-time is 1 hour(ish) the best you can get is 1 day from the fab co's. Secondly @$80 a board you will quickly pay for the milling machine, if you have need for it. I like it because @ 1:00am when I'm ready to do the board - I can... and how many things geek are done "because I can"?

    Granted it's only double sided - but at that it's wonderful. Wow, no more chemicals! I've always-forever wanted one of these but the pro milling machines are out of my league.

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