At 08:20 PM 6/27/02 -0700, you wrote:
>Ran across this looking for ideas, it's for a cnc setup using a sherline
>vertical mill, interfaced to stepper motors, controlled by 16f628
>controllers(code/schematics available).  The control software is free,
>called stepster, with code available.
>
>
>The mills seem to be in your price range, $1K - $1.5K, have stepper motor
>options which would still be under your 3K limit.

I don't know how good this would be, the Sherline uses very small
diameter rolled leadscrews and bronze nuts. There is significant backlash
in the assembly (some of which can be compensated for with software),
and the screws will wear with use, especially with a lot of fiberglass
swarf flying around (it is very abrasive).

I do own a Sherline mill, (and have been through their new factory and
old factory in Vista CA) and can recommend it for light use on plastics
and metal, but for any amount of PCB milling, something with ball screws
and linear bearings would be preferable (of course cost would be an issue,
but something inexpensive that doesn't do the job for long isn't cheap
either). For the occasional board and general machining, this setup might
be okay.

Best regards,

Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..."            "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com
9/11 United we Stand

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