Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
I am using a #78 drill bit to drill the vias on this PCB. It is covered with white celophane type of tape as this was used to test my through plating using conductive liquid. (See this article.)
The machine drilled the small holes very well and could not be done by hand without breaking the small bit. I have also used #87 drill bits which drill around 10mil holes!
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
My CNC Mill is finally completed after about 9 months of obsessive effort. I have already milled a few parts for a second CNC machine, a plastic doggy bone and a few PCBs have been drilled and routed. The plastic doggy bone was only 1 x 1/3 inches but the detail was fantastic!
The accuracy exceeds the measurability of my digital caliper (1/2mil resolution) so I am quite impressed with the results! So far, I am limiting my materials to plastic, machinable wax and Butterboard(tm) but will cut some aluminum shortly.
I have included some details on the construction with a few pictures.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
An Introduction by Ed Nisley
Watch an informative introduction to CNC design by Ed Nisley. If you are new to CNC, watch it! One thing it illustrates is a CNC machine is not like your printer! In other words, creating cnc parts is not a draw your workpiece and hit print process. There are a few important steps in between.
This slideshow presentation was presented at the Cabin Fever Expo in York, PA in January 2008.
CNC Intro by Nisley (
Your First CPU