CNC

3018 CNCs are cheap and affordable. They are usable for creating small dev boards, and highly satisfying. It is also an opportunity to learn gcode (which is useful for industrial controls and automation). Though I will warn one thing: machinists are dime a dozen, so that is not a great career path.

Gcode is another machine language, like spice, that is easy to understand and is a text file. A reasonable syntax. maybe basic was like this, but people are too cool, too much jocks to use basic anymore.

Uses of CNC

• Prototype pcbs for
  • small transistor blocks
  • high frequency rf via calculators (simulation software such as qucs or ansoft)
  • chip antennas
  • anything through hole is easy
• Carving out of soft materials (wood, plastic, soapstone, maybe graphite)
• 3D printers
• Plasma Cutters (see https://www.youtube.com/@cranktowncity)
• Bothering the neighbors

Links

• https://web.archive.org/web/20250719110922/http://www.ofitselfso.com/LineGrinder/GerberToGCodeIsolationRoutingSummary.php
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ6_oYZrsjk - A tutorial on milling PCBs. I don't agree with everything in this video, but I did like the use of masking tape (do NOT press down too hard on the bed) and superglue, as well as the reviews of drill bits.

Tips/Techniques

THT Precision

I have only been able to get down to about Through hole components with my 3018. SOIC-8 is just out of reach. The bed is not flat enough (even when calibrated with a dial gauge) and the bits are too expensive. But DIP packages are easily routed, and drilled too.

Through hole is enough, if you use breakout boards for SMD components (they tend to fit in 0.1" headers anyways).

Milling Your Own PCB vs. Chemical Etching: Which is More Fun

I don't really enjoy chemical etching of copper boards, however milling a PCB is enjoyable. Chemical reactions on a PCB are too detached and esoteric.

Touch Screen Monitor

They sell buttons/keypads to control the cnc, but you can just use a touch screen monitor with UGS.

CNC Bits

The drill bits are all kind of a racket. They want to sell you bits that are too long and easily break. One thing you can do though, is get a set of collets and this will make it easy to fit any drill bit or mill in the machine.