I used to make 4 or 5 boards a week using photographic techniques, then it was 10-20 a week, then board fab shops in china started offering boards for 50c a pop with no setup costs and 7 day turn times (including delivery)....
This is great, but two or three times a year I still need a PCB now...
Problem is that the emulsions and chemicals just don't store for any length of time, so it turns into a disappointing process..
I thought I'd give isolation routing a go in the X3 with the 60Krpm sub spindle.
It went well enough that I've ordered bits to take it to the next level.
Lessons learned:
- Generic engraving cutters aren't close to well enough balanced to run at more than 30KRPM.
- Small (0.5mm) carbide endmills work wel (used a v cutter in the attached).
- A vacuum hold down fixture is important for keeping the stock flat..