3 Axis Foam Cutting Mill

3 - Axis Foam Cutting Mill - Part 2

Controller Parts & Soldering

With the boards etched, each hole has to have a small dimple tapped to keep the drill bit from skidding or drifting.

I use the same punch as I use for metal work. The copper and fibre glass is soft enough that a gentle tap is all that's needed to leave the mark.

Generally a 1/32nd or 1/64th inch drill bit should be used but, I broke or lost the one I had years ago and use the finest routing bit that came with my dremel type tool.

Beyond being fairly mindless work, it is enjoyable and is actually quite relaxing.

All the parts are inserted into the PCB before starting to solder. Obviously the orientation of parts like IC's, diodes, and electrolytic capacitors is carefully double checked prior to soldering them in place.

I've set-up an inspection station that allows me a much better view of tight connections on my computer screen. That project is documented at the adjustable macro camera stand page.

Here are the boards to this state of completion, all thats left to do is the cabling harness. I haven't decided whether to use DB-9 or hardwire the motors directly to the controller.

I have the PC interface cable ready, but still have to throw together a basic DOS machine. I'd considered LINUX, but just don't have the enthusiasm to learn yet another OS (at least not just for this project)...

The Tech Reference page has a complete parts list, schematic and parts overlay for the circuit board. Though it may not seem like a whole lot, this portion has taken me a full day, as I had to scrounge a number of parts from other circuit boards and I'm severally out of practice in soldering, as it's been almost 20 years since I've had to do it every day for a living.

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