On Tuesday 07 August 2012 02:32:47 cogoman did opine:

> On 08/06/2012 09:49 PM, Jon Elson wrote:
> > I make my own stencils for these.  It is kind of a pain, but I'm
> > CHEAP!
> 
> How about the cheapest CNC to build, an XY plotter like this:
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyLPpGdfR7s

That seems to be pretty sloppy, with pen tilt being a major problem.  In 
addition to that, a 3rd tension pulling down would reduce the positioning 
errors from the sag in the upper support lines.  Ok for crayon on the wall 
art, but obviously very slow.
 
> but with the laser from an old DVD burner for the pen.  You could
> produce plotter output files and convert them to G-code, and then cut
> them out of thin plastic (just shield your eyes while it runs, or box it
> in.

Could one use the resultant laser cut stencil as if it was a silk screen to 
apply the solder paste?

If so, that would certainly cut large hunks of time out of the process once 
the stencil was made.  However, having the paste exposed to the air while 
on the stencil would make me want to figure out a way to flood the area 
with GN2 to slow the oxidation that would occur while doing the time 
consuming pick-n-place, and on to the reflow oven.  All of that should be 
in an oxygen free atmosphere to preserve the solder ability.  Quality wise 
there probably would be a better flooding gas than GN2, but GN2 is 
relatively cheap.


>    Getting the tool set in line would take some time, but once you get
> the hang of it, it would save time in the long run.
> 


Cheers, Gene
-- 
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
 soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author)
My web page: <http://coyoteden.dyndns-free.com:85/gene> is up!
I've finally learned what "upward compatible" means.  It means we get to
keep all our old mistakes.
                -- Dennie van Tassel

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