Gerber to G-Code program recommendations and a couple other CNC q's

[cmuller0420]

I am just getting started at using a small CNC machine to do some PCB prototyping and was wondering what are some good options out there for converting gerber files to G-code to run in mach 3.

A couple other questions:

What can be used to simple/easy clamping methods on the table.  Will be adding a sheet of mdf or equivalent on top of the table surface to prevent damage to it, howeverI am curious what you are using..held down with screws on the edges or building a small jig to hold the pcb in....

Any info would be great!

 

[Timothytitus88]

Hey,

Double sided tape! The cutting forces for milling a PCB are low enough that double sided tap stuck to your MDF should be ample hold down.

That way you do not need to worry about your tool path colliding with any hold downs.

Cheers,

T