Tom,
        We use a variable speed Dremel tool for trace rework and a small
variable speed drill press for driiling out holes, with the particular
bits called out by the process sheet . The work is only performed by
trained repair/rework personnel and I can honestly say I have never seen
a single problem due to this process. A good example of K.I.S.S.

Regards, Steve Tucker
>----------
>From:  Thomas Phelps[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent:  Thursday, August 07, 1997 9:11 AM
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject:       [TECHNET] Etch cuts and drilling of finished raw boards
>
>I am in the process of evaluating equipment that could be used to meet our
>current raw board
>ECO needs (the cutting of surface traces and the drilling out of plated
>barrells).  The ECO work needs to
>be done on the raw board at our facility (we only load PCBs).  There does
>not appear
>to be an off the shelf machine that was designed specifically for these
>needs.  It appears as though we
>would need to modify a drilling machine or modify an adhesive dispenser to
>meet our needs.  We are
>concerned about depth control in the z direction and require vision for
>"bomb sight" programming.
>
>Questions:
>
>First of all, is anyone performing this type of rework on finished raw
>boards?
>
>If so, what methods are you using for etch cutting and the drilling of
>plated barrells?
>
>If your process is automated, what type of equipment are you using?
>
>Is the equipment an off the shelf item or is it customized?
>
>
>Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>Tom Phelps
>Teradyne
>(617) 422-3031
>