Hello All,
Thanks for the feedback. First off let me answer your responses.
Zumba: I was looking at the Tormach, I have ordered some DVDs.
Pres: I have modified my design such that the 1/2" plate does not need milling. I'm going to build a simple box like housing for the internals and drop that into an 18ga stainless enclosure. You are right, at this point I'm looking at a CNC plasma cutter instead of a mill.
StealthDumpKits: We did some testing at 50yds with a 300 win mag. We are not only concerned about penetration, but enough denting that could shatter the lens and the 300 did do that to thinner material. Lenses are 15k each. We feel it would be better to be safe than sorry
So.. as I said previously, I've been looking at a CNC plasma cutter. More specifically I've been looking at Torchmate and Dynatorch. I do have a couple of questions now about that.
1. When stainless is cut with a plasma cutter, does it cause any discoloration in the metal?
2. Can the stainless be finished somehow after cutting this way?
3. I was looking at the Hypertherm 1250 for a cutter. Could anyone comment on it as being a reasonable choice?
My equipment list at this point consists of:
CNC plasma cutter
48" Box/Pan Brake
Drill Press
Tap and Die set
Bench Grinder
Various handtools
Thanks again for your time and interest,
-S