Control Panel Cut out

[scruffyjones48]

Im have no skill in the machine shop, no tools and a small budget and im looking for a quote to have some holes cut in a thin pieces of steel (lid from a computer enclose). I need to mount some surplus joysticks(4), switchs(20), segment LCDs(8), handles, ect. its about 10inches by 16inches. i would just try to wing it, but i would butcher it. im located in orlando, fl. you can email me at scruffyjones48 at hotmail

[Al_The_Man]

If all the holes are round, I would look at beg/borrow/rent a power hand drill and buy a couple of drill bits and a Uni-bit for the larger holes.
Also a hammer and centre punch.
The cost would be less than someone doing it, if you get stuck.
Al.

[scruffyjones48]

Ya i was hoping to have it look somewhat professional. thats why i hope to outsource the work.

[ckm]

Originally Posted by scruffyjones48 Im have no skill in the machine shop, no tools and a small budget and im looking for a quote to have some holes cut in a thin pieces of steel (lid from a computer enclose). I need to mount some surplus joysticks(4), switchs(20), segment LCDs(8), handles, ect. its about 10inches by 16inches. i would just try to wing it, but i would butcher it. im located in orlando, fl. you can email me at scruffyjones48 at hotmail

www.frontpanelexpress.com

www.protocase.com

Not terribly cheap, but the results are perfect.

HTH,

Chris.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by scruffyjones48 Ya i was hoping to have it look somewhat professional. thats why i hope to outsource the work.

Usually the the professional effect is on the panel overlay, (it can hide all kinds of blemishes )
If you have a CAD package, one method I use is to draw it up in CAD and get a local engraver to reverse engrave all the legends etc on common Lamacoid, this way you get a professional look fairly cheap, the reverse engrave technique allows muli-colour legends etc, and is cheaper than Lexan, which is usually reserved for quantity orders, rather than one-off.
Al.

[dahui]

If you can accept an acrylic face or wood face I can cut it with a CNC laser. Of course that can be painted and finished. I also have a CNC vinyl cutter for labeling.

I'm actually a professional product designer so if you can give me a sense of where you are going with this I could make suggestions regarding material and process. If you are interesed of course. Is this a one off or a prototype?

Also, it will be important to know if the holes are round or square since a true 90 degree corner i basically impossible for a CNC mill or router. Laser would be great but I doubt if you can find a high power machine to cut metal that will be cheap. Plasma is an option but I can't really say without knowing more details. Feel free to PM me.