Newbie question: Laser or Wire EDM?

[Indian4Rider]

Hello. I'm a new member and almost completely ignorant of the CNC world. I couldn't find the 'Introduction Forum' so I'm doing that here!

I'm an amateur machinist mostly to keep my antique motorcycle on the road. I occasionally make parts in very limited numbers, 5 or 6, since the demand isn't exactly huge. I have exploited the free CAD software from emachineshop.com (in which I have no financial interest) to lay out gaskets and make templates, but I have never had them make a part for me.

I need to make a short run - 12 each - of two choke levers from .025" mild steel - A36 hot finish or similar. The pieces are somewhat intricate - at least by my standards. I have laid them out with the aforementioned CAD program, which I assume is proprietary; the file extension is .ems.

My question (finally): Laser or Wire EDM? The pieces both have a 'D' shaped hole that needs to be pierced. (Forgive me if I use incorrect terminology) The Laser Cut process is considerable less expensve than EDM and I, of course, want to keep my cost to a minimum.

I live outside of Charleston, WV, which is a 'tool poor' area. Unless it has something to do with chemicals or coal, we don't have it. I really don't have a cost-effective local option.

I appreciate any advice on this subject.

Jim

[MacGyver]

Have you considered waterjet?

[Indian4Rider]

From what I have read, I didn't think waterjet would give me good enough accuracy for the "D" hole, 7/32 dia with a 1/8" flat. Was I misinformed?

[MacGyver]

Information like that is nice to know BEFORE asking for suggestions...

[Karl_T]

The tolerances you need determine the answer. I'll guess maybe +/- .005" for laser I don't know for sure. Some may do better. My wire EDM does +/- .0002" easily. Part price will be 5X higher for EDM

Karl

[Indian4Rider]

MacGyver - sorry. I'm very new at this.

Jim