I know it’s a long shot - but does anyone know someone who does small batch (5 pieces) cutting of alu checker plate?
3mm alu, either laser of waterjet - I don’t really care.
Trying to get a prototype made, and have emailed 3 places I found online.
Only one replied (Schlegel), to which I sent the .dxf files - and then, total radio silence.
I reckon it’s because I only need 5 pieces to start (working through parts for the rally car, I only need a small volume).
Anyhow - if anyone has a contact, it would be appreciated.
on the communes there are some ‘communal ateliers’ - some of them with very cool equipment, including some big machines…; you could check if in your commune you have one with a laser / water cutter.
if you have not already, you may want to consider smaller metal shops. Your job does not look complicated. They should be able to do it for you for a reasonable fee. You can probably even discuss the fee with them.
Alternatively, check with some internship placement organizations. They have younger interns doing their internships. One of these people may be able to help you out with such a small job, since they have access to equipment at their internship - while ‘companies’ may not be interested nor charge a reasonable price.
That is what I did when I had a metal aquarium custom built, because it was 3m x 1.5m x 0.8m. Wont go into details of transporting back to the residence …
Thanks to both responses No clue where to start on the local commune side, but I’ve emailed a few more places.
Ironically, the one place that DID reply is in China, and they are quoting to cut in China and ship them over (largest piece is 90 x 50cm, so I guess shippable).
Seems a bit crazy to get something like this from China, when it’s literally a 1-hr job …
it was the base of the aquarium. Gass aquarium sat on it. Aquarium that size, when filled with water, rocks and with it’s own weight would weigh around 4 T. A wood based frame was not suitable.
Where I lived in the UK, there was a machine shop which would do any job. Smaller jobs were paid with cash which went into the tea and biscuit money tin.
I remember getting lots of things done there for a pound or two when I was younger.
The funny thing is, I am at the point of actually considering doing it DIY. Bauhaus will cut rectangles, and then I would probably get away with a jigsaw (with a metal cutting blade) and a steady hand…
Would not look anywhere as refined as a laser cut, based on my CADs, but… in a worst case scenario, that would work.
And then you kan chuck everything in the bin because you have next to no chance to get a straight line with a jigsaw and a file. Metalbau apprentices practice for three years ro get a straight line becore shiwing their skills to the board.
Google your local Metalbau company and have it done there.
Straight lines are the easy part. You either use a guided jigsaw (with a straight edge that clamps on), or a circular saw (again with a guide).
The challenging part is getting the curves symmetrical - as it will look really weird if the curves on the left and right don’t align. Maybe created a wooden template that I can flip over and push the jigsaw against might work…
Apprentices need to do it “freehand” to show their skills. I don’t care about showing off my skills, I just need a new floor for my car!
No clue where to start on the local commune side, but I’ve emailed a few more places.