For you metal fab types out there, Custom work cheap? Options

[mercdev]

What is the process involved for having custom work done? I've seen some of you have brackets and other items custom cut and am curious. Any recommendations on shops?

[machina]

If you really want it cheap, do it yourself.

I made several brackets large and small with nothing more than a drill press and a jigsaw.

[Engman]

If you walk in off the street = probably not cheap. It really depends upon what you want made and the material involved. I work for the largest fabricator in my area. Program and setup time for each part can be costly depending upon the complexity.
What are you wanting to make?

M

[machina]

I can't make stuff like Mark, in fact I bought one of his pedal boards. But for other stuff I just got some small gauge aluminum so it would be easy to work with and laid it out on CAD. Its also easy to bend in a vice, like a mini break.

My stuff came out OK, looks good from afar but afar from good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

[Engman]

I can't make stuff like Mark, in fact I bought one of his pedal boards. But for other stuff I just got some small gauge aluminum so it would be easy to work with and laid it out on CAD. Its also easy to bend in a vice, like a mini break.

My stuff came out OK, looks good from afar but afar from good.  

I would not say that - your brackets look pretty nice! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

If you take your time, use the right tools almost anyone can do the lighter gauge stuff at home.

Nice job on your brackets!

M

[BIGKAT_83]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Great work those look GREAT.

Bob

[scruz914]

I can't make stuff like Mark, in fact I bought one of his pedal boards. But for other stuff I just got some small gauge aluminum so it would be easy to work with and laid it out on CAD. Its also easy to bend in a vice, like a mini break.

My stuff came out OK, looks good from afar but afar from good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

Those brackets look nice.

My dream is to have a CNC machine to carve out all of my ideas. Doubt that will ever happen. I tend to have a heavy handed approach to making my own stuff out of metal and my results end up functional but rough. I have all of the tools I need for wood based projects so if what I need can be made out of Delrin, Nylon, etc. I have no problems. I do envy guys like Mark.

-Jeff

[ppickerell]

Tell me more, I have a playground of equipment and am sometimes bored. Latest 914club project? Laser cutting abalone shell for a 914 person's guitar inlay.

[RON S.]

My process for custom pieces on my is simple.
I do it myself.
1.) I get an idea,deisgn it on cad,and laser a part.
2.) Part almost never works on the first go around,so it's back to the cad design to alter,and cut again.
3.) Third time is usually the charm,then send parts to powdercoater for finish,and move to another idea.
I'd have to say,that being a walkin to a fab shop could get expensive to take an idea,and move it to reality.
Some of us just are lucky to work in fabshop,and have all these neat toys to play with.
My last custom job was this 964 based hydraulic clutch setup and custom made pedal-board.All done,now when I have some open time on my laser the pedalboard will be cut from titanium.
Pic is old,but everything is fully functional,and in safe working order.
Ron

[machina]

My process for custom pieces on my is simple.
I do it myself

that is awsome ron,

just wondering if your left foot gets hot?

[RON S.]

that is awsome ron,

just wondering if your left foot gets hot?

I'll let ya know,when I can finally fire the 3.6 up.
In the meantime I'm gonna fab up a cover to eventually hide those lines.
R

[machina]

I'll let ya know,when I can finally fire the 3.6 up

I have some nomex socks you can borrow.