[ale] [OT] Aluminum, Steel or Plastic fabrication for hobbyists?

[Jim Philips]

On Sunday 28 November 2004 08:28 pm, Christopher Bergeron wrote:
> Guys - Do any of you know much about fabricating hobby projects?
> Specifically, I was wondering if there are any places I can go to learn
> about making plastic molds (hobbyist grade), or machining sheet
> metal/aluminum.
>
> Are there classes I could take at the local Uni to learn these
> techniques?  Are there local vendors that will allow me to use their
> tools for a small fee?
>
> Basically, I'm trying to make a part made of plastic, and an aluminum
> (or steel) housing.
>
> I'm trying emachineshop.com right now, but they don't seem to have
> "laser-cut" available for aluminum/steel plates.
>
> Does anyone here have any fabrication experience?  Can anyone give me
> any tips / pointers?
>
> Thanks in advance!
> -CB

A friend of mine went through this with his business down in Jacksonville. 
After checking into all the ways they could do it themselves, they outsourced 
fabrication to a factory in China. They make plastic and vinyl parts for 
customizing motorcycles.