Bachelor pad project construction quandry...

[Stuka]

So here's the deal -

As some of you already know, in my "new life", post-Uncle Sam, I basically live & work in two towns, several hours apart. I have relocated my "laser operations" to my "bachelor pad" location, although due to space restrictions of a one-bedroom apartment, most of the shop tools are still - well, in the shop back home, where they belong!! (Also, on my RGB rig, I had access to a government-supplied sheet metal shop to assist - kindof lost that connection when I retired...)

Anyway, in an attempt to keep Gottaluvlasers from repossessing Jolly Green due to lack of use (), I'm trying to get a case built in time for SELEM, but definitely need some tools. It looks like my biggest challenge is going to be making all the various cutouts needed in the 1/8" aluminum endplates.

Does enyone have any suggestions on a fairly inexpensive, one bedroom apartment-friendly power tool that would be suitable for the task? I was thinking Harbor Freight-quality, not top end pro stuff!! I know I could dremel - but that sounds like an incredibly long, drawn-out, frustrating way to handle it!!

Thanks in advance!!

Randy

[allthatwhichis]

I got a heavy as case I can sell you so you don't have to go through all that cutting and shitte... LT1000 (sp?) clone that I know you have seen at least twice in person. You going to attend FLEM 7?

[Laserman532]

Kill the neighbor, hide the body, knock a hole in the wall, build machine shop...problem solved. Lasers First

[Stuka]

I got a heavy as case I can sell you so you don't have to go through all that cutting and shitte... LT1000 (sp?) clone that I know you have seen at least twice in person. You going to attend FLEM 7?

Thanks for the offer - but I've already got a nice compact case to use - I just need to do a bit of "whittlin'" on it!!

It looks like my next meet will be SELEM - unless somebody decides to host one in Knoxville or Huntsville sometime prior...

[Stuka]

Kill the neighbor, hide the body, knock a hole in the wall, build machine shop...problem solved. Lasers First

Hmmm...

[Stuka]

Anyone have any success using end-mill bits with a cheap drill press to do something like I need?

[Doc]

Anyone have any success using end-mill bits with a cheap drill press to do something like I need?

Most drills don't have bearings that like lateral forces.

A step drill, jigsaw and a few files can make a pretty neet job, quicker than you'd imagine.

[daedal]

I think this ought to do the job...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93012

I would think this can even handle a 1/2" thick metal with the right blade, speed, and force...

--DDL

[Stuka]

I think this ought to do the job...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93012

I would think this can even handle a 1/2" thick metal with the right blade, speed, and force...

--DDL

That might even be better than removing the neighbors & building a machine shop in their apartment (well, CHEAPER, no doubt)!!

[DZ]

unless somebody decides to host one in Knoxville or Huntsville sometime prior...

Sweet, FLEM VIII in 2 weeks in Knoxville!

A bunch of files and elbow grease seems to work pretty good. My projector was made on a table saw, cheapo drill press, and lots of files!.