Question for the CNCers out there
 

If someone came to your shop with the metal and the .dxf files in hand how much would you charge to mill a water block? Just to give you an idea of how complex a design. Basic rectangle block with a 3/4 x 2 inch channel with a array of 3x3mil fingers in the middle 3/4x3/4 inch. 2 mounting holes and 8 holes to attach the top. For the top it'd be basic rectangle block with 3 1/2 inch holes. 2 mounting holes and 8 holes to attach the top so I'll probably just use my drill press, then tap the holes. Also, should I drill the holes and cut the metal sheet to the shape I want before taking it to be milled?

Well basicly it costs $50/hour for most shops. depending on some stuff, sometimes setup can take 1-4hours, programming can sometimes take that long too.

Theres a lot of factors that can make the difference in how long it takes.

are you saying the stock is 3/4" thick?

Jon

Its about that but not quite just a best estimate. Its one of like 15 free sheets I have.
I'm not big on emachineshop.com. To have them make my blocks would cost me more than my motherboard, AMD 64 processor, and 1 gig memory.
It looks like I'll be doing it all by hand. Too much to do create the files, bring my own metal and have it cut, too much to do the emachineshop thing, too much time to pursue my hommade CNC idea. If I had a $500 - $1000 extra sittin around I would invest in a water system, I'd invest in better components.

what exactly are you looking for? I should be getting some new quick change tooling in today and may want to try it out on something complex;)
send me a pm
Jon