Any suggestions how I could cut a pocket in the aluminium end plate? I currently only have hand tools, a pillar drill, small lathe, trim router, circular and jig saw, no cnc or mill.
Have a look through Joes vids his machine is completely build with a few tools and a hand held router

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22cC...-dWEjqhAPJw0Bz