Luthier CNC

[bluesking]

Cast plate cuts quite nicely with the appropriate blade if you keep it lubricated (WD40 works OK) - just take it steady. Provided your saw is rigid enough you can do quite good work if you spend the time to get it set up square.

I've gone through the design with a fine tooth comb and it seems there is only one plate where the dimensions are critical. If any of the other plates are cut a mil or two oversize it won't make any difference.

Also, costings show that I would pay more for uncut plate of adequate size than I would pay getting aluminium warehouse to cut everything for me.

I'll probably just go with the precut cast plate.

I've given up on a plate for the tabletop - aside from the weight - it'll cost rather a lot. A piece of well attached MDF will suffice I think.