Those ones in the first pics were made using tin snips and look great.

My job is the same. I work from home and the more work I do the more money I make. Generally I do a bit more than what I am expected but not much. I am not someone who can spend my whole life working :)

I just don't see my time as you see yours. I can't put a price on it. If I did think that way, there would be so many things I would never do.

I enjoy the DIY projects and find them rewarding. Many times when it is all said and done even without a price tag on labour they may not be that finacially rewarding. I enjoy the problem solving and the tinkering. I have two kids and try to include them in the projects as much as possible. When things come together and they work I think it can be a valuable lesson in physics, biology, electricity, and even life. Even if I break even on a project I sometimes take solace in the fact that the quality of many of the components are better than those found in pre-assembled products.

I only meant if *I* had to use tin snips it would look like cat barf. There's always a slight warp introduced into the aluminum everytime I squeeze down. Actually even the ones you pictured I can see that in it too, although it's pretty minor. I guess it's not reason in itself not to do the project but I was just saying if it was me, I'd prefer a press for the cuts over tin snips. It can't be THAT hard to find access to a press .. I bet most machine shops would be able to do it if you provided the metal and the measurements.. having said that it's not something I'd ever look into. For me, I wouldn't do this project but I actually meant I understand why you might want to do the project. It's all good.

Delphinus,
Do you mean, use snips then press the edge flat or use a shear? Just trying to clarify is all.

A shear would only be useful for the outside edges. Any cut outs would have to be done by hand and because of the design even a notcher would be of limited use. If one was really good they could be made with a zip disk, some kind of backer and deburring tool... but you'd have WAY more patience than I. ;) If it was a job at the shop, for sure! For home DIY... snips would be good enough for *me* :).

So far as getting a shop to do it, I don't know what going rate out there is but I get charged out at $95/hour for fab work... (and that's cheap, the shop down the road charges $120/h) Assuming the fab is a one of (or a small number anyway), a store bought one would look dirt cheap after that bill! ;) Honestly the only way I could see these being produced cheaply is by hand (diy) or mass production with a Punch Press. Lol! I seem to be fresh out of those... Anyone got one sitting in a corner of their garage? Maybe with the right die's sitting around too? ;) j/k

Chris

Time is of the essence, but ius it really, when it comes to hobbies? SOme people, like me, acctually LIKE building things. I sometimes(alot of times through errors) end up paying MORE to build it myself. But, I got the satisfaction, and knowledge that you can't get from just opening up a box.


Like my Business slogan, "Because custom does not come in a box

$95 per hour huh. Ok tin snips it is!

Cheers! lol.

The worst part is I have access to the machines for home projects... I just never have the time to do them and I would have to punch out... At that point yes, yes my time is worth something... ;)

Chris

Just make one, and let us know if it worth it.

Hi,
Have you tried a HydroPonic(speling?) outlet I was told they might have sheets if reflective materials.
JIm