Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jan 11, 2008 05:24pm | #1

   A pin router would certainly work.  It's the predecessor to the CNC router. Lots on inexpensive small CNC units out there but I would see about having them outsorced and focus on marketing them. Laser is another  option.  You  could engrave designs as well.

1. 
   teton | Jan 11, 2008 05:28pm | #3

   Thanks you the info... I thought about a cnc. could be market for one here. Do you have any cnc machines in mind.

1. 
   RickL | Jan 11, 2008 06:25pm | #5

   Shop-bot, Techno Isel, are a couple.  Do a google  search for CNC forums. Sawmill Creek has a  cnc forum as well as http://www.woodweb.com  Should be ads in the hobby mags as well.  http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/18691.html?1172795524

   http://www.routerforums.com/cnc-routing/6497-cnc-router-machine.html

2. 
   USANigel | Jan 11, 2008 05:27pm | #2

   Look at the order your making each process in. Ie when you cut the hole for the switch, or socket, drill the holes for the screws, cutting the outer edge etc. The right order can speed things up.

3. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Jan 11, 2008 05:30pm | #4

   I saw a post just this week on another wwing forum on just this subject. The poster had made some router jigs to make the plates. I'm sorry that I don't remember which forum it was on. If I see it again I'll post the information on this thread.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 11, 2008 08:11pm | #7

   Might you  be thinking about the outlet covers posted by Little Bear on WWA:http://www.woodworking.org/InfoExchange/viewtopic.php?t=18867

   I think I would try doing the big rectangular holes differently, for instance drill undersized with Forstner and then finish off with router bit and template.  Anything that involves using a scroll saw is going to take way too long for multiples.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jan 11, 2008 08:21pm | #8

   FG, that's pretty cool, but you can buy these things for about three bucks apiece, IIRC. Seems like a lot of work to save only a small amount.

   And the ones you buy have a metal sheet on the inside -- I assume that's required for safety purposes (otherwise, they wouldn't bother to put it on there and spend the extra penny), but ????

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Jan 11, 2008 10:05pm | #10

   FG, that's pretty cool, but you can buy these things for about three bucks apiece, IIRC. Seems like a lot of work to save only a small amount.

   While that may true, often the plates in the stores are only in maple or oak. Someone may want them in a different wood. I have some oak plates at home, but I have to say that there was no thought to things like grain selection when they were made. That's something that could be done with "custom" plates.

2. 
   forestgirl | Jan 12, 2008 06:18am | #12

   Mike, I was simply responding to the O.P.   I don't make these myself.  If I did (switch plates, not outlet covers) they would fancy, themed things, something I could charge money for. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Jan 11, 2008 10:00pm | #9

   Might you  be thinking about the outlet covers posted by Little Bear on WWA:http://www.woodworking.org/InfoExchange/viewtopic.php?t=18867

   Yep, that's the one. Thanks.

4. 
   saschafer | Jan 11, 2008 06:27pm | #6

   What kind of quantities are you talking about? The "right" answer depends on whether you're making 100 per year or 100 per day.

   -Steve

    

5. 
   oldbeachbum | Jan 12, 2008 01:25am | #11

   stacking your cut to size stock in multiples (6,8,10, etc.), drill through stack for mounting holes, bench mortiser set up to cut your "square holes" through the stack.....???????

   this way you can use many ( different) species at once and do your punch outs at the same time.

   ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it.  -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!