[sdiy] PCB fab house to make synth panel?

[Adam Schabtach]

> All these tools are perfect for getting a custom synth panel 
> made. Why don't they offer the same services for small 
> aluminum panels? You could do the layout in a pcb program and 
> submit gerber files so that all they have to do is slip in an 
> aluminum panel instead of a board.

I don't know much about CNC machines, but I would guess that different bits
are needed for machining aluminum rather than machining PCB stock. PC boards
are drilled with teeny holes, mostly; panels are drilled with large holes
(or small bits are used to cut large holes). So it would be more than just a
matter of changing materials. 
 
> Maybe this service already exists somewhere?

I assume you've heard of Schaeffer/Front Panel Express?

--Adam