I have a small machine shop in Saint Louis Park. If anyone has a project that needs some more machining horsepower than you have available at the Hack Factory, I'd be happy to help. No, not for free, but I try to keep my rates reasonable, and my favorite kind of customer is makers and inventors, so I'll work with you as much as I can.

I offer:
CNC machining on a Fadal VMC with a 40 by 20 by 24 work envelope
Turning on a Hardinge lathe (so small stuff)
TIG welding (Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Titanium, pretty much anything that will melt)

Shop Info:
Great River Machine Works
7600 W 27th #200
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426

952 303 6486
Website Machine Shop

Thanks for looking! Let me know if I can help your project!
-Fletcher

Fletcher,

Sounds like a great field trip destination

....and nice timing, I've been working with an inventor I meet through TC Maker, and he is finalizing a prototype tool and will be looking to have some small production runs made. ( probably 50 - 100 at a time) It's two small AL parts that need machining on 3 sides each. Shoot me a PM if that sounds interesting and I'll get you in touch with the inventor.

Do you offer tapping?
Would you be able / willing to cut matching plastic or acrylic covers?

(Thought about just sending a PM, but I figure this way people know that the classified forum can get results)

I'm the guy with the CNC Router at the HF, you are very kind in saying "more horsepower", I'd add speed, precision, and technical know how, to the list of machining deficits at the HF currently. Thanks for the post, it's great to hear from folks supporting the Maker community.

Pete

Good point, I'll do the same.

The Shopmaster DP-600 drill press at the Hack Factory needs a part machined. Not sure what it is called, but it holds the thrust bearing and the depth stop. You can see it here

http://owwm.com/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=7999

Looks like it has been replaced with a homemade version here

http://owwm.com/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=7809

Fletcher, I'll give you a call the next time I have it in hand.

@Pete- Well, I figured more power and a Z-axis might benefit some people's projects. I do have a bit of technical know how on machining, but you guys all have the desire to figure stuff out, which can take you pretty far, too!

As for cutting acrylic covers, I'll have to say... Probably. I'd have to see the part, but I can cut most anything as long as I can figure a way to hold it. I've cut ABS, PVC, Delrin, UHMW, and polypropelene before on a mill.

I'm happy to support the maker community. I really enjoy working on prototypes and short runs, because I get to spend time figuring stuff out a lot. And I really dig the maker vibe-- I feel like the ability to make and fix things is slipping away in the US, and that worries me. So I'm doing my little part to keep the inventive spirit alive.

I am not sure how often I'll be checking the forum or my PMs, but my phone number is above, or you can email me on fletcher@greatrivermachineworks.com

Thanks for the replies!
-Fletcher

If you mean the part just above the drill chuck, I could make that. Do you have dimensions or a drawing?

-Fletcher