Chassis fab

[fossilshark]

Hi all, sorry if this question has been asked before. I recently aquired an old school sheet metal brake bender and hefty drill press. I am only trying to figure out now how to cut the patterns for chassis.

For best results would a laser cutter be ideal? Does anyone have any recommendations under $2k?

What do you all do as a solution for this issue?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[j-b-c]

how to cut the patterns 

Be sure to leave enough space for the bends.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bending_(metalworking)#K-factor

Lots of suppliers will laser cut flat sheet.

Practically all CAD programs will have settings for the K-factor of the sheet material.

[acheld]

For best results would a laser cutter be ideal? Does anyone have any recommendations under $2k?

I think it depends on your projected volume, what you're trying to accomplish, how much space and power you have, etc.   

I normally use 14ga aluminum plate for my chassis builds -- just use my wood tools (with carbide blades/bits) to make cuts, and lots of lube, with good enough precision.

If I was going to spend a chunk of cash, I'd pony up for a Shaper Origin -- lots of different uses for that.   So far, hard for me to justify the expense.

Doug's got a lot of experience with CNC machining.  I'd be interested in his take on the question.