For work I need to find a machine shop, ideally near to Ashford in Kent, who can do some relatively simple milling and drilling at a sensible cost.

The job comprises some 12 x 70 mild steel bars approx 1.2 metres long which need a slot milled across them and a number of tapped holes putting in which are on all faces.

At present we have a supplier who is doing the job on a sophisticated multi-axis CNC machining centre which make an excellent job but we're paying Aerospace prices.

Any suggestions?

John.

Do they need to be CNCed? If not machine time should be a lot less.

Just a thought.....

Jason

Not necessarily. The milling is very basic but there are a around 20 drilled and tapped holes which are on all 6 faces so without CNC they would either have to be marked out or jigged.

Years ago I worked with a company who had an 2-axis CNC mill / drill which had a simple 6 station turret and just point to point control (no contouring). This type of very basic machine would do the job OK but I'm not sure these exist any more.

If it's a regular job or a large batch i have used a place not to far from Northampton Brixworth Engineering Co. Ltd
I know they are not in Ashford but might improve your chances if you look further a field.

Hope this helps

Jason