Sources of affordable CNC machining?

Lately I keep bumping against the need to have various little parts machined for me, such as aluminum discs of a specific diameter, or threaded inserts meant to fill a gap between a housing and a Kroll switch, and more.

I'm not at all familiar with the CNC scene, so please pardon my ignorance, but where are good places to get things like this made? Also, how do they charge for the work... is it some sort of setup fee plus cost per piece, or time and materials, or what?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

http://www.emachineshop.com Do I should like a broken record yet? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It's an online machine shop where you download their drawing program, design your part, get an instant quote, and then place an order. I used them for my 4AA - D battery adapters. Worked out really well.

For CNC work, I think you may find the cost prohibitive for small runs. For 25 or more, though, prices are very resonable per part.

If you need stuff done on a lathe, just post in b/s/t. Losts of members can make you one off parts for a resonable fee.

You also might try here:

http://www.dctechs.com/

no experience with him, though.

Affordable CNC Machines are an "Oxy-Moron". CNC Machines are very precise parts that are repeatable because most of the human element is taken out. You would be better off with a $1k to $3K lathe and a good pair of calipers. If you planned to make a lot of parts and sell them then a CNC would be the ticket for you. I have seen small 12" lathes for as low as $400 but "you get what you pay for".