I'm considering giving NINA yet another refit--I feel this robot's getting closer to a design that is much more efficient. NINA will probably be on display at the local autism conference where she will demonstrate the idea of social machines (both robotic and animated computer characters for those cases on the autism spectrum with sensory issues such as with whirling servos).
Some of the pieces I'm considering machining for NINA will be nicer-looking. I'm through with rough-finished, pointed or misaligned edges and bends. I want NINA to look her best and have an efficient design.
Take the attached image of the bracket I need, for instance: I want it to be made of 1/8th inch of aluminum sheet metal with two bends and rounded corners. Now, I don't think a band saw will be efficient for a job like this, so I'm thinking of investing in another tool that can help me make cuts like these and others I have in mind for NINA's new refit. I'm just not sure what will do the job to cut out the shape. A dremel perhaps? Or maybe a lathe? I know nothing about lathes, but I'm willing to learn.
And now that I've downloaded eMachine shop, I can print out the pieces I need at actual size for better shape-accuracy on my part (I'd order these parts through eMachine shop, but its $18.50 a piece and I need 8 of them AND I have lots of other parts needed for this refit, plus I'm on a budget since I bought my new animation software. I'd rather just invest in new tools and do the job myself. That way I'll also be prepared for future machining savings and a new learning experience).
Anyone have any suggestions on what machine would suit this piece best? A dremel? A Lathe?