Greetings,
                  I am new to the field of metal fabrication & have a
question regarding the use of a CNC tool to punch/drill holes of
varying diameters in metal rackmount panels. While there seem to be a
number of tools out there that would accomplish this task I do not
wish to spend extra money on a tool that has more features than I
need. Specifically my requirements are as follows: to drill or punch
circular holes from .5 to 3 inches wide in 16 gauge steel as well as
11 & 16 gauge aluminum.  The machine should be capable of closely
spaced holes (generally about a 1/2 inch apart). The width of the
panels to be punched is 19" & the height of the panels will vary from
1-3/4" to 10-1/2".
As mentioned I am looking for the most cost effective tool for the job. 
Must have: CNC control
Would be nice: a head capable of holding drills/punches of varying
sizes therefore eliminating the need for retooling in projects
requiring holes of varying diameters - I will be using the same four
sized holes about 90% of the time.
The answer should have the following elements: Type of tool, price
range, manufacturers
Extra Credit ($10 tip) Provide links to dealers in the Washington
State area which currently stock this piece - Will consider buying a
used unit.
I should also point out that I am not interested in building my own unit.
Please don't hesitate to ask for further clarification.

Best regards,

gizmobl423

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Clarification of Question by gizmobl423-ga on 14 Apr 2006 18:16 PDT

Redfoxjumps,
                       thanks for your question. I've included a link
which showcases the desired product I would like to be able to
produce. Since I have posted this question it has become clear to me
that stating that I wanted to "punch holes" was probably incorrect. As
you can see from the link provided, the finished product contains a
wide variety of shapes. I'm not sure but I believe that the proper
tool for this job would be a laser or abrasive waterjet. As these
panels are made to order, production runs can vary from a single panel
to 300 identical panels. While many of the panels will be made of up
of similarly shaped cuts many can contain up to a dozen differing
sized cutouts. The layout for the panels will first be done in a CAD
program.
All specifications for the panels themselves can be found here:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/specs/96_001-1PNL.pdf
Here is an image of a finished rack panel loaded with connectors:
http://www.markertek.com/custom.asp

Best regards,

gizmobl423

Are all the holes round? square?  keyed?

Tolerances from one hole to another?  How thick are the panels min max

Quantity of each design run? (how many parts all the same)

A nibbler can handle a lot with a single tool, but it takes time.

300 part lots. Varied materials, varied thickness, tapped holes,
accuracy and tolerances fairly loose.

A used programmable Brigeport mill with a tapping head in someone
elses sheet metal shop is what I would reccomend. Say you own a 1/5 of
the machine and rights to use it one day a week. and program over the
weekend.

A series of carbide punches operated by cresent wrench should allow
you to do ones and twos and specials.

Don't buy a fancy machine the won't do the whole job.