[RobotDoktor]

Start by sketching up what you want on paper. Make the outline of what you want in CAD. Make a cut-extrude pattern through the piece in what ever pattern you desire (we used hexagons). Make extrudes back into the part for the positions of your parts. If you ziptie your parts (saves weight) your holes don't need to be to precise. If you plan to bolt/rivet, make sure they are exact or very close. Once you're done with that, you should be able to export a drawing and get it cut.