Concerning the cutting of gaskets and such, laser machines would seem
to me to be too expensive [to purchase] for a one-time use.  Let me
relate my experience with a local sign maker.

After talking to the sign maker recently because I needed to engrave
some of my blank organ stop tabs, he told me that he uses a laser
engraver to do that.  Being from the old school of rotary engraving,
I was amazed.  He also said that he can cut out any shape in acrylic
as long as I provide a drawing of the outline.

Needing stop tabs for a special project, I asked him to make me a
sample.  I was amazed at the results.  Nice clean edges, perfect shape.
Acrylic can be cut but vinyl gives the laser a problem.  But they do
have numerical control machines with rolling cutting wheels that are
made for cutting vinyl lettering.

Perhaps the MMDer wanting to make gaskets can go to his local sign maker
and find out if he has a laser cutting machine and if he can cut the
gasket material.  I would be interested in knowing also if felt can be
cut as well.

Andy LaTorre