draythomp:
What we're all missing is the ability to make our project look nice on a shelf, wall or dashboard. I think that's why many of us don't progress past the stage of, "Gee, look what I did!" to "Yes, I've got several of those around the house".
Well, except for those folks who have / are building CNC milling machines or 3D printers. I've been thinking on this topic a bit myself, and my solution will likely be either getting some assistance from a friend, or using a day pass at Club Workshop. Depending on where you live, there might be a local Maker group with similar facilities, or access to some assistance.
liudr:
I am going to use ponoko to do acrylic front panel like I did for this other project:
That looks promising, as long as you don't intend on working in stainless steel.