And now some serious work.
I use a carbide bit, a Dremmel and a router attachment to cut the carters.
It would be easier to do with a more powerful real router. But it would also be easier to do quick irreversible damage. The Dremmel only removes a fraction of a millimeter on each pass. So it is harder to pull a woopsy. It takes about one hour to do the small carter and about two hours to do the big carter.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/thegreatescape/misc/router.jpg
It is very important to solidly secure the carter to the counter (screws). To guide. I use an stencil made with water proof paper (foto paper). I also use lots of grease. Thus the bit cuts better, does not clog with aluminum and the shrapnel won't fly all over the workshop.
Before
http://www3.sympatico.ca/thegreatescape/misc/before.jpg
After plus stencil.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/thegreatescape/misc/after.jpg
It is easier for the bit, the Dremmel, and the operator (me). To do the big carter in two shots. (half depth first, full depth after).
Cut to half depth. Just another hour of grinding to go...
http://www3.sympatico.ca/thegreatescape/misc/bigcarter.jpg
Cutting the carters with a Dremmel is a long, tedious job that requires lots of concentration. To any one attempting it. I strongly advice to spread the job over a couple of days. Or you'll get tired, loose patience, and do costly mistakes.
Juan