Clean straight cuts in the instrument panel

[SkyPirate]

Dorsal has an advantage in his location ..it's loaded with metal fabrication and machine shops .. I owned 2 shops north of his location back in the late 80's early 90's,..and some things that I couldn't do in a timely manner I sent to central and eastern Mass, or Vermont.
Wise choice Dorsal ^5,..for the minimal cost it's well worth it,..especially if you let the shop do the job as a fill in ( as a job that isn't on the red list,..and a fill in when they are waiting on other components etc to finish a another job)
I have done it by hand and got the scars to prove it too,..I opt for the easy way now

Chase

[DanB]

One thing I haven't heard anyone mention is water-jet cutting. From what I have seen, CNC water-jets make the cleanest cuts in metal that I know of. I made a panel in a composite class out of carbon fiber and I'm just cutting it myself with a dremmel and a mini diamond saw disc. It works great

[n85ae]

Flycutter with drill press, and a step drill. It's very simple.

Jeff

[Dorsal]

Almost all of my cuts will be rectangular save for one back-up airspeed indicator. for all the smaller holes I will use a step drill as suggested. I will post a picture of the panel when I get everything mounted in it.
Thanks for all the input

[darinh]

I agree with Dan...water jets make awesome cuts but they are a little harder to find than the laser. I also agree with Jon that a flywheel cutter works great to but I have to disagree with it being cheaper than the laser cutter. I bought a flywheel cutter for $12.95 (make sure it is for metal not wood) and then cut a bunch of holes in my first panel. The $12.95 is definitely cheaper than the $35 I paid for the laser cutting but when you consider the fact that it will take you at least 2-3 hours to cut and debur your instrument holes, drill the switch holes, and cut the rectangular holes for your stack the laser becomes much cheaper, unless you assume your time is worth nothing which I think is a terrible assumption. I would definitely talk with your local machine shops before you start cutting...you may find that the convenience and precision is well worth the money...I know I did.

[Dorsal]

Said I would post a picture so here it is, not as fancy as the one above but I think it will do. (still to be painted)

[DesertFox4]

Dorsal, very nice layout. Such beautiful panels you guys are turning out. Makes me want to start over again with an all new layout for my Model 4.
Since 2003 when I finished mine the available options have multiplied exponentially and what a great problem to have. Jeff and Dave, your panel is the more conventional layout and very attractively done and has an appeal to an "older" pilot like myself yet I can't help also be drawn to the minimalist looking and information rich glass panels like Dorsals and others as of late. Maybe interchangeable panels depending on the mood is the answer.
Either way it would be a joy to spend as much time behind either as possible. Argues for pulling the throttle back a little and extending the time between stops. Maybe a new feature is born. Instrument panel of the month. Keep up the great work guys and thanks for sharing the nice photos. It really is inspirational to those approaching their panel projects or still just in the dreaming stages.

[SkyPirate]

I could interject my envy,..and kick dirt because I haven't got my plane yet ..but rather then sit here with drool trails running down my chin and pouting ..I'll just say one word ..

SWEEEEET~!

Chase

[hermantibbs]

Dorsal,
VERY NICE panel.

[Slyfox]

Yes, very nice. You are going to love the 696. I have that in the RV. Once you figure out the buttons, you can do things very fast with it. I go out on occation and find private fields. This unit shows them all. If you get the weather, you will love that as well.