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It finally arrived! I have been working on the panel layout with paper instruments, drawing it on the panel, and over at Rob's house using his AutoCAD program for three months now. Rob had his panel cut by a local tool & dye shop, and I decided at that point that I would do the same.

So, here's the series of pics straight from my log...

The machine.


Planning the cut route. (That's Brandon, who's family owns the shop)


The beginning.


Almost done.


Done.


The whole cutting process took all of three minutes! It even made PERFECTLY located screw holes!

My dad holding the finished product.


And back home, I just HAD to throw some goodies in the panel to check the fit! PERFECT!!


I HIGHLY recommend this method of cutting if it's available!!

Chad-

WOW! That's about all I can say about how great your panel turned out! If you don't mind me asking, how much did the water cutting job set you back? Also, do you have an autocad template of the panel by itself??

WOW!

I think I still have the blank panel file. If I don't have it, Rob does. It's a .dwg or .dxf file that I could email you.

You won't believe me when I tell you that this only cost me $50... I KNOW!! That's what I said! They make some good money on BIG cutting jobs, and this is just a simple 5 minute job. Still $50 for 5 minutes is pretty good money for them, and a GREAT deal for me!

Chad-

Double WOW - $50! That's worth it in time alone of cutting your own panel. If you wouldn't mind emailing me over the blank panel, it would be most appreciated!

Count me in if you are emailing the blank panel file... It really looks great Chad.

I'll get the file off my computer at home, or from Rob over the weekend, and send it over to you guys.

One thing though...it is tip up specific...

The files for the panels are available for download right off Van's site. Just click the downloads link on the main page.

Brantel wrote:The files for the panels are available for download right off Van's site. Just click the downloads link on the main page.

Brian-

Thanks! I can't believe Van's gave those away without tacking on some sort of a handling fee!

Here's the direct link: http://vansaircraft.com/public/downloads.htm

HA! I didn't even know that! I got the file from Rob (I think), and just assumed they were being passed around builder to builder. Boy...that Van's site has more info that I thought!

Fantastic!!! Im jealous

That sure is the way to go, thanks for that Chad.

That really looks nice! I need to redo my RV-4 panel. This might just be the ticket.

Nice panel and the price is really cheap. I spent several days laying out my panel in some wood 1/4" paneling. Then I carefully replicated it on the real panel. Three minutes and $50 would have been a bargin! I suspect many communities have places where you could get this done.

Looks awesome, Chad!

by the way folks, I am working on securing the money to purchase a 5x10' CNC plasma cutter; similar to the machine above but plasma instead of water jet. If you guys ever need anything custom cut, let me know and I can help you out! I should have the machine by the end of the year.

Chad -

I really like it!!
You're going to have an awesome plane when you're done!!
Keep up the great work (and postin' them pics)...

Lorin D
RV-9A (Wings SB)
(N194LD reserved)

I have heard that water jet cutting is better/cleaner than plasma cutting for aluminum panels.. I think something about the plasma overspray pitting the aluminum ?

water jet probably is better for panels. I'll see how well it works when the machine comes in... but for heavier stuff, the plasma will be ideal.

I've seen a water jet cutter cut some pretty thick aluminum.
I think the plasma cutter would be better suited to cutting steel or other hardened metals.

Do you own a machine shop ?

my A&P buddy and I are starting a machine shop. We're actually intending to make RV exhausts before too terribly long... more on that later!

That same water jet cutter above, cut these wheel-like things made from 5 inch thich STAINLESS STEEL!!!! He showed me a sample, and I was SHOCKED! Pretty powerful stuff!

I'd love to see what a plasma cutter would do!