Aluminum panels

[Dico]

Hello,

Can someone please direct me to some companies that make the aluminum
(i think its aluminum) panels? Do you call these companies and tell
them what type of plane you have and there is a standard panel size...
then let them know what size holes you want? Or is this something that
you take the plane down and do an exact fitting? Any idea what one
pays just for the panel? (not any install)

Thanks,

-dr

[Jim Burns]

www.avion.com

YMMV, I've heard mixed reports.

Jim

"Dico" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hello,
>
> Can someone please direct me to some companies that make the aluminum
> (i think its aluminum) panels? Do you call these companies and tell
> them what type of plane you have and there is a standard panel size...
> then let them know what size holes you want? Or is this something that
> you take the plane down and do an exact fitting? Any idea what one
> pays just for the panel? (not any install)
>
> Thanks,
>
> -dr
>

[Orval Fairbairn]

In article . com>,
"Dico" > wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Can someone please direct me to some companies that make the aluminum
> (i think its aluminum) panels? Do you call these companies and tell
> them what type of plane you have and there is a standard panel size...
> then let them know what size holes you want? Or is this something that
> you take the plane down and do an exact fitting? Any idea what one
> pays just for the panel? (not any install)
>
> Thanks,
>
> -dr

You can make your own! All you need is:

1. The proper thickness of 2024 T-3 aluminum (.065 - .080)

2. A drill press at minimum RPM.

3. a fly cutter.

4. aluminum lubricant (available from machine shops.

5. A template for the mounting holes and cutouts.

[Dico]

That sounds almost too simple... we have #2, can get #4... where would
one find #1 and #5... and what is a #3? ;-)

Thanks!

[Montblack]

("Dico" wrote)
> That sounds almost too simple... we have #2, can get #4... where would
> one find #1 and #5... and what is a #3? ;-)


"No Substitutions Please."


Montblack

[Orval Fairbairn]

In article >,
"Montblack" > wrote:

> ("Dico" wrote)
> > That sounds almost too simple... we have #2, can get #4... where would
> > one find #1 and #5... and what is a #3? ;-)
>
>
> "No Substitutions Please."
>
>
> Montblack

#1: Look for places that sell aluminum.

Try Aircraft Spruce www.AircraftSpruce.com
or Airparts www.airpartsinc.com

#5 I believe that Aircraft Spruce sells these, too.

Just measure the distance between holes and make one!

Instruments come in either 2.500" or 3.125" face diameter, with mounting
holes spaced 90 degrees in a larger circle.

#3 is an adjustable hole maker that you can use to cut holes in material.

CAUTION! This thing must be run at the slowest speed your drill press
can operate! Material MUST be clamped!

[Jim Burns]

"Orval Fairbairn"
> CAUTION! This thing must be run at the slowest speed your drill press
> can operate! Material MUST be clamped!

Oh, you just tool ALL the fun out of it. :(

(seriously, the most dangerous tool in the shop can be a drill press... like
the PTO of a tractor, torque is incredibly unyielding. It doesn't care
whether or not you intended to stick your arm or your shirt into it, infact,
it will actively seek out any loose material or limbs. If you fail to
securely clamp your material and block it in the direction of rotation
against the mast as a "stop" you've just given it your full permission to
slice your belly open, grab your shirt, wrap it around your neck and
strangle you while you bleed to death.)

Jim

[Dan Luke]

"Jim Burns" wrote:

>If you fail to
> securely clamp your material and block it in the direction of rotation
> against the mast as a "stop" you've just given it your full permission to
> slice your belly open, grab your shirt, wrap it around your neck and
> strangle you while you bleed to death.)

....and then it will *really* hurt you!