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Main => Builders Discussions => Topic started by: jackpilot on March 28, 2010, 10:18:02 AM

Title: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 28, 2010, 10:18:02 AM
I need two custom acrylic panels, boeing gray, no engraving, to fill the gap under my TQ levers.
Who will be the lucky one to make  it???
::)
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 28, 2010, 10:23:05 AM
Jack, I would be happy to make for you.   All I have is the white Acrylic though if that works for you.   I have 5.8mm.  It looks like you want to bend around the top?  If that is the case then I think I have just enough 3mm poly left that would work nice.   If is a little more flexable.  The paint I have is a good match and really tough stuff.    Do you need any holes drilled?  It is very easy to plot and drill them precisely on the cnc.

Anyway, only other thing may be shipping.    I can make the panels for you for nothing but not sure where you live or what shipping would cost.  I am just outside of Chicago.

Scott
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 28, 2010, 10:27:42 AM
Color is not an issue but I need 3mm thick to be even with rest (and I have to bend it)
Many Thanks anyway.
Jack
PS Iwould pay the costs of course
Shipping to NY12953
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 28, 2010, 10:32:50 AM
Can Poly be heat bent? I suppose yes.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 28, 2010, 10:38:44 AM
yes, that is what I used for around the top of the radio Pedestal.   Heated with a torch and it bent easily.   Holds it shape perfectly afterward.   

Only probably is that the paint might get ruined if it was painted first.    May be better to be bent first then painted.   Your lenth may have to be adusted slightly for the bend also.

Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 28, 2010, 11:09:26 AM
The length is already calculated for the bend.
I do not know anything about poly.
Painted acrylic panels bent quite well with a heat gun
see: http://www.cockpitbuilders.com/community/index.php?topic=640.0 (http://www.cockpitbuilders.com/community/index.php?topic=640.0)
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 28, 2010, 11:46:19 AM
well my guess is this would be fine.  The paint I use is a PPG auto interior paint that is sprayed on after using plastic adhesion promoter.   I will take a heat gun to a test peice and see if it works.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Boeing Skunk Works on March 29, 2010, 05:04:29 AM
Jack, if it were my project, I would make those individual pieces instead of a whole plate. Working a piece at a time it would be much easier to bend them with heat, and you can attach the rubber dustshields individually afterwards.

Just another idea I used.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 29, 2010, 06:21:43 AM
Hi Mike
Had that thought, ... it means more screw heads and less clean design.
But it remains a very valid option.
Thank you for the tip.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Boeing Skunk Works on March 29, 2010, 09:51:50 AM
I know yours is a hybrid design, but that's just what Boeing did with the earlier throttles. There are four countersunk screws holding each of the plates to the bulkheads.

I rather like it myself, but I like that old tech stuff.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 29, 2010, 02:35:53 PM
Well I will test the paint tonight for heat resistance and let you know how it works Jack and will confirm before cutting that you still want to go that route.   I probably will have to do this over next weekend if that is ok as I will be out of town on business Wed. and Thursday but happy to help out if I can.   

Scott
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 29, 2010, 04:56:33 PM
Well the heat from a heat gun held at around 1/2" for a good minute did not effect the paint at all.   This paint I use is really the stuff....

That said, the heat gun didnt seem like it had enough heat to allow the poly to break down and go limp for reforming.   When I did the piece for my pedestal I actually used a propane torch to heat up rapidly then bent.  That obviously would not be good on your actual throttle quad but could be done fine over a form.   

The other thing about the poly is at 3mm it is very bendable without even heating.  You could literally bend it over your top probabaly fine but would have to hold it down somehow at each end.

Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 29, 2010, 05:05:47 PM
Jack,

Just double checking that the bottom part is 3mm?
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 29, 2010, 06:47:26 PM
Make it 5mm (3 is too slim probably)
I will modify the idle stop position of my levers.
I tried to have maximum travel.
The second small panel will go over the back open end. The fact that it is removable allows sliding in /removing the main panel without disassembling the power levers.
If you do not mind trying It should be fine.
The 5mm end makes it vulnerable during shipping, has to be sandwiched between someting rigid.
No rush whatsoever , of course.
Thanks a ton.
JP
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 29, 2010, 08:05:32 PM
ok

I will make it 5mm.   No problem.  Have plenty of poly and this is a quick cut for the cnc.    I have some of my panels for my MIP to paint this weekend so will paint these at same time.   

Scott
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on March 30, 2010, 04:51:07 AM
super nice
Thanks Scott.

(https://www.cockpitbuilders.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi24.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc29%2Fjackpilot%2F16110912.gif&hash=84477554d9b981d866e0ef8d43b755829b5cd12c)

Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Trevor Hale on March 30, 2010, 07:00:32 AM
Hey Scott,  if you get a chance to take pictures of the various steps, I would love to see how you do this..

Trev
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 30, 2010, 12:09:09 PM
I can do that.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on March 30, 2010, 08:03:29 PM
Well, I got them cut.  I did one out of 3mm poly and also because I had recently got an aluminum cutting endmill and some 2.25 mm thick aluminum I decided to give that a go as well.   They both turned out nice.   The endmill I got for aluminum cut it like butter.   Very cool.    Anyway, I did a little video of the cnc process from artwork to cam to the cnc but wont have time to put it together and up until the weekend.    Jack, here is a little peak at the cover plates.    I will paint when I get back this weekend and they can be out the door to you on Monday (I will send both and that way you can try either).   The aluminum is pretty stiff stuff but I am sure it would be easy to bend on the curve you have and would definitely hold shape.

Regards,
Scott
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Bob Reed on March 31, 2010, 05:04:48 AM
Wow Scott.. Very very nice!
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Trevor Hale on April 01, 2010, 09:54:51 AM
Fantastic..  Looks great guys..  Awesome.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on April 01, 2010, 05:26:48 PM
Flabbergasting...( if that word exists and is correctly spelled)

Wahoooooooo!
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on April 13, 2010, 10:37:39 AM
GOT THEM....
They fit perfect..I think I will use the aluminum one..
Will report
Thanks a ton Scott!!!
Super work and nice help!
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on April 13, 2010, 02:00:24 PM
Great!

Glad they fit.   Yeah, my choice would have been the aluminum one also.  Sorry I didnt have the exact thickness but it should be close and easier to form.

Glad to help.  That is what this hobby is all about.

Scott
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on April 13, 2010, 04:28:33 PM
Thickness no prob...will now have to curve it gently...
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: matta757 on April 14, 2010, 08:26:39 AM
Hey Scott,

Those look AWESOME. I was just wondering what you would charge to do one for my 767 TQ? I can take the dimensions and everything and get it to you, if you would be willing?

Matt
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: XOrionFE on April 14, 2010, 08:43:50 AM
get me the dimensions and I need to see if I have the material.
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: Trevor Hale on April 14, 2010, 09:16:38 AM
I want to see pictures when you got it done Jack..  Great stuff...

Trev
Title: Re: Big contract
Post by: jackpilot on April 14, 2010, 02:04:32 PM
I sure will, as a tribute to all those who supported the project ...and were kind enough to comment my little pictures.
For the time being it is back to zillion parts for painting.
Next I'll put it back together (actually easy because of the modular construction) , Thighten everything and, only after that, ...show it off...lol
Cheers Guys