Instrument Panel Planning

[U2fletch]

Just a data point for reference. SendCutSend cut my panel for $40. Just sent them the CAD file and it showed up with all holes and bends in a week.

Panel.jpg

[FFTravism]

SentCutSend is a game changer and does top quality work at a fraction of the price of others.
Panel looks good.

[N204jh]

Jeff, can you elaborate how you used SendCutSend to do your panel for $40? Was it as simple as sending a dxf file, specifying the grade and thickness of aluminum, and it shows up on your door step? Would you be open to sharing your dxf file?

thanks!

[U2fletch]

That is exactly how it works. I used a dxf file that Virgil gave me as a starting point, then used Fusion 360 to design everything with CAD models downloaded from Garmin. Then sent SendCutSend the .step file of the panel.

[U2fletch]

N204jh here is the file used...
I also designed some custom brackets that combine the G3X frames with some rails to attach the center stack avionics rack. They did the two frames, and the panel for $140 with shipping.

[Untainted123]

Why stp instead of dwg? Does sendcutsend do more than just “flat” cutouts (besides offering bend service)?

[U2fletch]

SendCutSend can accept a number of vector formats. I use .stp files to send to my slicer so that is my default export format from Fusion360.

[N204jh]

Thank you! John

[alaskabearhawk]

I looked through my files and all I have is an XPN file from the XPanel software program. I don't know if this is helpful or not.

Capture1.jpg

[Untainted123]

I need the dwg of the 4-place panel as a starting place. I have been using Front Panel Designer (free, not aviation specific) with some success, but it can be limiting for some things, so I have started teaching myself Librecad to escape the walled garden. I have a hobby CNC that works well for wood cutouts and engraving, but I am not having success with aluminum on it. I use it for rough prototypes in thin sheets of mdf before committing a design.