Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
#11
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
as is mentioned above, you do not need to use a hole saw. In fact, I'd advise against it unless you can't find the round knock-out punches. The hole saws are really messy and have a tendency to wander as you drill.
Go to your local airport and find an aircraft mechanic that will give you a hand. Here's a link to Aircraft Spruce. Scroll down a little and you'll find them.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../knockout2.php
Go to your local airport and find an aircraft mechanic that will give you a hand. Here's a link to Aircraft Spruce. Scroll down a little and you'll find them.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../knockout2.php
#12
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Originally Posted by Crazyhorse
as is mentioned above, you do not need to use a hole saw. In fact, I'd advise against it unless you can't find the round knock-out punches. The hole saws are really messy and have a tendency to wander as you drill.
Go to your local airport and find an aircraft mechanic that will give you a hand. Here's a link to Aircraft Spruce. Scroll down a little and you'll find them.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../knockout2.php
Go to your local airport and find an aircraft mechanic that will give you a hand. Here's a link to Aircraft Spruce. Scroll down a little and you'll find them.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../knockout2.php
#13
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Reed, I don't profess to know everything like you, but having used these knock-out punches in the course of one of my hobbies, which happens to be flying and maintaining aircraft, I HAVE gotten quite familiar with these. They work.
#14
Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
I built my own dash and when I did I used a 2 1/8 holesaw. The hole is slightly oversized for the gauge and I made up the diference with rubber electrical tape. This allows you to keep the gauge body from touching the panel and you can get a nice snug fit.
#15
Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Originally Posted by Crazyhorse
Reed, I don't profess to know everything like you, but having used these knock-out punches in the course of one of my hobbies, which happens to be flying and maintaining aircraft, I HAVE gotten quite familiar with these. They work.
#16
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
I can make you a panel if you end up scrapping yours. Is this for your Formula? I have templates for just about every Formula panel along with all the other usual suspects, ei. Fountain, Cigar. Hustler, etc etc. Let me know, I can do Formula side panels for less than you'll pay for a panel punch, ALLOT less! Drilling seldom does a clean job on this type of panel, it leaves a raggedy edge.
Side panels run $100, punched, powder coated and laser etched. How many holes do you want?
Finn
510.541.8124
Side panels run $100, punched, powder coated and laser etched. How many holes do you want?
Finn
510.541.8124
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
F31, yes, they will. I prefer to use the hydraulic setup but the Greenfields will work. We use them occasionally to build instrument panels for the Van's RV-series aircraft.
How you been? Long time no see in the chatroom.
How you been? Long time no see in the chatroom.
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Originally Posted by Crazyhorse
Reed, I don't profess to know everything like you, but having used these knock-out punches in the course of one of my hobbies, which happens to be flying and maintaining aircraft, I HAVE gotten quite familiar with these. They work.
#19
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Originally Posted by formula31
Will they work on 1/8" aluminum 6061? I have a set of greenfields but I never figured they would go through anything that thick.
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Re: Best practic for cutting hole in aluminum dash for new gauges
Back to the holesaws:
Why would you guys want to use a 2" or a 2-1/8" holesaw to cut a hole for a 2-1/16 gage?
A good 2 inch holesaw cuts a 2 inch hole! Then you'll have to hog it. A 2-1/8" will cut too big of a hole.
Buy the 2-1/16 holesaw to cut the 2-1/16 hole.
You won't find it at Sears, but 2-1/16 holesaws are made by several companies.
Same story for a 2-5/8 inch.
DS
Why would you guys want to use a 2" or a 2-1/8" holesaw to cut a hole for a 2-1/16 gage?
A good 2 inch holesaw cuts a 2 inch hole! Then you'll have to hog it. A 2-1/8" will cut too big of a hole.
Buy the 2-1/16 holesaw to cut the 2-1/16 hole.
You won't find it at Sears, but 2-1/16 holesaws are made by several companies.
Same story for a 2-5/8 inch.
DS