Making a new 737 MIP from MDF or something better?

Ok, so it's time to make a new MIP panel for my captains side only 737 pit.

The original was made from 16 mm MDF, and while this is ok for the actual structure, it's a little too thick for the instrument panel.

What thickness of MDF should i use? Or does anyone have a better material i can use, bearing in mind i will be using a circular saw and jigsaw only to make it?

Thanks for the help guy's.

Regards
Ben

I would recomend you made a back suport frame out of pine or something like that, mdf thinner then 12mm becomes very bendy, with this frame for support you can use 5mm ply with no problems.

Tjena Ben!

I also used 16mm for my first try building my captains side mip,but dismanteld the whole
thing when i decided to build both captain and first officer.

Started my new project a few weeks ago and this time i
used a board called "perstorps skiva" 4mm thick...i think.
Its extremly hardwearing and vey good surface to paint on and
a good substitute instead of aluminium.

Ha det gött.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lenne

Tjena Ben!

I also used 16mm for my first try building my captains side mip,but dismanteld the whole
thing when i decided to build both captain and first officer.

Started my new project a few weeks ago and this time i
used a board called "perstorps skiva" 4mm thick...i think.
Its extremly hardwearing and vey good surface to paint on and
a good substitute instead of aluminium.

Ha det gött.

---

Tjena Lenne,

Thanks for the quick reply.

The "perstorps skiva" 4 mm sounds perfect for the MIP. How did you cut it out? Did you just use a jigsaw or something better?

Looking at your picture there, i can see you have a great layout. I would love some help with the measurements from the top of the MIP to the glare wings etc, as i am having an issue with those.

Thanks

Regards
Ben

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SAS541

Tjena Lenne,

Thanks for the quick reply.

The "perstorps skiva" 4 mm sounds perfect for the MIP. How did you cut it out? Did you just use a jigsaw or something better?

Looking at your picture there, i can see you have a great layout. I would love some help with the measurements from the top of the MIP to the glare wings etc, as i am having an issue with those.

Thanks

Regards
Ben

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No problem,glad to contribute with something.

This material we are taking about is as i mentioned erlier
very hard but works fine using a circle or jigsaw.
Would suggest you use a fine blade(jigsaw)to reduse
splinters.

I will get the measurements for the mip
tomorrow,got my print at work.

Would like to ask what avionics program your using?

Lenne,

Thanks for taking the time to get the measurements for me.

I am using Project Magenta for the avionics. The only thing i don't have is the systems logic and i am going to use prosim737, as it is free for this. PM is just too expensive. When i bought it, it was an impulse buy based on there not being too many other options at that time. Now, there are many options and quite a few are quite a lot cheaper.

I am not putting PM down, please don't get me wrong, as i love their software, but suffice to say, i was lucky i was single at the time i bought it, as that wouldn't fly anymore!!

Maybe you send me a private message with your location in Sweden, so we can see how far apart we are?

Thanks

Regards
Ben

Not to butt in , but if possible I would like to see some dimensions on the MIP that was earlier posted. Im looking to start on mine soon and im trying to get an idea of measurements

this is my mdf mip

Dimensions: 1026 mm x 440 mm x 15 mm [ 40,4" x 17,3" x 0,6" ] ( W x H x D )

I use MDF too for supporting the panels, 4 mm. glued onto 18 mm. plywood.
painting is a timetaking job, but after a few layers and some sanding
the "not wood look anymore" slowely comes.

powdercoat a alu or metal plate is faster and nicer but than you have to have youre "final' layout ready.