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  1. #1
    150+ Forum Groupie spiro's Avatar
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    plexi glass qestion

    hi all dose any one know a spechal tool or a tool to be adel to cut square or holes in plexiglass for push bottonts?????? for round circales i have a drill for lond sqeare holes i just cant get it right and what size plexiglass is used 2 or 3 mm i have 3 mm??? thanks

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    to cut laser plates is the best to use a laser, ask your local copyshop, stamp - engraving shop to help you. You can help him with a corel Draw file where the cuttingline is red.
    Visit my project on Facebook and become a fan www.facebook.de/homecockpit

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  4. #3
    300+ Forum Addict autocadplease's Avatar
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    I build my own CNC router to make panels and parts. Cost me less than $500 with all the electronics. I bought these plans: http://www.rockcliffmachine.com/
    Grant D.
    Nelson,B.C. Canada
    Win7 32bit, FSX, PM Boeing, TH2GO, GEX, VoxATC

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  6. #4
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    I too built a cnc machine to cut my own panels. Can you tell me what materials you cut? I cut mostly plastic and wood, but some plastics and plexiglass cause problems. Have engraved the panels with it as well?

    BuddyM

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    25+ Posting Member vcimmino's Avatar
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    There are really a lot of different plastic type out there. What you will find most are acrylic and polycarbonate. The first can be in two flavours, extruded and cast. The extruded thing will most of times melt under the bit while cutting but if at very low speeds (8K RMP and lower) because of it's properties and cells chemical form; really stay away for it. It can even damage your machine and will ruin for sure your bits. The cast thing is the best way to go even if somewhat more expensive then the extruded. It can be easily worked with a good tool with speed selector at about 15-18K RMP and even more.
    Polycabonate can be used as well and it's something in the middle among the cast and extruded acrylic as properties. The good of polycarbonate is that it's very flexible and almost unbreakable. Good to be used for plain things like MIPs and so. The bad is that it isn't available in so many variations as the acrylic is. You'll hardly find it but in a clear and opaque colours.

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  10. #6
    150+ Forum Groupie spiro's Avatar
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    thaks guys i whant to cut long sqeares into the plexiglass if any one has seen a747 200 auto pilot main switch will under stand do you guys ingrave and cut holes into your panels with a cnc and are your panels made from plexiglass??

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    300+ Forum Addict autocadplease's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddym View Post
    I too built a cnc machine to cut my own panels. Can you tell me what materials you cut? I cut mostly plastic and wood, but some plastics and plexiglass cause problems. Have engraved the panels with it as well?

    BuddyM
    I only cut wood and plastics (plexiglass/HDPE/UHMW). Haven't tried aluminum yet.

    For the panels, I cut out the panel and the holes first. Then spray paint the panel, then engrave the lettering - this allows for backlighting.
    I use the plexiglass they sell at the building supply stores. I use a Dremel and only use bits that are for plastic. I cut and engrave very slowly (5 IPM) and have had no problems.
    I have a Bosch Palm Router (Colt - 1HP) for doing heavier cutting in MDF and other woods.
    Grant D.
    Nelson,B.C. Canada
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    2000+ Poster - Never Leaves the Sim Michael Carter's Avatar
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    Although you can't backlight this, PVC material would be easier for you to work with using limited tools. It doesn't crack either and is easy to work.
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    150+ Forum Groupie spiro's Avatar
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    i am thinking of geting a cnc macheine i dont think of building because i dont have the time and i have fallen back with the sim so if eany one knows how i can ask for it from a tool shop i am located in greece so some were in europe
    as for cuting sqeare holes i have tried on a 3mm plexiglass but cant do it!!!!
    it looks realy bad!!!!!!! and takes alot of time can any one sugest somthing!!
    i live on a island of greece called kefalonia and we havent got cnc any were + plexiglass comes only in 3mm so any segestions?????

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    300+ Forum Addict autocadplease's Avatar
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    Buying a CNC machine complete will be very expensive.
    Does someone on your island have a plasma machine? You could make the panels out of metal.
    Also, check out Kennair's download on making your own backlit panels using printer sticker paper. http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/down...do=file&id=297
    You could always make a rough cut on the plexiglass to get the square opening you want and the sticker can be cut out square using a knife.
    Grant D.
    Nelson,B.C. Canada
    Win7 32bit, FSX, PM Boeing, TH2GO, GEX, VoxATC

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