Making a new 737 MIP from MDF or something better?

[SAS541]

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

[rjvcarvalho]

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.

[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.

[SAS541]

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

[lenne]

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

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?

[SAS541]

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

[drum4no1]

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

[dazchad]

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 )

[flatlandpilot]

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.