Instrument holes?

Ricksrv4 · #1 02-01-2014, 03:57 PM

This is my first time posting on this site, so here goes. What is the best/easiest/cheapest way to make the 2 1/4 inch round instrument holes in my RV4 panel? I plan to use Vans engine instruments. Thanks.

Thanks for the ideas for the panel. I did use the fly cutter for all the rest of the lightening holes throughout the project with no issues. How about the firewall stainless for the 2 inch hole for heat. This appears to be a challenge doing with some kind of hand held tool.

n82rb · #2 02-01-2014, 04:24 PM

I know all the horror stories about them but I have alwas uses a flycutter in a drill press and have never had a problem. Just clamp well. use plenty of lube, and go slow.

Test on some scrap to get it set just right in size before cutting the real panel.

I have a set of vans engine gauges that I just pulled out of my RV-4 that I would love to sell by the way.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

Ironflight · #3 02-01-2014, 04:42 PM

Cheapest? Find someone in your local area with an instrument hole punch - bet they'll let you borrow it. They spend 99.9999% of their lives sitting in a drawer. Very nice to use!

humptybump · #4 02-01-2014, 05:10 PM

If you are doing a couple of holes then it's manageable with the fly cutter. But, if you're doing a traditional analog panel, borrow or rent a hole punch.

Charles in SC · #5 02-01-2014, 07:18 PM

I do not like a fly cutter. If everything does not go perfect you can make a mess or get hurt. My panel has several 2 1/4 as well as some other sizes. What worked best for me was to buy a instrument hole punch that would do both sizes. I drilled the holes for to bolt that goes through the punch, then put the punch together as if I was going to tighten the bolt and cut the hole but because I have a .090 thick panel I could not turn the bolt good enough to cut the hole. I found I could put it in my hydrolic press and push it through with ease.

paulsrv4 · #6 02-01-2014, 10:17 PM

I used a fly cutter with good results. It was fairly easy to use but keep your fingers back! Going to try to post a picture here

http://i1362.photobucket.com

WAM120RV · #7 02-02-2014, 06:09 AM

Hi,

Its doable with a fly cutter but as the anti fly cutter people have said easier to make a mess and hurt yourself. For most of my panels I have used a hole punch. The one for my RV9 though I think was lazer cut. A friend with a machine shop did that for me because he owed me a favour.

If you have not bought instruments yet can I suggest you consider either minimising what you have in there or go glass to save weight. I have the extended panel in my 4 which is packed, if I were to do it again I would go glass to save weight.

Every since I have started flying my 4 I have been more focussed on weight reduction to make an excellent aeroplane even better!!

N941WR · #8 02-02-2014, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight

Cheapest? Find someone in your local area with an instrument hole punch - bet they'll let you borrow it. They spend 99.9999% of their lives sitting in a drawer. Very nice to use!

I second Paul's comments! This is how I punched the holes in my first panel. When I installed the SkyView I elected to leave all the steam gauges behind and haven't regretted that move. For a backup, I have a Dynon D1 Pocket Panel.

Ron RV8 · #9 02-02-2014, 09:07 AM

Have a look at this thread.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ht=hole+cutter

I used one of these and they work great. Only caution is to pull a bit to the centre a bit as the cutout cuts free...

az_gila · #10 02-02-2014, 09:21 AM

Draw it up in a CAD program and send the file to Bill at Up North Aviation -

http://www.upnorthaviation.com/vans-rv---6.html

Get all of the large holes, square switch holes and the instrument mounting holes exactly placed all at once.

Keep your fingers intact, the only physical danger is eye strain at your PC...