On Nov 12, 7:43*am, Dave Nadler wrote:
On Nov 12, 10:38*am, Craig wrote:



On Nov 11, 9:42*pm, Bob Kuykendall wrote:

On Nov 11, 9:39*pm, Alia Kuykendall

Sawzall.

Much neater than the chainsaw, but not as cool as a loop of det cord.

Thanks, Bob K.

Oops, that was my post.

Thanks, Bob K.

New aluminum panels can be cut out pretty effectively by waterjet or
laser using a local fabricator. *I think I paid $80 the last time
(aluminum included) and just had to give them the drawing file.

Craig

Aluminum panels are quite dangerous in an accident;
edge removed leg of a friend in a crash.

Please use fiberglass panel with a integral rounded
flange as do all modern manufacturers. If you have
an older glider with an aluminum panel consider
upgrading it (good opportunity to add an SN10).

No kidding here.
Best Regards, Dave

I've had similar concerns about the aluminum panel and will probably
change to a fiberglass tilt up panel this winter. In the meantime,
I've set up the panel so that the upper bolts go through a vertical
slot that opens toward the bottom and the lower bolts are nylon that
will shear in an impact. I still have the sharp edge of the panel and
its weight to overcome, but at least it's free to break away from the
fuselage structure.

Thanks,
Craig