On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 12:06:01 PM UTC-8, wrote:
Hey All,
Does anybody have any experience with getting a fiberglass instrument panel CNC cut with a waterjet (or any other CNC cutter for that matter)? I called several local shops and I couldn't get a definitive answer whether the waterjet will delaminate the composite around the cut holes or not.
I've previously cut with bi metal hole saws and the hole turned out quite a bit too large and I trust a robot to measure a lot more accurately than myself. I was also interested in laser CNC cutting, but I'm pretty sure that will burn the composite around the edges of the cuts.
Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Omri

Holes saws are very inexpensive at Home Depot. 2 1/4" 57mm, 3 1/8" 80mm.

Use these instruction to draw the hole on the fiberglass panel. Center punch and be very accurate. Pilot drill with a small drill and then drill mounting holes and large instrument hole. Fiberglass cuts like butter. Use a drill press and plywood for backing drill from the back of the panel.

Instructions to make the perfect hole.

http://www.craggyaero.com/Drawings/I...0Templates.pdf


Richard
www.craggyaero.com