"jan olieslagers" wrote in message
...
schreef:
On Sep 12, 4:36 am, jan olieslagers
wrote:
What is the typical material for an instrument panel?
Soft steel sheet, I should think? What thickness?

Have I understood some designs have the panel as
an integral part of the fuselage, contributing
to its strength/stiffness?
But that would be fibre (epoxy/carbon) planes, no?

TIA,

Steel is heavy and will totally screw up your compass. Also a
pain to cut instrument holes into. As another has recommended, 6061T6
is probably the best, but maybe .050" thick. Too thin and you'll have
to start riveting angles to the back to stiffen it. Too hard (2024)
and it'll crack. Too soft (5052) and it's gummy to work with and bends
far too easily.
What do the drawings call for? In many airplanes the panel
is a part of the primary structure, and making substitutions isn't
wise.

Perhaps I ought to have explained: I am not (yet)
building an aircraft panel. I consider building an electrical
control panel for a project totally separate from aviation;
but I fancied making it more or less like an aircraft panel.
A poor man must learn to be happy with small pleasures!

So ok, I'll go for 1,5 mm aluminium but am not sure
what grades might be available here in Belgium,
not even sure we have the same codification.
But the application isn't really critical so I don't care too much.

Allow me the next question: how to finish the panel?
I suppose it is cut to size, then drill/cut for instruments
and fuses and switches and whatever else, deburr,
perhaps sand or polish? then paint, then assemble, then install?
What paints to use? I'd love the clear blue/turquoise
one sees on cockpit snaps of USSR military planes...

Thanks to all who responded!
Before laying out, cover the sheet with adhesive paper or wide masking tape.
You can lay out on the protected surface, change your layout if needed, then
drill, punch, etc., then deburr with the protective coating still on it.
With a little care you then have an unmarred panel to polish, engine-turn,
paint or otherwise finish.

Bob