If you are willing to accept a circular cutout, one builder used a sharpened
compass to cut out a perfect circle for his access panels. Otherwise, you
run the risk of Guinessization. Of course, Guiness is good for you.
Shaun
----- Original Message -----
From: <EuropaChris@netscape.net>
Subject: Cutting access panels
> Hi, all.
>
> I'm going to cut some access panels in the underside of our wings tomorrow
for the strobe units. I am planning to mount the strobes (Aeroflash) right
at the end of the spar at the wingtip, vertically to the spar by floxing in
a set of bolts. The panel will be right by strobe unit, sized to just let
the strobe pass through flat, as there is no room to tip it up on end to
bring it through the small way once the skin is on.
>
> Anyway, the question I have is what is the best way to actually cut out
the panel from the skin? I have a large Permagrit disk, some very small
Dremel engraving bits, and a plain 'ol hacksaw handle (the kind that holds
the blade from the end.
>
> I want to end up with a decent cut, not something that looks like it was
done after a few pints of Guiness. Using a Dremel gives me the
heebie-geebies as it's too easy to 'slip'. It's not like a hole where you
can start small and size it gradually. A panel has to be done in one shot.
>
> Thanks for any tips, gang. Once the panel is out, it's easy from there
with 3 layers of BID and some anchor nuts. Ditto for the strobes on the
tips.
>
> Chris
> A159
>
http://webmail.netscape.com/
>
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