Getting Panels Engraved?

[Henju]

Hi all,
After developing my sim through bought panels, I'm now beginning to come to the stage where some of the panels are quite specific. Unfortunately, I don't have my own laser CNC, or a spare $10,000+ lying around . The panel in question is the Sperry SP-300, an older type of MCP used in the late classics... Its unique floppy AP paddles is what makes it difficult to find. Well, I thought I'd give designing a go, and it turned out to be rather good (Hover over the image for a larger size)
SP300.jpg
The design is to scale and has all the separate layers for a panel, In fact, if anyone wants it, I can upload it
Anyhow, I'm sure not everyone had an expensive machine, so how do you get those fantastic results? I currently reside in Australia, but I am unaware of where I could get such a job dome professionally without the high commercial costs and whilst also achieving that aircraft grade look and back lighting capable?

Any ideas are much appreciated,

Regards,

[Jan737]

Hi,

You can go to a Fablab, where you can lasercut your panels by your own. At a Fablab you can rent a i.e. lasercutter do make your project.
There is one in Adelaide: http://fablabadelaide.org.au. Closed at the moment but maybe you can get information when they opening again.


Jan

[Henju]

Thanks, That's exactly what I was looking for!

Have a great Easter

Regards,
Henri

[JohnB]

Hi Henri


I have a laser (bought originally with the intention of making my panels and then selling it ...but its just too much fun to sell!!!!)

I have made many panels for other users (here and other forum) and a few for other users..I am definitely NOT expensive as this is not a huge money making enterprise as such its more to further the hobby for people and put a sim in the grasp of the poor (like me)
Currently, however, I am restricted to A4 (or so) sheets. But when I move to my new house later this year I will be making a larger cutting bed (around 600 x400)... people tell me my work is as good as the commercial boys so you can always ask!

( I can pop some pictures up of my work)



John

[xp-wym]

Hi Henri


I have a laser (bought originally with the intention of making my panels and then selling it ...but its just too much fun to sell!!!!)

I have made many panels for other users (here and other forum) and a few for other users..I am definitely NOT expensive as this is not a huge money making enterprise as such its more to further the hobby for people and put a sim in the grasp of the poor (like me)
Currently, however, I am restricted to A4 (or so) sheets. But when I move to my new house later this year I will be making a larger cutting bed (around 600 x400)... people tell me my work is as good as the commercial boys so you can always ask!

( I can pop some pictures up of my work)



John

Hi John,

What sort of laser have you got? I am thinking of getting one myself.

Cheers,

[Henju]

Hi John,

Sorry about not replying sooner, I must have forgotten to turn on notifications!
Anyway, that sounds like a good prospect, how much will you be charging? the MCP is 470 x 80...

Thanks for your help
Henri

[iwik]

Henri,
Sorry to go off topic, how did you get on with your O/C mcp not being recognized a while back?.

Les

[Henju]

Ah, I just ended up using an arduino to interface it, I think it was a burnt chip or something... I was planning on giving it back to OC but dubbed it easier to interface it myself, seeing I was going to need a replacement anyways, but nevertheless, I'm now moving forward to a proper replica of the classic MCP. Again, thanks for your help in the other thread! I think we all gave it our best shot!

Henri

[JohnB]

HI Henri
unfortunately I cannot make a panel of that size just yet.
I made my first MCP in two pieces but will put that right when I make a bigger cutting bed later in the year as I am not over happy with the join also when I made this one

20130422_150740c.jpg

it was before I had decided to go for a proper, full size, authentic pit.

John

[Henju]

Ah, It's all right!
If you ever can do bigger sizes, it would be great to do business
Thanks for your effort
I may still need smaller panels such as gauges in 50mm diameter...

Henri