CNC pricing?

[Mt5_Roie]

So I found a nice plan for a home cockpit that came with the autocad file for it (its the free one available from australia's VFW). So at first I was thinking of going to a kinkos and printing the plans in 1:1 and doing it myself, but reading some reviews it seems like CNC would seem like the best path.

 

So the plans fit on 2 4X8 0.5 inch plywood. I was wondering what price I should expect from CNC shops. There seems to be around 5 within driving distance from me and I was going to email them the autocad file and detials - but figured I'd get a little prepared so I don't get sticker shock.

 

I did research the wood and it would be about 80 dollars for good wood. Since I don't have a jigsaw I would have to get that if I did it myself. I would also need a good sander and replace the blade on my other saw...so it'll probably be around 300 if I do it myself (not incuding my labor). So beating that price would be good.

 

Any thoughts? Any terminology I should know when contacting these companies?

[Zlin]

Is there any way you can post a link to the cockpit plans that you are refering to please?

[joey45]

First off, Where are you in the world...?

[Mt5_Roie]

I'm in PA, USA

 

Got the plans from here:

http://www.62ndfightingfalcons.asn.au/

 

I did contact one place that does CNC and they advised me to go to abrasive water jetting place they use. I checked out their website and it does seem to be the right tool for the job. Waiting on a quote now.

[metalnwood]

You will have to take the plans and see. Some guys might not want to do it and you will see a big cost associated for the hassle. Some might need the business and offer it cheap. One might just look at it and tell you $150.

 

You are going to have to ask :)

[BHawthorne]

You'll be able to find someone, it's just as matter of digging around for a machine shop that has some downtime. To make things a lot more easier for them make sure the DXF files are ready for them before hand in sheet size they can cut on their machine. They'll spend about 15 minutes designating tool paths on the dxf vector lines and then just run it if they have the material stock on hand.

[avlolga]

Hi, roiegat

 

BHawthorne is right , no mater from ware and file format you get the plans, there is a prepare work and adjustments to be done before cutting those files.

 

you need to start with:

1. how my pit going to look like? (following plans 1:1 or fit it to your room / needs).

2. r you plan to create full functional panels for your pit (switches, screens , lighting)?

3. what is the material (wood, acrylic, aluminum).

4. do you have room for your pit !!!

5. do you like to DIY - you need tools, good tools .... and "time" 24/7 is not enough for pit builders :smilewink:.

6. how much money you going to spend (invest not spend :smilewink:)

7. before cutting your final frame / parts try test it with cardboard - see how it going to look like- sizing shape.

8. measure it , test it ,sleep one day before cutting it and check it again - if you happy with your result go for it.

 

9. there is good thread and plans for pit made from cardboard (for A-10C), if you r interesting i can help with looking for it.

10. if you like to do stuff your self, consider building your own CNC/laser for making panels.

or look for the forum builders with CNC that offers Panels, the results r great and pricing good as well.

 

what is the pit you r going to build?

good luck.

[metalnwood]

The link he posted looked like it was the acker barnes pit. An easy one to make.

 

I suspect that the guy you talked to thought waterjet would be better than a router because of the slot together design and the router will not do square corners.

 

If getting it done on a router is the easiest way for you then you can just square off the corners with a chisel.

 

I made one years ago with a jigsaw and a cordless drill. The drill got a hole to get started for the slots. I can't remember but there wouldnt be more than a few hours doing it by hand and if you dont have a jigsaw+cordless drill I suspect you could get then cheaper than the cost of the CNC time and they would still be good for a little more work in the future.

[Mt5_Roie]

I guess I should backtrack a little and give some history. I already built one pit using pvc piping and wood (check out: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=83374) but the overall pit it a bit to long and I always intended it as a learning pit so I consider it version 1. It does have switches which work and an actual racing seat in it (along with a five point harness).

 

What I'm looking to get out of this new pit is the smaller size. But because this pit is also easy to disassemble I was going to build the panels in to the left and right side and front panel. When new planes comes out, I could just replace the left, right, and front panel with that of the new plane I want to fly. Essentially making it interchangeable to fly whatever aircraft I would like.

 

My current problem is that I don't really have a good place to cut big panels of wood, nor are my tools really up to the task. I know my saw can cut through 1/4 inch fine, but last time I tried it on a 1/2 inch there was lots of smoke involved. So it's more of a question is CNC pricing cheaper then: printing 1:1 plans, getting new tools, spending my time.

 

I do plan on customizing he pit further then the plans. I always liked my flight controls in the middle so I would find a way to make that happen. Plus, since I want to make this pit mobile, I'm going to add a base to it which i can attach wheel when needed.

[mladen]

This is the modified version of ABC cockpit and the cutting was done by CNC. I would strongly advice to let computer do the cutting work, otherwise the cockpit won't fit nicely and you'll have to use additional support brackets and a lot of screws. :smilewink:

[Mt5_Roie]

Looks like similar to what I'd like to do Hammer. I got an email to one company right now, looking for other companies in my area that do abrasive water jetting.

[Mt5_Roie]

So I just got back a quote of 68.35 for the cutting. Pretty reasonable to me. I've asked them for qoutes for them supplying the wood vs me supplying it. If overall cost is under 200 - I'll be happy.

[mladen]

It is indeed reasonable price. :thumbup:

I did not use plywood but MDF.

[Mt5_Roie]

Is MDF cheaper then plywood? was reading the wikipedia page and it seems better then plywood in many ways.

[Flim]

MDF is cheap, easy to work and is flat, but do not get it wet plus is very heavy!

 

I would use Birch plywood... stronger, lighter, pretty easy to work with. It is harder to paint, but it can be done with good quality coats. About $10 more per sheet-

 

I'm currently building another CNC, so I will be able to help folks in the next couple of months.

[Mt5_Roie]

I would use Birch plywood... stronger, lighter, pretty easy to work with. It is harder to paint, but it can be done with good quality coats. About $10 more per sheet-

 

I'm currently building another CNC, so I will be able to help folks in the next couple of months.

 

The guy did recommend birch so I'll probably do that. I priced it at around 80 bucks at home depot so over costs would be around 150 which is fine. If they can price their birch for 80 or close, I'll have them use it. Would save me some time.

 

Looking forward to it. I'm going to modify the left, right, and front with my current panels.

 

Film - what size CNC are you building?

[Flim]

I'm building a 4x4 router...

 

I do use 1/4 inch MDF a lot though for different parts, but I like birch better for 1/2 use. BTW, it is .47 in thickness, not .50!

[metalnwood]

Flim are you building a joes 4x4 by any chance? Thats the one I previsouly had before I went full size. You are going full to half size, I know I am all out of room now :)

[Flim]

Flim are you building a joes 4x4 by any chance? Thats the one I previsouly had before I went full size. You are going full to half size, I know I am all out of room now :)

 

 

I was thinking the CRP4848 which can be expanded to the 4x8 down the road with min cost...

[metalnwood]

Good idea, after having to build mine from scratch I would like to see a few kits around!

 

I just got my new one, not the one I built, wired up yesterday and tried cutting air for the first time.

 

 

Still a little more setup then on to making stuff :)