Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

The AVSIM Community

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Looking for materials for easy build

Featured Replies

I'm planning to build a light, portable and self contained panel with an LCD monitor and some controls. I don't have experience, tools and workspace so I need a frame that is easy to put together. I basically need a scaled up version of an Erector or Meccano set.I'm in the US.Thanks for any information!

Easiest answer would be plastic sheet from your local TAP plastic, or similar, and aluminum angle for the frame. The only tools you'll need - if you buy the plastic cut to size - is a small electric drill and a screwdriver. (Or, for a tidier job, blow $10 on a hand pop-rivet gun and rivet the plastic to the frame.)Richard

where can I find angle cut to a size I can use? I also need some corner brackets. I went to Lowes and did not find any angle already cut near the lengths I need (pieces about 1, 1 1/2 - 2 ft and 6", and no corner brackets either). I'm seriously confused, where do people buy this kind of stuff from!?!?!?!

Any decent hardware store will cut it to length for you - my local OSH, for example, charges $0.50 a cut.To do it that way, of course, you need to be REALLY sure about your measurements before you go shopping. :-)But even though you say you have no tools, I'd still advise cutting it yourself. Aluminium is really soft - 1/2" or 3/4" angle can be cut in just a few seconds with a $5 handsaw, and a $1.99 mitre box will make sure that your 45' angles really are 45'.I guarantee that once you start building you're going to want to do more, so rather than be paying cutting fees forever (and rebuying when you realise you've cut something 1/4" too short....) you might as well spend that money on a few tools anyway.For a simple aluminium frame/plastic sheet setup, you're talking about a small saw, a hand-drill, a Mitre box, and either a pop-riveter or a screwdriver and wrench set. Total, maybe $20. No work area? For another $20 get a table-top workmate - combination worksurface and vice/clamp.Richard

you, my friend, make this idea very attractive :)I have a cordless powered drill but I'm not sure it can drill through metal because of its low power.

Aluminum is very soft, you shouldn't have any trouble with material up to 1/8" or about 3mm as long as your bits are sharp.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.