Your own CNC (and Custom Spark Plug Covers)

[cjbyron]

Ever want your very own CNC machine? LOL, you and me both.
The next best thing is FrontPanelExpress online
(some say even better, no overhead, maintenance or other fees!) :)

It’s a great service and I use them for custom plates like for the nw3s racecar. You download their free software and design your own plate however you want. Very streamlined process and excellent customer service. Front Panel Express:*Custom Front Panels with free Front Panel Designer (http://www.frontpanelexpress.com) to download the free software and view information. Limited only by your imagination and has tons of uses (like gauge plates, stereo inserts, switch panels, etc). Pricing is very nice as are the people that run the company.

Here’s an example of one I just got back the other day (this is 6mm black powdercoated)

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/SPP_NW3S_2.jpg

They turn out very nice. All the engraving is filled with automotive grade paint.

To save you some time (for SP cover):

I have an existing file with the spark plug cover plate dimensions and holes already done that you're welcome to use. It is blank so you just put in whatever you want to have on the plate (and choose thickness, color, etc). That should save everyone a lot of time. Create your own personalized or unique cover easily!

Download generic 6G7s plate here: http://nw3s.net/SPP_GEN_1.fpd
(right click and select save target)

This has all the holes there but a lot of people just like 4 (2 left side, 2 right side, delete the other 4 in middle). Like many other aftermarket designs the plates are thick enough that 4 screws are sufficient and 8 are not needed. This dbx is set for M6 allen countersink screws (you can find at most any hardware store) and for 6mm thickness. Of course you can change to whatever type screws you want. You can do anodized AL or powdercoated. Infill paint holds up to heat no problem. They don’t offer a polish option.

To save you money:

Here’s a referral code that gives you 20% off your first order.

6J307Q79
(expires 7-31-11)

I strongly suggest watching the software tutorials at Front Panel Express:*Tutorials (http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/support/tutorials/index.html)

Even if not using every feature listed each tutorial shows/teaches very useful info and I recommend taking the time to view them. They’re short and will save you time in the long run in using the program properly. It is also very important to understand how the cutters work in relationship to font size and number of passes/cuts. The only thing that isn’t easy is using vector based artwork into a hpgl file. That gets a bit complicated and you’ll want to work with the company on converting artwork or images.

I have some other important tips if you want them (such as properly aligning vertical or horizontal, distribution, turn off the stupid grid, print at 100% to test fit before ordering, and so on).

Enjoy!!

[FeaRpb]

That is awesome. I would love to make some gauge plates and plug covers.

[cjbyron]

Besides spark plug cover plate (which is what I thought others might really be interested in), here some other plates I've made/used this year. Just FYI to show the options and things. I'll have a few other spark plug plate shots shortly.

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/fire_plate2.jpg

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/WI_plate_2.jpg

http://nw3s.net/SPPAEM1.gif


http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/cncplatea1.jpg

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/cncplatea2.jpg

[jrod]

Very Cool!!

[green-lantern]

WOW very cool! :bigthumb: I'll definitely check this out. I wouldn't mind seeing more pics of your car lol.

[cjbyron]

haha. Thanks man. Enjoy.

I'll update photos at the cars website once the new plates and pneumatic control systems are installed completely. In the process.
Hopefully sometime next month.

[green-lantern]

haha. Thanks man. Enjoy.

I'll update photos at the cars website once the new plates and pneumatic control systems are installed completely. In the process.
Hopefully sometime next month.

Cars website?

[cjbyron]

I can PM you whatever you like on the car itself.
I'd rather that than the thread get offtopic from the CNC plate. See your in box :)

[BaadVR4]

Approximate price for a spark plug cover with just "VR-4" engraved?

[cjbyron]

Plain Aluminum (no powdercoating) and just "VR-4" should be about 80-90 bucks. That's for 6mm thick, 4 holes. In the program there is an icon in the top menu that is a pic of coins. You click that and it tells you the total plus also breaks down the cost for each tool change, process, infill, etc.

[oohnoo]

Pretty Sweet. Guys where I work use them for front panels in racks we supply to customers. Cool part it's a one stop shop where they do everything from cutting the panel to stenciling it.

[oohnoo]

Can I ask where you got those switches? They look pretty badass


http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/cncplatea2.jpg

[cjbyron]

The rockers? I had them special ordered by a company in Italy. They also did our fuel level gauge and warning/ind light panels. Use them in a couple other places like the top gas control panel (old pic below, haven't taken any yet with the new cnc'd panels installed). APEM has some really nice locking rockers out now (yup,,,rockers with locking switch on them). They're pretty nice ones but hard to get in single qty.

http://www.nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/cockpit-1bs.jpg

[2fnloud]

How hard is it to get a certain font into the font selection?

[cjbyron]

IIRC it isn't a simple task. They would charge to do that. But you could call or email them on Monday and ask. Or they might already have the answer in their FAQs online.

[2fnloud]

I was reading a bit, might be easier to draw it in AutoCad. I just want a spark plug cover with "Hennessey" in the Hennessey style, I already know the windows true font and how it is stretched and angled to make it, just need the font available.

Ironically, it is really close to the spyder font.

[cjbyron]

I mostly use Helvetica bold 4 stroke for everything but now that I think of it our logo has a custom/unusual font in it and was made into an hpgl file.

Their website FAQ seems to cover most questions like that though (excerpt below):

How can I incorporate other fonts into my panel design?
If there are other fonts you would like to use on your panel that are not available in Front Panel Designer, you can create an HPGL using such fonts in a program like Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator. Then, import the HPGL file into Front Panel Designer and we will then engrave your font as a logo.

So that's their answer.

[cjbyron]

Here's amore recent discount promo code. This one is good until Aug 31st. You put in this code at the online order process and get 20% off.

E6DRX0KW

[Flash Gordon]

Neato.....thanks

[IPD]

nice. now if we just had a TRUE stealth font. :( the one i've got is close...but it's not the same. you can tell because the "T"'s are different.

[cjbyron]

Here's a few other examples of some panels. I was mostly was just sharing the spark plug plate to save others from having to lay out the whole plate and angles, etc. So to do that just DL the SPP file I uploaded and it's all setup for you in shape, holes, etc. No sense reinventing the wheel :)

Some snapshots of other panels I've done recently:

build plate for fun:

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/BuildplateSS.jpg


Center plate is being finished and replaced soon. Some mounting holes to tap and it'll be all done:

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/centerpanSS1.jpg


And rear "license" plate:

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/RearplateSS1.jpg

http://nw3s.net/racing/photos/2011A/RearplateSS2.jpg

[TurboSinceBirth]

Looks great. It's expensive but definitely worth it for the custom stuff like that. :) I'm sure there's an endless amount of ways to update the look and functionality of things.

[DocHoliday]

Wonder how much it would cost to remake SmokinVr4's stuff. A shifter ring would be sweet

[green-lantern]

I love it!

[cjbyron]

Given all considerations I don't think it is that expensive. Not if you're comparing like to like. I've seen comparables cost the same or more and you get no choice in any customization. That's what appeals to me - being able to create whatever you want rather than settle for someone elses idea or design. Logos / artwork increase cost quite a bit but that is due to many passes on tools and hand infilling.

Also, choosing to powder coat (like the license plate one above) cost more than using anodized (like the center plate and other examples in the thread). All the plates I have used are anodized with a few exceptions for powdercoating instead.

The program tracks every charge. So when you design something you can click the coins in the upper menu and it lists total cost as well as complete breakdown of the cost (bit changes, materials, etc).

A tip I suggest is to print out your design 1:1 size and test your design shape, hole locations, etc. The program has section for that. This way you can double check before clicking to order your design. Especially if a complex form or using existing holes/threads. That's why the spark plug plate file is available. That took a little while to make and get fitting exact.

Another thing I like is that it only takes them 5 business days to do your order and shipped out the door to you. Very fast turn around time!

[green-lantern]

Given all considerations I don't think it is that expensive. Not if you're comparing like to like. I've seen comparables cost the same or more and you get no choice in any customization. That's what appeals to me - being able to create whatever you want rather than settle for someone elses idea or design. Logos / artwork increase cost quite a bit but that is due to many passes on tools and hand infilling.

Seems like a great price for something custom. I mean yeah you can get a SP cover much cheaper but to get one exactly as you want, I don't think you could get somebody to build you one cheaper.




A tip I suggest is to print out your design 1:1 size and test your design shape, hole locations, etc. The program has section for that. This way you can double check before clicking to order your design. Especially if a complex form or using existing holes/threads. That's why the spark plug plate file is available. That took a little while to make and get fitting exact.

That is a cool feature, I'd be pissed if I screwed up and the part didn't fit. :lo5l:

[ViperZ]

Very cool! I'll have to check into them

[cjbyron]

Finally got new pics up on website for the replaced CNCd interior control panels. All the panels are now installed. Much better than before.

NW3S 3000GT VR4 Dragster Interior Photos (http://www.nw3s.net/racing/photosI.htm)

[green-lantern]

Finally got new pics up on website for the replaced CNCd interior control panels. All the panels are now installed. Much better than before.

NW3S 3000GT VR4 Dragster Interior Photos (http://www.nw3s.net/racing/photosI.htm)

It's just incredible! Well done!

[AdamVR4]

Simply amazing attention to detail. What's the black, foam looking stuff you lined the floors with? What material did you use for the dash board and did you form it yourself?

[cjbyron]

It's something called gatorback, or something like that. IIR it's for truck beds and is a two part epoxy. A thin layer worked better than painting over the original red because it doesn't come off easily.

We used ABS for the dash. Mostly 3/16". Yes, we formed it all here with heat gun(s). Inexpensive (compared to metal or fiberglas) so mistakes or learning curve not too bad on the budget. Current price is about $150 for 4x8 sheet. Easy to form, bend, mold. Lightweight. Not overly reflective to interfere with driving. Cyanoacrylate (superglue) works very well with it as does the plastic welder. Aslo very easy to change things up when desired which we've done more than once.

[j2k4]

Win content for thread: 100%

[BigTyla]

Subscribed to the awesomeness. Will need this as I continue building the Talon.

[tabasco122]

Wow, this is pretty awesome. Subscribed for later.