Sanwa button nut diameter size?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Hi all!

So I'm in the process of building my control panel for a 2 player vertical shmup with 3 buttons each.  I'm going to use Sanwa's for the joys and buttons, but I need some info I was hoping you could all help with.

My question:  Does anyone know the diameter size of the plastic washer that screws in the buttons?  I am purchasing both OBSN30 amd OBSN24 buttons.  The reason I need to know this is explained below.



I have a template I am using and I plan to drill a hole in the middle of where each button would go.  For the 30mm buttons, I plan to drill bigger holes partially through on the back of the control panel where each button would go with a Forstner bit that is bigger than 30mm to act as a router for the button's washer.  Then I can simply flip it over and drill the 30mm hole from the top all the way through.  The hole I drilled in the beginning will act as a guide for my bits.  I will do the same for the 24mm buttons.

So I'm in the process of purchasing drill bits for this project... I could always buy a set of them, but figured someone may know the measurements so that I only have to buy 4 bits total.

Thanks in advance all!

DeLuSioNaL29

[SammyWI]

Lizard Lick has dimensions on their site.  They show the OBSN30 nut as 36 mm dia and the OBSN24 nut as 29.5 mm dia. 

[DeLuSioNal29]

Anyone know what size drill bit would cover that?  Now come to think of it, I'd probably want to get something that will allow the pushbutton nut wrench to clear the sides of the wood.



Any ideas?

D

[Franco B]

1.5" bit would give you about 1mm (0.040") clearance either side.

By the way, I don't think that type of button wrench works on Sanwa nuts.

If you are using a six button sega layout I can make you a routing template to route the relief if you wanted one, no charge.

Just out of interest, have you tried Seimitsu buttons?

[DeLuSioNal29]

So is the 1.5" for the 30mm button.  What about the 24mm one?

I'll have to wait and see about the button wrench, to see if it really fits or not.  I always assumed the other side would fit Japanese buttons.  According to Lizardlick, "Happ part # 53-8002-00, manufactured in Spain by IL. ...  This is also listed in the Sanwa catalog as part # K-OBSA, but doesn't really work that well with Sanwa pushbuttons... "

Concerning the button choice:  I figured I'd go with Sanwa, since my joys were Sanwas.  Also, don't really like the look of the flat button on the Seimitsu buttons (I originally wanted to go with snap in buttons).

Also, I based my decision on this great info:  http://shoryuken.com/f177/sanwa-seimitsu-faq-118289/

Will that template work with a 3 button layout?  I'm using a Sega layout, but only with the top row.  How exactly does that template work?  Is it something that I trace onto the wood and then cut out?

Thanks everyone with their help with all this.  

D

[SammyWI]

I prefer Sanwas myself. 

Have you considered just using a snap in button?  People have reported that they work fine in a thick wood CP.  I'm thinking they would be fine as long as you aren't using a plexi top.  That's what I plan on for my cab, anyway.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Yes. I actually ordered snap ins originally but then changed them to screw ins at the last minute.

I'm experimenting with 1/2" MDF to try to get away with mounting the Sanwas without routing. It's a small CP so I may be able to get away with using thinner wood.  If not I can switch to 3/4".

D

[LeedsFan]

By the way you can use Seimitsu nuts on Sanwa buttons as they are interchangeable. The Seimitsu nut is 35mm as opposed to Sanwa's at 36mm so you can get your buttons a little closer together if you wanted to (though I know that's not the reason you needed to know the diameter). Then again you would probably have to buy twice as many buttons as you need in order to do this. 

I had the exact same problem as you in that I wanted to use Sanwa buttons in an 18mm thick MDF panel. The screw in buttons just aren't long enough without routing out the back of the panel like you mentioned. I also considered just putting in the snap-in buttons (OBSF) into the MDF panel but wasn't sure if they would be stuck inside due to the retaining clips not being able to release. Once inserted like this can they be easily removed? (And yes I have a plexi overlay).

In the end I decided to use a small 2mm thick metal panel after routing/cutting the MDF so it would sit flush. Now I can use the snap-in buttons without any issues. There's also a much wider colour choice when using the snap-in buttons over the screw-ins.  I just hope the clips will hold the buttons tight (not installed them yet). I don't want them swivelling round in the panel.