control panel creation

[oreo632]

So I have spent a lot of time on slagcoin figuring out how to make my own control panel and I must admit I am still rather nervous about it. I mean if I cut too deep into the MDF than that means that I have to blow more money and time on the control panel. I'd rather not do that. Is there an online company that will create the control panel for me? I don't need the whole box just the top. Call me lazy or chicken but I would rather pay somone $$ to get the job done right the first time. Maybe building the control panel will just have to be an " educational learning experience" just like the rest of my project has been.

That being said, what company do you suggest for the creating the overlay for the second layer of the control panel. What material do they use?

I appreciate all of your help, thanks you guys rock,  

[javeryh]

What specifically is your concern?  There's no way to accidentally cut too deep into a CP - I assume you are talking about recessing the joysticks and trackball?  Just set the stop on your router and you will be fine.  Practice on scrap.  CPs are time consuming but they should be pretty easy if you measure once, cut twice, etc.

[oreo632]

What specifically is your concern?  There's no way to accidentally cut too deep into a CP - I assume you are talking about recessing the joysticks and trackball?  Just set the stop on your router and you will be fine.  Practice on scrap.  CPs are time consuming but they should be pretty easy if you measure once, cut twice, etc.

Meh, I guess I am probably just not giving myself enough credit or something. Yes I am talking about recessing the joysticks. I will practice on the original cp. Only problem I am seeing is that I don't own a router. I was going to use a dremel. Would this suffice or would it be too laborious?

And if I am creating my own cp what did everyone else do to create such awesome designs/graphics as their overlay?

Thanks

[severdhed]

don't use a dremel to recess your joysticks...that is just asking for trouble.  you really need a router to do it properly.  even a $30 trim router from harbor freight will do the job just fine (it's what i used)

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

[oreo632]

don't use a dremel to recess your joysticks...that is just asking for trouble.  you really need a router to do it properly.  even a $30 trim router from harbor freight will do the job just fine (it's what i used)

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it good thing I know this now before I got started. I never mind spending more cash on more tools. Thanks again.

[Encryptor]

Check this thread out. This is how I did the recesses for my joysticks. It's really not that hard.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51235.0

Encryptor

[javeryh]

don't use a dremel to recess your joysticks...that is just asking for trouble.  you really need a router to do it properly.  even a $30 trim router from harbor freight will do the job just fine (it's what i used)

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

+1.  A dremel would be a disaster.  As for the art - go check out the artwork forum.  You can find people there willing to help with a layout.  For the most part, you just find a design you like and then have it printed by mamemarquees or something.