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I've been thinking about a 3 mm thick steel controlpanel
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Vebbo:
I got this idea the other day. What about some pure steel Controlplate. So i wondered what are the Pros - Cons steel vs wood or a mix where u got 0.5 mm or 1 mm metal over wood panel. Ooh the possibilities, its almost killing me  ;D

Below you see some pics of my project so far with my custom built controlpanel.

Controlpanel layout


With all parts mounted


Project so far


I got a hold of a 3 mm steel plate today and man, thats some durable s...



This plate was cut with a water-jet cutter I've been told.

If I'm going this route there is quite some decisions to be made (as usual   8) )

The estetichs
Add full custom gfx on white vinyl overlay or a clear vinyl only printed with vector art explaining the controllers and button layout
Spray it with a clear coat
Get some airbrush action on it
Change color of the steel with heat or something like this "Liquid Cold Bluing Chemical" http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1112/Product/FORMULA_44_40_reg__INSTANT_GUN_BLUE and then spray clear coat

Controllers and buttons
Japanese sticks (read a lot about Seimitsu and Sanwa but i haven't tried them) They are usually installed in metal cp's, right?
U360 or happ p360 (love my happs :P)

Randy has some cool buttons coming soon i hope


Never tried Sanwa and Seimitsu buttons but from what I've read they are hi class

Image: Sanwa OBSF-24 (snap-in), Seimitsu PS-14-DN (screw-in)
A snap-in button has flexing plastic grooves that hold it to a rigid panel 1.5mm to 4.5mm thick

The feel
When i place my hand on that steel plate, in the beginning its cold but it adapts the heat of my palm rather quick so i dont think it will be uncomfortable over time.


Well, thats my thoughts so far.

 :cheers:
Jack Burton:
The Happ sticks will need a few washers put between them and the CP to get the right mounting height.  Other than that this seems like an easy project as long as you can find a machine shop willing to cut your panel for you.  I think it might be significantly more expensive than a wooden one.

The Sanwa buttons are quite sensitive, and can't take quite as much of a beating as the Happ or Il buttons.  If you're going to have kids or button mashers on your cab I recommend going with the Happ's.  If you and some more sensible gamers are going to be using the machine I recommend the Sanwa.  They are excellent for fighting games. 
drventure:
That'll take one hell of a router to put the tmold slot in  ;)
drventure:
BTW, for a 2 player cab, I like that layout, though I'd probably go with the slightly curved button layout vs straight.
Knave Jack:
I own 2 water jets, so if you want the panel out of steel, aluminum, stainless, or just about anything else, let me know and I will get you a quote. If you are in SoCal, then you may not have to worry about shipping. I will try and work a quote from your drawing. On the down side, I probably wont get it to you before the 18th. I am leaving on a much needed vacation.javascript:void(0);
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