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Countersunk Ball Tops

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SammyWI:

Has anyone ever made a countersunk ball top for their joystick?  I was messing around with this as a quick way to switch joystick heights on a multiple use CP with a U360.

First, I started drilling out the countersunk hole, slightly larger than the shaft diameter (10mm) to about 1/4" deep.  Then I was able to pull out the brass threaded insert with a 6mm bolt and a big lever.  Then I drilled the counter sunk hole deeper (maybe 7/16" or so total).  Then I drilled the hole for the insert in the bottom of the countersunk hole and pressed the insert back in.



You can see the difference between the countersunk ball top and the standard one.



VS



The red ball was kind of an experiment to see if this would work.  I think most of the short joysticks like Joust or Defender used a smaller than usual ball - maybe a 30mm?  Can anybody confirm that?



LeedsFan:

That's a neat idea.  I was just working out how my Defender panel when i saw this thread. I know that Defender had the ball top set really low down so that the gameplay was comfy when using reverse. You didn't have to reach out for it with your thumb.

I just thought the joystick would have been mounted lower beneath the panel. Your method looks good but I would be worried about breaking or cracking the ball top. I just bought a hollow shaft for an LS32 which I plan to put a top fire on. I have to drill into the top of the ball top for that and through the end of the brass insert.

SammyWI:

You can certainly just mount the joystick lower beneath the panel if you're doing a dedicated panel.  But countersinking the ball should end up feeling the same as a shorter shaft. 

Actually drilling the ball was pretty easy once I got it set up in a drill press.  Slow drill speed and very light pressure was all that was needed.  When I was pulling the threaded insert out of the ball and when I had to press it back in, I had to apply a LOT of force.  If that didn't crack the ball, I'm not worried about any problems in use.  And most ball tops are fairly cheap, if you do break one.   ;)

TOK:

Thats a really cool idea. When I made my Defender bartop, I actually shimmed the entire stick down to get the proper height. Your solution didn't really occur to me, but I love it.  :applaud:

leapinlew:

only on BYOAC can we talk about balls, joysticks and nuts and no one goes for the easy jokes.

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