Does anyone make/sell metal control panels?

[novamatt]

Hi,

I'm in the process of converting a dedicated Primal Rage machine, and it originally had a metal control panel that bent up to hold the monitor glass in place.  Although I'm modifying the cab for a wooden control panel, I'm still going to need a metal plate underneath the monitor bezel to hold the glass (and I might as well put my admin buttons there instead of on the interchangeable control panels - why buy 3 copies of the same 6 buttons when I could use one and not change it out with the control panels?).  The problem is that I don't have the right tools to work with sheet metal.  Is there anywhere I can order a custom cut/drilled/punched metal panel?  I tried a local sheet metal fabricator, but they looked at my drawing and said their tolerances weren't tight enough for something like this... any holes or cuts they make may be off by as much as a quarter of an inch.  I searched the forums here, but the last post I found on the subject was several years ago.

If anyone has any suggestions, it'd be a huge help.  Thanks!

[Nephasth]

You might try another metal shop, one with a laser CNC and a few different brake presses. I have a friend that works at a manufacturing facility that was able to make these for me. Almost on the gnat's ass (I didn't take into consideration that metal streches as it is bent). A good brake operator should be able to take this into account and make any needed adjustments.

[GameGeezer]

I have an idea for making modular panels using a combination of magnets and Velcro based on a single frame with a large cutout area, then using single panels wired up with Molex plugs that connect to the main harness, which mount with strong magets or velcro to secure them.

I'll need to replicate an Asteroids panel with a huge open space and mount megents to its underframe, then have panels made for button and joystick layouts (plus driving wheel, trackball, yoke and spinner cutouts), which I think I'll have a machinist that I know (who owns a waterjet and some heavy-duty laser equipment) make out of black plexiglass and install magnets into the panels. The Velco idea is a backup plan in case the Magnets prove unreliable.

I think this is a more interesting and more easily swappable design than the rod-based design that's already been showcased, and once I get some spare time and finds to start it, I will do a thread and post my progress for those who want multi-panels without going nuts and adding everything. (I dislike huge panels).

What I see the need to have is the following:
Digital (4/8-way) Jotstick panel (x2)
Analogue Joystick panel (x2)
Rotary joystick panel (x2)
Trackball panel (x2)
Spinner panel (x1=Arkanoid type & x1=Tempest type)
6/8 button array (x2)
5-button 'Asteroids-type' button array (x2)
Star Wars yoke (x1)
Steering wheel (x1)
Driving pedals (x1 set)
Skiing controls (x1; for 'Slalom')

As you can see, tats miles beyond what any singular panel can hold without being obscene, so I'm going to he modular route. Wish me luck... -GG