How THICK is it?

[Mugzilla]

First off, I did a search and read the FAQs. I realize this is a friendly community, but I am attempting to lower the # of repetitive questions that I can answer myself...

#1
How THICK of lexan did you use? I have a 1/4" thick one, but even if I recess my trackball mounting plate, it will still be DEEP in the lexan, so to speak. How thick is too thick? Too flimsy?

#2

I did a search in the FAQ on "Cut lexan", "cutting lexan", etc. All I saw was people saying it cuts easier and doesn't crack like plexi.

How DID you cut your piece of 0.000" thick lexan? Bandsaw? Score it with a knife? Jigsaw?

Thank you one and all.

[paigeoliver]

You can always install the trackball plate over the lexan if it bothers you. I personally don't use plexi or lexan on my control panels (and I remove it if it is on a machine I buy), so I don't have any other suggestions.

[Frostillicus]

I used 1/8" lexan and installed the trackball mounting plate over top of it.  I wanted maximum use out of the tball.

To cut it I used a little scoring knife which was in the same dept as the lexan at home depot.  Just score it a few time, and it snaps in half easily.

[pathdoc2]

Lexan also trims up nicely with a router.  After that I use a razor blade to bezel the edges so they aren't so sharp.  1/8 inch sounds about right.

[hyiu]

if its on top of a wood panel...
the lexan doesn't need to be thick....
(cos its only for scratch protection... not for support...)

I have used 1/8 in before... and HD also have some that is even thinner.... both are great....

if you're using 3/4 in wood, you might not want to use 1/4 in lexan cos the joystick might be too short for playing.....
(well.... personal opinion...) or you can route some depth out from the bottom....

I have used jigsaw to cut lexan.... its fine.....
if in doubt, just cut some scrap piece to test (and use fine teeth blade...) and you'll be fine....

oh.... I use those spade bit with a hand drill to cut the hole button....

I didn't try it before, but was told router will give good results....

[ashardin]

I've used both 1/8 and 1/4 and have to say my personal preference for the control panel is 1/4, this is for two reasons.

1.  Much easier to cut.  I had a heck of a time with the 1/8 cracking and breaking when I was cutting the button holes (6 in a SF2 configuration).  There just wasn't much room between the buttons and this really weakened it and would finally give out and shatter when I was cutting (usually the last hole but that's just murpheys law).  I had to cut 3 panels before I got one that was usable.

2.  It just feels better on my control panel.  It feels stronger, and I don't get any problems on the corners.  When I had 1/8 on my panel the corners came up ever so slightly and I was worried about it catching on someones sleeve or something and breaking.  I almost put corner protectors on, instead just went to the 1/4 and never looked back.

Again, its all personal preference but for me it was 1/8 for the over the monitor and marquee and 1/4 for the control panel.

[mpm32]

Here is my panel;  I used 1/2" birch ply with 1/4" lexan on top.  I used a roundover bit in my router to round over the trackball hole.  He should be using the wico 4-way leaf to play DK.  

[rampy]

I'd use 1/8" but if you already have 1/4" handy... use that.

Regarding the recess "sunken-ness" of the t-ball... you can use a "high lip" trackball to compensate...

(linkage coming  shortly)

rampy

great u_rebel post

another good u_rebelscum post with links to even more threads!  Enjoy...

[hyiu]

I have used 1/8 and whatever that thinnest type in HD....

and drilled I donno how many holes altogether....

top, bottom... near the edge.... SF layout...
never have cracking pblm.... arer you talking about plexi ??....

I only use lexan.....

I'm stupid enough to scratch one.... (I've worked with 3 already...) but that is my mistake.... but it NEVER cracked ?!?!...

but yes, for the corner... I have a screw and nut near the edge to make sure the edge doesn't come up.....

[Mugzilla]

1/4" is on it's way back to MSC.

1/8" ships out today.

Thank you one and all.