CP / Plexi /T-Mold combo

[Tonyjambo]

Hi all - my first post and im just in the planning stages for my first cab.
I'm planning on a pretty simple Streetfighter+trackball layout for my CP but stumbling on such simple things as :

Whats the best combination of thickness of CP (MDF) , plexi and tmould that makes a sturdy well put together panel ?  Do i even need to add the plexi if i get a laminate from somewhere like gameongrafix ?

thanks in advance - many more posts to follow im sure

[shponglefan]

I've used 1/2-inch MDF, 1/8 inch plexi and 5/8 inch T-molding.  Alternatively, you could use 5/8 inch MDF or 1/4 inch plexi, and then use 3/4 inch T-molding.  That would give you more options in the T-molding department.

[Tonyjambo]

yeah - i was looking at the 1/2 mdf 1/4 plexi but i figured that plexi might be too thick

[Dawgz Rule]

You could also go with 1/2 inch MDF with 1/8 inch board and 1/8 inch plexi.  I did this to provide a good surface for the artwork and to allow for easy swapping of parts later.

[gamepimp]

I'm redoing my CP and I'm going to try 3/4" mdf with 1/8" plexiglas and 3/4" t-molding. I'm going to bevel the bottom edge of the CP with a 45 degree router bit so that it takes off 1/8" from the overall thickness. That way the thickness of the edge of the CP will appear to be 3/4" and will match the molding.

I did see a guy on eBay selling 1" t-molding. I contemplated that before I decided on the beveling approach. But then I thought it might look odd being so thick...

[shponglefan]

yeah - i was looking at the 1/2 mdf 1/4 plexi but i figured that plexi might be too thick

It would be pretty thick.  IMHO, 1/8 inch plexi is perfect to work with.  Not to mention, cheaper.

[Tonyjambo]

Thanks guys - i'm going to go 3/4" mdf and 1/8 plexi with a bevel on the bottom to take the edge down to 5/8 then cut the T-Mould slot 1/8 north of center , I think it should look pretty decent - more concerned with the Top of the CP than the bottom. 

@Dawgz - i like that approach just because it means no routing out for the trackball   is the happ trackball mount actually 1/8' by any chance or did you ahve to shim it ?  it does give you a nice clean surface as well - tempting
 

[Dawgz Rule]

Shimmed it with some small washers.

[Dawgz Rule]

The 1/8 inch plexi was the perfect height for the lip of the trackball too.

[spkywlnt73]

I was able to find 5/8 mdf but it was speical order. So I have 5/8 mdf and 1/8 inch plexi, 3/4 t-molding.