Starting a build, got some questions

[CoryBee]

 Finished acquiring some much needed tools to do a proper stand-up cabinet and I am overwhelmed with what to build plus some other tid-bits.


--I'll start with the Control panel--
I was browsing Game On Graphix, and it says their control panels are covered with polycarbonate laminate. Does this mean that it has a surface like plexi? Meaning I wouldn't need to have my own cover for the panel?

 Another thing, I can't for the life of me come up with a design! Well I came up with a bunch but not sure if I would like it as my arcade cab. It is sensitive, I don't want to spend a chunk of money to have art printed for my sides, cp and marquee and not like it.

A small thing I can't figure out what I want is how the control panel will be shaped. I like how the rounded edge ones are, but it is only two player with no extra items like a trackball or spinner. I kind of want the CP to protrude out a bit like the OND inspired metropolis cab.

If you guys have any suggestions or answers that may help me out I would greatly appreciate it, I will even bake you some cookies and brew you some beer 

[Los Abrazos Rotos]

The control panel doesn't need to be covered with polycarb - its just down to preference really.  There are hundreds & hundreds of builds on this forum, have a look at them for some inspiration 

[CoryBee]

The control panel doesn't need to be covered with polycarb - its just down to preference really.  There are hundreds & hundreds of builds on this forum, have a look at them for some inspiration 

Thanks, I have my inspiration for the physical design I think. It is the art that I can't decide on.... About the polycarbonate, does that mean that it has a plexiglass type of cover on it?

[PL1]

I was browsing Game On Graphix, and it says their control panels are covered with polycarbonate laminate. Does this mean that it has a surface like plexi? Meaning I wouldn't need to have my own cover for the panel?

Polycarb is a modern and more flexible version of plexi. This application uses a very thin version. (.08" ?--mentioned in the FAQ.)

They laminate this on top of the injet printing so that you won't rub off the ink during gameplay.

Assuming the panel isn't swiss cheese, adding a layer of plexi on top isn't needed unless you want it for the looks.  Just make sure that holes/defects are filled/sanded/painted/prepped before the art goes on.


Scott

[CheffoJeffo]

Polycarbonate is, IMO, the most authentic and cleanest way to do CPOs. 

* CheffoJeffo despises plexi over the CPO

[jennifer]

    Jennifer loves the poly, its the stuff used on original games.... The plexi on the other hand not only gets all scratchy, but gross spills and stuff get underneath it.

[CoryBee]

Thanks Jenn, Cheffo and Player 1. Is the poly attached to the vinyl (or whatever material) when it is shipped or is it a separate piece all together? 

[CoryBee]

One more thing, regards to button holes. I assume that they are not pre-cut. Would I cut the thin poly the same way I have been with plexi? (Spade bit - carefully at a slow speed allowing the outer spikes of the bit to slice a circle kind of like a cat burglar to glass) thanks again everybody, am really anxious to get up and going and not take 8+ months on it.

[PL1]

Thanks Jenn, Cheffo and Player 1. Is the poly attached to the vinyl (or whatever material) when it is shipped or is it a separate piece all together?  

Picture a thin, flexible plastic-laminated menu like some restaurants use.

This example pic shows the art feeding into the lamination machine.  The clear material feeding down and over the orange roller is the polycarbonate.  The laminator will heat-fuse the two together.  Some places put the lamination on both sides. (I think that GoG does, based on their FAQ)  Note that the polycarb is flexible enough to easily bend around the roller.



For art installation and cutting info, see the stickied Side Art Install 101 thread.


Scott

P.S.  Who is this "Player 1" of whom you speak?   

[CoryBee]

Thanks again PL1, 

Shiny work indeed, I have seen the side art 101 before. That doesn't have poly on it though, is it just as easy to apply though?

 

[PL1]

The polycarb won't be as flexible as the vinyl on that Food Fight sideart, but it bends enough to roll it up and mail it in a shipping tube.

A little encouragement from a heat gun when you get ready to apply the art and go around bends will help.

Some people prefer stiffer material because it's "easier to install."

There are several posts by people who have actually done these applications, instead of just reading up on the subject for their build. (like me--for now)


Scott

[Woodshop Flunky]

The poly coat used on the CP is great stuff.  It has a slight texture to it... and feels great (very authentic to my memories).  Mine gets played all the time for over a year, and it looks as good as the day I installed it.



I tried to cut holes through the CP art with a Forster bit... bit mistake!  A spade bit would probably be even worse.  There may be a slicker technique, but this is how I ended up doing the holes:

1. Apply the art to the CP.
2. Tap a small nail at the center of the hole.  Just deep enough to go through the CP art... you're basically just marking the spot.
3. Set a compass to the size hole you want to drill, and (using the small nail mark) lightly draw a circle on the CP.
4. Use a razor to carefully cut the circle out from the CP art.
5. Now, using the nail mark again, drill out your holes.

Be careful using a spade bit.  The buttons will cover up the edges, but a forester bit would certainly give you a cleaner hole.  I put my dust washer under the CP... so I had to make a clean hole that I couldn't cover up.