Advice on control panel

[TeutonicDarkness]

 I finally have most of my parts in...
Almost ready to start building my 1st Arcade

 I want to build a control panel 1st so I can see how well
I like my joysticks and push buttons.
I wanted to be able to play 4 way games so a 4 way was
a must for me I got the magstick plus. The push buttons
are the Gold Leaf ones from ultimarc.

Will be mounting in 3/4 mdf.

 OK To cut to the point I just need some advise on
tools, I have already bought me a router, have drill, skill saw, etc.
I do now know what kind of bits or what size to buy.

 If anyone could tell me the preferred bits of the trade and maybe a
website to buy them?


Thanks

[PL1]

The Freud FB-008 1-1/8-Inch by 3/8-Inch Shank Forstner Drill Bit is a great choice for button and joystick holes.


Scott

[TeutonicDarkness]

The Freud FB-008 1-1/8-Inch by 3/8-Inch Shank Forstner Drill Bit is a great choice for button and joystick holes.


Scott

 Is this the size bit I need? I'm not even absolutely sure what size I need
to be perfectly honest. I don't even know if joystick (magstick plus)
and push button (Gold Leaf) holes
will be the same size?

Just want to be 100% sure before I order anything.

[chopperthedog]

For buttons the 1 1/8" is the size you will want. I just installed a pair of magstiks with the red ball top and the dust washer is only about 1 3/8". I ended up using a 1" bit for the joystick holes. I didn't pay attention to the bat top specs that came with the sticks and threw them away since they were not needed. Also are you going to be adding any lexan or polycarb on top of the control panel? If so you will need to route out the back of the button holes to accommodate for the extra thickness. I also used the gold leafs (which I love) on a 3/4" panel, but my panel only has a textured control panel overlay with no lexan on top. And even in my situation the button nuts only grab about 3 thread layers with just wood and cpo (no lexan).


good day.

[PL1]

The Freud FB-008 1-1/8-Inch by 3/8-Inch Shank Forstner Drill Bit is a great choice for button and joystick holes.


Scott

 Is this the size bit I need? I'm not even absolutely sure what size I need
to be perfectly honest. I don't even know if joystick (magstick plus)
and push button (Gold Leaf) holes
will be the same size?

Just want to be 100% sure before I order anything.

Standard arcade button size = 1-1/8 -- that's the link I ordered from.   


Scott

[TeutonicDarkness]

 Ok so a fostner 1 1/8 bit will work for the arcade buttons.
 I didn't even know if the Gold Leaf buttons were a standard size
I know there smaller from top to bottom than others.

If I can find out for sure about the magstick plus (Bat top)
that would be great. I'll go ahead and order all the bits needed.
I just recently bought the router.. but as of yet have no bits for it.

I'm not sure yet on surface of Arcade though .. I'll probably just use paint.
If I do decide to add lexan or anything I'll keep that in mind.
If I did have to route out for that what bit would be recommend for doing that?

I really appreciate everyone's input....


Thanks

 

[chopperthedog]

If you're gonna use the bats with the magstigs, I'm pretty sure the same 1 1/8" bit will be fine. The bats had a larger diameter shaft/dust washer. A 1/4" straight router bit is my main weapon for countersinking/material removal.


good day.

[PL1]

Ok so a fostner 1 1/8 bit will work for the arcade buttons.
 I didn't even know if the Gold Leaf buttons were a standard size
I know there smaller from top to bottom than others.

Please pardon my lack of clarity.

I should have said that Goldleafs use a standard 1-1/8" diameter button hole and have .110" Quick Disconnect tabs.

If you want to add polycarbonate/Lexan on top, you can route out a pocket on the underside of the CP so the button nuts can tighten properly.

I'm not sure yet on surface of Arcade though .. I'll probably just use paint.
If I do decide to add lexan or anything I'll keep that in mind.
If I did have to route out for that what bit would be recommend for doing that?

If you choose to route out a pocket to under-mount your joysticks, take a look at what EMDB did here.

Just remember to keep reading until he uses the threaded inserts here.   

He does end up over-engineering it a bit -- you'll only need 4 inserts/screws to hold the plate/stick.


Scott

[TeutonicDarkness]

Ok so a fostner 1 1/8 bit will work for the arcade buttons.
 I didn't even know if the Gold Leaf buttons were a standard size
I know there smaller from top to bottom than others.

Please pardon my lack of clarity.

I should have said that Goldleafs use a standard 1-1/8" diameter button hole and have .110" Quick Disconnect tabs.

If you want to add polycarbonate/Lexan on top, you can route out a pocket on the underside of the CP so the button nuts can tighten properly.

I'm not sure yet on surface of Arcade though .. I'll probably just use paint.
If I do decide to add lexan or anything I'll keep that in mind.
If I did have to route out for that what bit would be recommend for doing that?

If you choose to route out a pocket to under-mount your joysticks, take a look at what EMDB did here.

Just remember to keep reading until he uses the threaded inserts here.   

He does end up over-engineering it a bit -- you'll only need 4 inserts/screws to hold the plate/stick.


Scott

 Ok I just ordered my bit for cutting out the joystick and push button holes.
I also went ahead and got my t-moulding and slot cutter.

 Now that I'm thinking about it..
I think I want my joystick dustwasher countersunk.
( I really don't like them just sitting on top)

How should I go about doing this without routing the hole
to deep?

 My mind is racing with ideas as I get closer to actually
getting started!

[PL1]

4 words:

Test using scrap MDF.   


Scott

[TeutonicDarkness]

4 words:

Test using scrap MDF.   


Scott

Yes definatly.....
Even better probaly test with a cheper wood!