Joystick question

[bclinton]

This is probably a dumb question but I ordered a kit from Ebay that includes joystick, buttons etc..what is the normal to use to cover the joystick base once I cut out the square in the control panel? I have included a pic. The joystick came with a black plastic washer and I'm not sure what to use to cover the holes in the base.

[Slippyblade]

All depends how you are mounting it.  I route a pocket on the underside of the panel and the joystick gets bolted from underneath.  No need to fill anything.  That "big plastic washer" is called a dust washer and usually sits on top of the CP to cover the hole the shaft comes through.

[bclinton]

Ah, ok. That makes sense. I will do that. Using a jig it should be fairly simple.

[severdhed]

i also do that. i recess an area for the stick on the bottom of the panel. drill a 1 1/8" hole for the stick. (same size as the button holes).  then i recess 4 t-nuts in the to to bold the sticks into.  cover with artwork and plexi, no visible bolts.

Routed on bottom


T-nuts in the top


artwork and plexi

[Slippyblade]

I second severdhed's usage of T-nuts.  I used carriage bolts on my first couple go-rounds.  Once I tried T-nuts, I fell in love.  To me they are so much easier.  No futzing with nuts or wrenches under the panel.  Just a screwdriver and done.

[PL1]

One thing to remember with t-nuts is that screw length is very important.

If it's too short the threads won't engage.

If it's too long, it will push up through the top of the panel when you tighten it.


Scott

[Minwah]

I second severdhed's usage of T-nuts.  I used carriage bolts on my first couple go-rounds.

Ditto...I used to swear by carriage bolts. But for my last few control panels I have used threaded inserts, similar to T-nuts. I bottom mounted the stick (with long shaft) onto an 18mm panel and screwed the inserts into the underside of the panel. Probably not as strong as T-nuts on the topside of the panel, but certainly solid enough.