General opinions.

[randomdef]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and through searching and more searching, I've constructed my first mame cabinet. I am having an issue though. I've decided to include a small 7" usb touch screen in the control panel to launch PC games or display a marquee (generally, the screen was just kicking around, so I thought I'd use it) but more and more, I don't find it looks "right". It looks out of place with all the plastic and wood. I've tried to construct a 3d printed holder without success. I think the issue is I can't get a cut straight enough to really match the machines squareness of the screen.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[jdbailey1206]

Pictures would most likely help us gauge when you say it doesnt look "right".

[lamprey]

I'm assuming that you plan to cover the control panel with a vinyl overlay? If so that can help hide some imperfections. In this case, if you want to keep the screen, but can't get a square/straight cut, you could try an alterative material. Possibly get some aluminum and make a square/rectangle out of the that and inset it into the wood. You can also use thing slike Bondo to help smooth out errors on the CP before covering it.

Another option might be to continue to use wood, but make a template and router it out. The template would help keep things straight. Since you have already cut it, you might be able toue bondo to build it back up a bit before routering.

etc..

[Xiaou2]

I agree with whats been said.   Just want to add...  a router will not make 90 degree corners.  You will need to do the final cuts with a chisel.

 Even with a router and template... you could get a crooked result... if you have not measured and aligned the template square.

 Btw.. from your pictures... it appears your buttons are quite far apart.  (it might be an illiusion because there is no buttons in there yet.    I suggest spacing buttons so that there is just enough room to turn the button nuts.

 Another option not mentioned..  ( I think.. as Ive been away from the post for a while.. in mid post )    Is that you could cut a larger square, and glue in a wood hole plug, or inset a wood frame, or place a metal plate over the area (much like a trackball mounting plate).

 If the area is to be artworked over...  some epoxy putty can fill any gaps, then simply apply the artwork, use an exacto and poke through it, carefully trimming the art to the edges.  (probably best to clamp a straight edge right up to the cutline to keep the material from possible stretching / tearing... as well as to better keep your blade straighter in the cuts)    Even then, if the cuts are a little less than perfect, you could use a pinstripe outline..  or glue pieces down over the top.   As well as possibly using spray paint / airbrush, with a template (or removable tape).

[wp34]

You can very closely approximate a 90 degree corning using a router template bushing and a 1/16" straight bit.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116519.msg1442682.html#msg1442682

[randomdef]

thanks for the replies. I've decided to roll with what I have or just give the 3d printing another nudge. I did puck up some bondo for the screw holders though. we shall see how that works out. I do not have any plans on doing a CPO overlay. Just nice paint. I am going with a white and green color scheme and I can't seem to find any CPO that I really like to go with those colors.