I FINISHED my build, woo!! Update 7/14

[ladysephiroth]

Started my panel today!  I got the MDF, got it cut (mostly) and drilled (mostly.)  Started routing the joystick areas and it's slow going with the Dremel router. 

Things I Have Learned Today:

1) MDF is dusty! My patio is a wreck!

2)  I have to learn to trust myself, I keep second guessing myself and my original plans are usually correct! Like I accidentally traced it backwards but then I think I did that on purpose so I could route and draw on the wrong side. Also I thought the button holes looked big but no they're right. 

3)  Routing is a pain. Did I mention that?

I'm really happy with how it's going, thought!  I need to find someone with a hole saw near me, I don't want to buy one for 1 cut (trackball.) 

[PL1]

I need to find someone with a hole saw near me, I don't want to buy one for 1 cut (trackball.)

How about the Dremel circle cutter, older-style Dremel router, or the Harbor Freight circle cutter?

2. Dremel circle cutter attachment or the older-style Model 330 router attachment.

 

The recommended technique for Dremel is here.

3. Circle cutter -- drill press recommended for these whirling blades of death.   

Scott

[Xiaou2]

Im kinda surprised that you were able to do all that with a Dremel.   They are not really made for such heavy duty / large sized tasks.

 Advice for next time:  A single hole saw + drill would have pounded out all of those holes in a few minutes.

 (Although, the dremel with a router or spiral bit would be fine to tackle plexiglass holes)

 For even more clean of a hole - Fostner bits are the bomb.   They will last a lot longer than a holesaw too.


 As for the larger hole.. I agree that a dremel circle cutter may be a decent option.
 I love the adjustable circle cutters.. but they Need a drill press... as they will easily wobble out of control, with any other means.

[ladysephiroth]

Oh no I have more than the Dremel, I'm just using that as a router.  I used a spade bit and my power drill to do the holes, and cut it out with a jigsaw with a 10 TPI blade.  I have a doweling kit to put the pieces together. I've also got a circular saw to use, i may fire that up to cut the angle pieces so I can cut both the slant pieces at the same time. 

[ladysephiroth]

6/26 Update -- Got the bottom frame constructed!  Working on placing the trackball, and routing.

[ladysephiroth]

6/29 Progress!  Friend of mine ended up having one of those adjustable hole cutters so I got the hole cut and all the routing done (except the T-molding.)  Sanded the sides of the top to where I want them, and drilled for pegs in the base.  Sort of.  I need a better drill bit. 

Also ordered the art for the top, the arbor/cutter and the T-Molding today.  I need to get more pegs, a better 1/2" bit, a 5/16 bit for this kit: http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=317 and whatever I need to drill out the T-nuts. I got all the pilot holes drilled with the 1/8" that came with the drill.  Gonna paint the bottom and underside black, thinking of doing that before I assemble it.  Super happy with the progress I'm making!

[ppv]

NIce! Will this become a full cab or just a portable CP?

[ladysephiroth]

Portable CP -- I WISH I had room for a full cab but I live in a tiny townhouse!

Thanks!

[ladysephiroth]

July 2 Update -- I built a box!

Okay sort of. The top is dry fit but not glued; I need to route first and I need to get the part and the tool for that (working on it.)  I also got the art in house today so I just have to route, glue, paint, apply art and molding and wire the parts back in (and that's easy, I kept as much wiring together from taking the prototype apart as I could.)  I'm so excited, going to take a few days off to watch Summer Games Done Quick!

[Laythe]

Looking good!

I like the layout.

[thomas_surles]

Maybe you can design a portable folding stand to go with it. Something that you can just slide under a bed or whatever.

[ladysephiroth]

It sits (at least the cardboard prototype did) quite nicely on my coffee table, and it's designed to hook up to the Mac Mini that does all my streaming/emulated gaming on the TV.  It mostly sits on the floor in front of the TV cabinet, and if I were younger, sitting on the floor would be fine Maybe one of those collapsable keyboard stands would work.

[n3wt0n]

I like that you are going with threaded inserts.  Are you going to be filling and sanding to prevent the inserts from showing through the artwork? Nice build so far.

[ladysephiroth]

The vinyl is fairly thick, but I have some plastic-wood-filler-goo to fill if I need to. I already know I have to whack about a quarter inch off the bolts for the trackball since they don't make them in quarter-inch increments at that length, so filing will be involved.  Woo Dremel cutting wheel?

I'm glad you are all enjoying this!

[ladysephiroth]

Back after spending a week watching Summer Games Done Quick!  Almost done!

Got a Real Router and the slot cut was DIRT EASY once I had that.  I've already checked the molding against the slot and it's going to look great!

Glued it last night before bed so it could dry overnight, spent today filling, sanding and priming.  I'm not the best wood-filler but I figure no one will be looking too close at the underside (present company excepted.) 

[ladysephiroth]

I'm proud of it!  I know it's far far far from perfect but it's a first project and I'm learning a lot!  I just need to get some super glue to glue the little flaps of artwork I've made in the wrong side of the trackball and joystick holes, and wire it up!  I also had a problem with the first corner of the molding and the slot got messed up, so I have to glue that one corner down. Live and learn, and if I do this ever again, I'll know more!

[ladysephiroth]

It's done. I am sooo proud that I finished it! Both sides just tested working.  Now to invite friends over so fighting game night!