Help need please

[Mavric68]

Hi all im building a gaming coffee table the base is done and the top apart from the cut for the screen and opening for the joysticks and buttons at each end my question is what size box do i need to build to house the buttons and joystick both ends im thinking 10" long by 7" wide by 3" deep measurements of joystick and buttons below thanks in advance


Classification
PRODUCT TYPE   Arcade Replacement Parts
Aesthetic
COLOR   Red
Package
PACKAGE TYPE   Plain
PACKAGE CONTENTS   1*Encoder Board, 1*USB Cable, 1*5 Pin Cable for Joystick, 1*5 Pin Joystick, 8*30mm Push Buttons, 2* 24mm Push Buttons, 13*Wire Cables for Buttons
Dimensions us | metric
DEPTH   60 mm
HEIGHT   100 mm
WIDTH   95 mm
PRODUCT WEIGHT   230 g
FastTech
SKU   6625102

[processedmeat]

How thick is the mdf or plywood that you are using for this box?  That will take up some of the depth. 

Also what type of joystick are you using?  Since some are deeper than others.  Are you top and bottom mounting it.

This website might give you more suggestions:
http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick.html

Also I think most people will suggest that you build a prototype to make sure you like the layout for playing.

[Mavric68]

It's mdf 18mm thick and the joystick and buttons are these mate

[Mavric68]

I made a mock up controller box so don't laugh it's my first project and it's proving hard 😩 lol

[processedmeat]

I would look at the the website that I linked and decide if you are top or bottom mounting it.  If bottom, then you'll have to consider routing out the bottom since the shaft of that joystick isn't that long.  If top, then you'll have to route out the top for the plate and then figure out what you'll be covering the control panel with?  Polycarbonate overlay or a sheet of plexi with a graphic under.

I would practice mounting it on a piece of scrap mdf and just to see how far it extends.  I don't have a cocktail cab so I'm not sure how comfortable playing at that height would be.

BTW will the control panel flip up when not in use or is it going to stick out permanently?

[Mavric68]

It will stick out permantley mate which is not a problem because the coffee table top will over hang each side of the controller box so you won't hit or knock it if mounted on the top it kind of stops the purpose of its use which is a coffee table and i was going to make the controller out of mdf as well then either paint it and the base and have the top vinyl covered with some decals the top is having a 23" monitor fitted and the base is having 4 speakers and fan fitted

[Mavric68]

I'm going to build my controller box like this instead 👍

[GlynH]

If it offers any inspiration here is the Player 1 CP from my own arcade coffee table. Steel rule included for scale.

Single small red button under yellow coin button is the ESC key and I am tempted to fit a similar button for PAUSE at a later date.

You can also see part of the spinner I fitted to the right of the control panel.

See here for more info;

http://www.ultimatearcadecabinets.co.uk/coffee_table_arcade_sale.htm

Hope that helps?

-=Glyn=-

[yotsuya]

Is that going to be comfortable? Will the players be able to see the controls?

[GlynH]

Well for me and those friends of mine who have played then yes...no problem.

Throw a beanbag on the floor in front of the CP and it is comfortable although I wouldn't (and haven't) spent hours in front of it. In fact I've probably spent more time in it than on it!

In any case I'm a hell of a lot more comfortable sat on a beanbag than standing in front of an upright cabinet at my age!

There is a 'cutout' in the table top above the controls and the glass table top lays over that so you can see the controls from directly above let alone from sitting in front of it.

-=Glyn=-

[yotsuya]

Yours looked fine, Glyn. I was actually referring to the picture in post #7.

[Mavric68]

Is that going to be comfortable? Will the players be able to see the controls?

yes mate it will be fine 😊👍 photo shows the controller box without the front fitted they need finishing off .

[Mavric68]

Incidentally it's all made in mdf what's the best way to get a high gloss finish ? and has anyone got an idea of what toughened glass thickness i need 5mm or 6mm it is a coffee table as well after all lol . photo below of 22" lcd monitor striped ready for when the hole in the top is cut out .

[Mavric68]

Incidentally it's all made in mdf what's the best way to get a high gloss finish ? and has anyone got an idea of what toughened glass thickness i need 5mm or 6mm it is a coffee table as well after all lol . photo below of 22" lcd monitor striped ready for when the hole in the top is cut out .

[Mavric68]

Incidentally it's all made in mdf what's the best way to get a high gloss finish ? and has anyone got an idea of what toughened glass thickness i need 5mm or 6mm it is a coffee table as well after all lol . photo below of 22" lcd monitor striped ready for when the hole in the top is cut out .

[Mavric68]

Incidentally it's all made in mdf what's the best way to get a high gloss finish ? and has anyone got an idea of what toughened glass thickness i need 5mm or 6mm it is a coffee table as well after all lol . photo below of 22" lcd monitor striped ready for when the hole in the top is cut out .

[Mavric68]

Incidentally it's all made in mdf what's the best way to get a high gloss finish ? and has anyone got an idea of what toughened glass thickness i need 5mm or 6mm it is a coffee table as well after all lol . photo below of 22" lcd monitor striped ready for when the hole in the top is cut out .

I'm also going to utilise the buttons which i cut out of the bezel im going to fit them to the side of the base cutting the base to the shape of the unit 👍😊

[Mavric68]

Is that going to be comfortable? Will the players be able to see the controls?

and mine will also be cut out above with the glass covering the gap and you will also see my controls from above .

[Mavric68]

If it offers any inspiration here is the Player 1 CP from my own arcade coffee table. Steel rule included for scale.

Single small red button under yellow coin button is the ESC key and I am tempted to fit a similar button for PAUSE at a later date.

You can also see part of the spinner I fitted to the right of the control panel.

See here for more info;

http://www.ultimatearcadecabinets.co.uk/coffee_table_arcade_sale.htm

Hope that helps?

-=Glyn=-

Mine is 10" length and 7" wide also glyn could you tell me where to get the chrome strip ? i will need it 18mm wide .

[GlynH]

Mine is 10" length and 7" wide also glyn could you tell me where to get the chrome strip ? i will need it 18mm wide .

It's called T-Molding in most places and it comes in a variety of different colours and sizes. As to where you get it then I guess it depends where you are based (US, UK, EU, etc.) and who your preferred arcade supplier is?

For example;

US
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=75

UK
https://www.arcadeworlduk.com/categories/Arcade-Parts/T-Molding/

Look here to see a large selection;
https://www.t-molding.com

Hope that helps?

-=Glyn=-

[Mavric68]

Cheers

[Mavric68]

Screen fitted to see if it fits ok

[Mavric68]

Top cut out .

[Mavric68]

I cut the buttons out of the bezel and fitted them into a cut out in the base

[Mavric68]

I cut the buttons out of the bezel and fitted them into a cut out in the base

getting there 😊👍

[Mavric68]

I cut the buttons out of the bezel and fitted them into a cut out in the base

getting there 😊👍

Can someone tell me where i can download high quality images for printing on vinyl for my gaming table tried google but image quality is poor ??