Control Panel Plexiglass idea

[instantaphex]

I really would like to use sanwa buttons and joysticks but after opening up a fight stick that I have with sanwa buttons and a sanwa joystick, I don't think it would fit through the 3/4 mdf that I originally cut for the control panel.  My thought was to go with 5/8 inch mdf and 1/8 inch plexiglass on top and just cut out a big space where the controls would go (or maybe a big space per set of controls).  Would this work?  I'm worried that maybe the 1/8 inch would have too much give to it and would be annoying when I'm using it.  I guess I could just cut slightly bigger holes in the mdf relative to the plexi.  Another thought that I had was just use thick plexi only for the control panel and use a heat gun to bend it over the front of the panel.  I would really prefer not to go with happ buttons do you guys have any recommendations?

[Titchgamer]

I would just drill out larger button holes in the MDF.

[lilshawn]

sanwa buttons are really made for metal control panels... not wood... and surely not just bent plexi.

you are either going to have to find a drill bit to make a hole that TIGHTLY fits the button, wedging it in there without using it's latches, or choose a different button.

the time to choose your parts and materials is BEFORE you start cutting.

alternatively, make a metal overlay that can attach to your finished wood panel and make it part of the design.

[instantaphex]

Thanks for the heads up.  Ive started cutting my cabinet but I haven't cut out holes for any of the controls.  I figured I could leave a spot for the control panel and cross that bridge when I come to it.  So you're saying sanwa buttons won't work in plexi?  Given the tools I own and my skill level I don't think metal will be an option.  Why won't plexi work?

Edit:. I've noticed sanwa makes threaded buttons as well.  They still aren't long anough but surely using my plexi approach (perhaps with a rubber washer) would work right?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Just drill a bigger hole from underneath and get the Sanwa OBSN instead.  The ones you are thinking about are the snap in OBSF versions which are not what you want.  You want the one with the screw nut on the back.  https://www.focusattack.com/sanwa-obsn-30mm-screw-button-white

In my How to Build a Vigolix video, I used 1/2 inch MDF, but it's the same process for 3/4" wood or MDF.
Cue it up to 16:35 and 30:31 respectively:
https://youtu.be/tXZQoQT0CDU?t=995
https://youtu.be/tXZQoQT0CDU?t=1831

DeL

[lilshawn]

the correct answer here would be to router out the little area around the buttons so the wood is thinner there and they can properly snap in.

but you already mentioned limited tools/abilities.

the problem with "plexi" is that it's going to flex and give. assuming you properly support the plexi, this is a viable solution.

I would suggest as DeLuSioNal29 says and just drill a bigger hole in the panel (like 1 1/4), and the correctly sized hole in the plexi (30 mm) or (about 1 3/16)

[DeLuSioNal29]

I would suggest as DeLuSioNal29 says and just drill a bigger hole in the panel (like 1 1/4), and the correctly sized hole in the plexi (30 mm) or (about 1 3/16)

That's the poor man's way of routing out a hole from underneath.  (And there's nothing wrong with that).  I have a nice router and I STILL do it this way.  It's so easy to do.  Give it a shot!

DeL

[instantaphex]

Awesome thanks a lo.  This is my first wood working project so there are bound to be some issues.  I think I'll go with think I'll do the 5/8ths MDF and 1/8th plexi and just drill bigger into the MDF than I do in the plexi.