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Best way to mount Atari Volcano/Cone buttons in a 3/4" MDF control panel please
Cloakandmail:
Hi, I recently purchased a pair of reproduction Atari cone buttons for my scratch build Centipede cabinet (see attachment).
If I remove the locking nut but keep the washer the tall cone screws in at the correct height for the correct button exposure.
Due to the shape of the switch I am aware of 2 options to mount in a 3/4" piece of mdf.
1) cut out most the mdf to accomodate the switch leaving a very thin layer of mdf
2) I read a suggestion somewhere to flush mount a metal plate. After routing, how would I stick the metal to the mdf and how would I fill it to blend it all in so that it would be invisible when the laminated vinyl overlay is stuck on top.
or does somebody have a better suggestion please?
Thank you.
MartyKong:
I think your on the right track with the metal plate. I mounted a metal plate in 3/4" ply to accommodate a joystick designed for this. What I would do is grab a metal junction box cover (cut down to size) and drill your button hole in the center. On the four outside edges drill and countersink pan head screw holes. Line this up, draw a pencil mark around and router out the area so the plate sits flush. Now remove this and cut out enough of the wood where you will screw the button nut up. Now just screw down your plate and skim over with bondo/filler and sand smooth. It's just that easy ;D
bobbyb13:
Metal is good if you have a router to counter sink it.
You can manage just with the 3/4" mdf or plywood also though. You have to be conscious of the steps but it is do-able. Doing a good job requires a few tools however.
1/8"- 1/4" pilot bit
1-1/8" hole saw
Depth collar to fit that hole saw (or a piece of tape you are careful to mind.)
Piece of pipe to fit 1-1/8" holesaw cut (mine is 3" long)
1" Forstner bit with stop collar set to bottom out in piece of pipe.
3/4" hole saw
This is how I did it in 3/4" ply for a Missile Command layout but would apply to anything that you have the space for.
Mark where you want the switches mounted on the top of the panel and drill a pilot hole all the way through.
Flip the panel over. Your large holesaw cut is done from the bottom side.
Set the collar (or masking tape!) on the 1-1/8" hole saw to a cut depth of 9/16" and chase your pilot hole to that depth.
Flip panel back over and chase your pilot hole with the 3/4" holesaw and bore all the way through the panel.
Flip panel back over and fit pipe into 1-1/8" cut from the bottom and use Forstner bit to bore your 9/16" deep cut clear of material.
There is plenty of room for the switch mount and should be enough thread showing to catch the volcano trim.
Best to practice on a scrap piece first of course! Not all of those switches and trim pieces are identical.
Hope this helps.
If you want more detail please ask!
Bobby
javeryh:
Where do you buy volcano buttons? I will order 2 of them and mount them in 3/4" MDF (with a vinyl wrapped top) and post my results. I just need the buttons!
JDFan:
--- Quote from: javeryh on June 23, 2020, 01:46:13 pm ---Where do you buy volcano buttons? I will order 2 of them and mount them in 3/4" MDF (with a vinyl wrapped top) and post my results. I just need the buttons!
--- End quote ---
http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/1539/atari-lighted-start-push-button.htm
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