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How to repair/rebuild a metal control panel
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OSCAR:
I recently picked up a converted Centipede cabinet that I will be restoring, and one of the first things I did was to rebuild the hacked up control panel.  Since a lot of people pick up old converted cabs for MAME projects, I figured some may find this useful.

So far the page only has the cp restoration, but as I do more work on the cab I will be updating this page:

http://www.oscarcontrols.com/centipede


SaiNRuB:
Nice welds, you da man.


Looks terrific, great idea on using the washers to fill in the holes around the trackball.
SirPeale:
I so need a welder (and welding experience) and an angle grinder.
OSCAR:
My little MIG welder is the best investment I've ever made in tools, without a doubt.  I have a Millermatic 135 and it is perfect for someone that hasn't welded before.  Just a weekend of practicing on scrap metal to get the feel of it, and you will be turning out very nice welds.  Just like owning a router, once you get the hang of it, you use it for everything.

For example, I made my wife an artsy little candle holder to go with some of her Christmas decorations.  It only took a couple hours and I made it entirely out of scrap (and yes, you do see a spinner flywheel in there :) ).

http://www.oscarcontrols.com/tmp/angel.jpg



The washers were one of those "Ah-ha!" moments that hit me as I was digging through some bins looking for something suitable to fill the holes with.  The idea of cutting out metal discs with my nibbler was not very appealing...

Anyway, I'm glad you guys like the repair job!  Arcadeshop actually sells new Centipede control panels now, but what fun would that be?

Zakk:
That's like a sign from above... I've had so many instances lately where a little bit of welding would save me tons of effort...plus watching american chopper has me all jazzed to weld stuff...I'm going to take your recommendation and get one of those puppies.  I've been doing a fair bit of resarch on the different kinds (MIG TIG etc) and was undecided.

 I remember when I plugged holes on my first panel, I used cut plexi, "liquid weld" and bondo.  It worked, but your method is just so much more 'right'.

 Nice work by the way, seems to be a lot of centipede cabs popping up around here.  It's such a damn nice looking piece of artwork!  Well, not as nice as that candleholder... ;)
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