couple of questions (t-molding related and joystick related)

[hulkster]

k, question 1:  i have 3/4" mdf for my cp, and im going to get 1/4" lexan to go on top over artwork.  my question is, since i have 3/4" mdf and 1/4" lexan...do i need 1" t-molding???  im worried that after putting the t-molding in, the lexan will be showing (the edges) and it will look bad.  on my first cab, i had lexan, but there were some scratches on the edges because i did some sanding.  if i had t-molding to cover the edges, less sanding would be needed.  they do in fact make t-molding in black (1") so its possible, im just wondering if its necessary?

question 2:  i went through some older posts and was reading about people playing violently or whatever...just a lot of use with their joysticks (heh) and messing up their cp because they used screws instead of carriage bolts.  on my old cp, i used machine screws which were like carriage bolts, but they would sit flush on the cp.  is this enough support for any violent behaviour that may happen??  also, i used regular hex nuts for my machine screws, but after a few rounds of play, the hex nuts would come lose and even fall off the machine screws!  ive heard about t-nuts and all kinds of other stuff.  what is the best solution for the nuts to stay on the machine screws or whatever, for good?  i want them solid, and on there so i dont have to mess with it.  help!

[fredster]

T-Molding is trim to keep the edges looking good.  If you can use it, I'd say it would help keep it looking good for a while.

As far as joysticks, you might want to add some lock washers and locktite to the bolts you have.  Bolts will always come loose if you don't have lock washers.  The vibration from moving begins to loosen the bolts.  Screws into MDF is asking for trouble.

It happens on arcade machines all the time.  But they have service men who take care of them.

[hulkster]

you wouldnt happen to have a pic of these lock washer things would you?

[Nannuu]

Instead of lockwashers you may want to get locknuts.  They are the nuts with the white nylon inside.  They won't fall off.

[hulkster]

cool i think thats what i will go with....anybody want to comment on my t-molding question?

[pointdablame]

as for your Tmolding question, you pretty much answered it yourself... if you want the whole width of the panel to be covered with the Tmolding, then you'll have to add the 3/4" MDF and the 1/4" Lexan to give you a total of 1". SO yes, you'll need 1" or else you will have 1/4" of the panel width not covered by the molding.

I second the lock nut idea, thats what I plan to use on my CP, although I think I'll be using carriage bolts. I just don't trust screws in the MDF, even if the people who will be playing my cab aren't particualarly violent while playing.

[hulkster]

yeah but im guessing you are not planning on putting cp art over thetop...unless you are having the bolts stick out at the top.  i want everything to be covered by the cp art, so as to make it look a little cleaner.  

oh and as a side note....damn it feels good to be a gangsta