benefits of 5/8 MDF for control panel

[jteexy]

I've seen where some people are using 5/8 MDF for their control panel instead of 3/4 MDF like they are using on the rest of the cab.  What's the reasoning behind this?  Any benefits?  Any disadvantages?

[PL1]

I've seen where some people are using 5/8 MDF for their control panel instead of 3/4 MDF like they are using on the rest of the cab.  What's the reasoning behind this?  Any benefits?  Any disadvantages?

One advantage if you're using a UTrak trackball with the trim bezel is not having to route out a 1/8" pocket on the bottom of the panel to make the top of the flange sit flush with the ball surround.

Mounting with trim bezel:
The optimum panel thickness for this method is 5/8 in (17mm). A 3/4 inch panel can be used but the flange will sit 1/8 inch above the ball surround.

Scott

[RandyT]

Any benefits?  Any disadvantages?

Way late to the party, but I'll throw out some:

Advantages:  In the case of a 4-way, you really want a short stick and you will get an extra 1/8" inch of usable height.  Not a big advantage, but something.  Some import buttons can be shorter than US buttons.  This can give a little extra meat as far as threads are concerned.

Disadvantage:  The thinner the control panel, the cheaper the panel will feel.  If someone is slapping it to press buttons, the thinner the panel, the more it will feel and sound like a "drum" than a solid extension of the the cabinet body.  Thin wooden control panels are a pet peeve of mine

[javeryh]

I've been doing 1/2" CPs for a while now. No noticeable difference to me in terms of feel but I don't have to route out for the joysticks anymore, which saves time. My CPs are like 18" x 5" so it's not an issue. If you are talking about some giant CP then I'd probably want the thicker material to keep things stable.

[NoMoUserNames]

Old thread, but just to add, if you want to put something like plexi on top, using 5/8" MDF and a 1/8" sheet of plexi keeps you at the "standard" 3/4" thickness. Doing 3/4" MDF AND plexi on top can mess some things up like button/stick mounting depth.

[DaOld Man]

My last project I used 1/2" for control panel.
I'd have to say the weight difference is a plus.
Also I used 1/8" plexi and 5/8" t molding.
Im pretty happy with the turnout.

[NoMoUserNames]

I was debating swapping some 3/4" pieces for 1/2" where it is not load bearing (speaker/Marquee face, monitor bezel, rear door, control panel, etc.).

How big of a control panel did you do it on? If its something like a big 4p panel, did you feel the need to add any supports or anything? Throwing my numbers into the "sagulator" gives some worrying numbers.

[DaOld Man]

Im not sure who you are asking, but my panel (1/2" MDF) is two player. 2 joysticks, 6 buttons each player, 2 player start buttons,  and a trackball in center of panel.
Panel measures 10.25" by 31.5".
Only have two admin buttons, so plenty of room for me.

Here is a pic. Quarters are lined up and ready to go.
You can see im not much on cab art. Maybe someday....