Walk Me Through This Please...

[SuperPacMan]

 

I am attempting my first control panel and need some help.  I own a Hotrod SE and I want to build my second panel with the exact same dimensions (so they will swap perfectly in the retainer I have made). I already have the joysticks I want to use (Happs Universal and MsPac/Galaga) the buttons (Ultimarc), and the circuit board (I-PAC). Now I am, with some trepidation, attempting to put it all together. A few questions I have at this point:

1) Woodworking is not my strong point. Once I have the pieces cut (I am planning on using 3/4" plywood) what is the best way to assemble them, glue or nails?


2) I plan on putting a hinge of some type on the top of the cp so it can be lifted to switch the Universal between 4 and 8 way mode. What's the best way to secure the "lid" when it is down?


3)  I'm assuming all standard arcade buttons are the same size in diameter. What are the exact measurements I should use for the holes the buttons (Ultimarc) will sit in?


4) Does anyone know for sure if the "Joystick mounting plate/hardware for wood CP" sold by Bob Roberts will work with the MsPac/Galaga stick?


5) How easy would it be to make my own metal mounting plate for the MsPac/Galaga and how would I go about it?


Thanks for any and all help!

[steve_pss]

1. This of using 3/4" MDF. Much easier to work with (IMHO).
I use drywall screws. They make a combo resessed pilot drill/switch to phillips head drive gizmo. Buy one, they rock.

2. Consider velco, quite a few people use it. There are various latches for sale as well. Happs carries some.

3. If I remember correctly buttons (and joystick holes) are 1 1/8" diameter.

4. Don't know.

5. If it would be easier for you to make that piece you would already know how to do it.  

[TalkingOctopus]

1) I used and would recommend both drywall screws and glue.  

2) Industrial strength velcro is the way to go!  The control panel is very sturdy and its innards are very easy to access.

3) 1 1/8"  Some people use 1 1/2" for joysticks, but I went 1 1/8" for both

5) It is hard to work with metal.

[Tiger-Heli]

4) Does anyone know for sure if the "Joystick mounting plate/hardware for wood CP" sold by Bob Roberts will work with the MsPac/Galaga stick?

If you mean this one - http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/pacadapt.html, then that's what it is for.

BTW, it's probably a little late now, but your choice of sticks seems a little interesting - The Mspac/Galaga is one of the best 4-ways, while the Universal is generally regarded as a pretty good 4-way and not so good 8-way.  Why you would want both has me stumped, but it's your panel and probably too late now.

[Stingray]

5) How easy would it be to make my own metal mounting plate for the MsPac/Galaga and how would I go about it?

Nothing to it if you already own the tools to cut & weld metal, but since you asked the question I assume that you don't. It's just a matter of cutting out the plate, cutting a hole for the joystick and welding four studs on the back, but if you're going to go that far you might as well make your whole panel out of metal instead of wood.

-S

[paigeoliver]

I mount "metal panel" joysticks in wooden panels all the time, and I have yet to ever buy a mounting plate.

I just take a thinnish piece of sheet metal, mount the stick to that, then mount that to the panel. The thickish rubber overlays I use hide my crude mounting jobs.

Or, to do it clean (where you can still use normal overlays). Just cut a thinnish piece of sheet metal large enough to cover your whole panel. You short sticks can be mounted only to the sheet metal, while everything else can go through the metal and the wood.

[SuperPacMan]

I mount "metal panel" joysticks in wooden panels all the time, and I have yet to ever buy a mounting plate.

I just take a thinnish piece of sheet metal, mount the stick to that, then mount that to the panel. The thickish rubber overlays I use hide my crude mounting jobs.

Or, to do it clean (where you can still use normal overlays). Just cut a thinnish piece of sheet metal large enough to cover your whole panel. You short sticks can be mounted only to the sheet metal, while everything else can go through the metal and the wood.

Great idea. 2 dumbass questions:

1) What kind of sheet metal (Is there more than one kind?) and how thick should it be?

2) What did you use to cut the holes in the metal?


Thanks

[paigeoliver]

I usually use sheet metal from old PC cases.

You will need a 1 1/8" holesaw to cut the button holes (if doing all metal), and to cut the hole for the joystick shaft.

[DrewKaree]

if you want to use glue, you'd better do/have one of two things.  1.  Use screws to hold the pieces together while the glue dries, or 2.  possess/buy clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

If you know how to use a caulking gun, go to the caulk aisle of your local hardware store and pick up a tube of Liquid Nails instead of glue.  It may  be overkill, but I'd bet a TON of money you NEVER EVER have to worry about it coming apart, AND it won't cost that much more than plain ol' wood glue.  Just remember to leave that little "caulk turd" on the end or the rest of your tube is shot.

I suggest screws and counter sink them to just flush with your CP.  

That's all I'm qualified to say regarding your questions!

[Stingray]

"caulk turd"

        LOL! So that's what that's called.

-S

[DrewKaree]

  It's a common industry term, technical jargon

I'm sorry, I should have posted that for the "everyman"!  

LOL

[Stingray]

Slow down there poindexter, you're losing me with all that technociligiacal mumbo-jumbo.  

-S