cocktail CP - metal or wood?

[atog]

All my pieces for my new cocktail cabinet have been arriving by mail, next step is to start building.  I have been looking over peoples build pics and see that some folks have used pre constructed metal control panels, while others just build a box out of wood.

I was just going to go the wood route myself, as the metal boxes seem quite pricey.

Anybody have any suggestions or experience of their own that they want to give me?

[johnnysmitch]

It's easier to mount many controls to metal (don't have to route out cavities to preserve joystick length/trackball spacing/etc), but wood tends to be easier to work with.  I think it probably just comes down to what YOU are more comfortable working with.  I used both on my [not a cocktail] CP  

[ForKChop]

What about a set of blank ones from Mantis Amusements?

It's $32 for a set.  Not thaaaat much.

[JoyMonkey]

Arcade Depot also sell similar metal panels (they fit Midway style cocktails) and will even custom drill them for you.

I went with all wood for the first cocktail I built, it turned out very nice (looks better than the photo- honest!) but I've used aluminum for CPs since, just because hardware is so much easier to mount with metal. But then, I have access to all kinds of metal-working equipment; if I didn't work at a sign shop I'd stick with wood for CPs.

[whammoed]

I think if you are doing a Midway style table go with metal as it gives a more authentic feel to the cabinet.  If you are coming up with a unique design then it doesn't matter, whatever fits the design.  I will be offering some metal panels like the ones i used on my last project as I had extras made to keep the per unit cost down.  I am afraid they will not be any cheaper than others though as it was still a small run and they are larger than normal...but if you need the extra room for controls...
Here is the thread where you can see them:
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=21818

[atog]

whammoed youve got pm