should I rout?

[Scoobie]

After installing a t-stick with ball top to in my cp, I decided to install the other t-stick with the bat handle.  The ball top has a perfect length, but the bat handle seems to low.

My cp is 3/4" MDF.  I'm also not very good with a router (had quite the time routing for the tmolding).  With this in mind, should I rout out 1/4" for each bat handle stick or just get used to it the way it is??

Keep in mind I have already installed (but not wired) all the other controls.

Suggestions?

[whammoed]

If you are scared of the router use a hammer and chisel.
See oscars comments in this thread:
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=2496;start=msg13207#msg13207
Odds are you won't be disappointed that you put in some extra work on those finishing touches.

[vputz]

I routed out 1/4".  Honestly, not a big deal... if you have the router, it's easy.  Get some boards to act as "stops" for the body of the router, clamp 'em in place, be VERY precise about the depth you set, and after that it's just moving the thing around until the MDF is erased.

The bat handles ARE too short without routing, imho.  You could use a hammer/chisel, but if you have the router and are comfortable using it, I think it's a better choice; nicer edges and flat area.

-->VPutz

[greywolf22]

Actually, I have a question regarding this as well.  For routing strictly into the control panel (not for t-molding), would the router attachment for the dremel work well?  Working on some swappable panels and have decided that I'd like to route out the base for my joysticks, but was trying to come up with the cheapest (but still nice) method.  Any thought?

[ThePaul]

Grey, I used a dremel with router attachment to route the area for my TB mounting plate. It worked.. but a router would have been faster and easier. The main thing is that you have to go real slow with the dremel.. at least with my puney batery powered one =) I bought a router for $60 and it is my favorite tool now..

[greywolf22]

Thanks ThePaul,

That was what I was debating, and I think I'm going to go that route as well.  I'm sure a router is something I'll need in the future and given the router attachment for the dremel is $30.00 alone, I'm sure it's worth the extra money to just buy a router instead.  Thanks for the reply  

[Scoobie]

Well, I routed out about 1/4" for my joysticks...and what a difference!!  You guys were right!

Thanks for the suggestion.  I'd also highly recommend routing out the cp to anyone else thinking about it.  It really gives the joysticks the length they need.

Everyone on this board is so helpful!  Thanks!!

[DaemonCollector]

Im not very familiar with routers, what kind of bit would I need to do this?

[Scoobie]

I used a 1/4" straight single flute bit.  I'm sure there are more efficient bits than what I used, but this only took about 5 minutes (once the router was set and I had tested it on a scrap piece).

Take your time...it's worth it!