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2 Random tips before starting your project
SirPeale:
Dang, shmokes, what size bit are you using? I've always used a 1 1/8" saw, and it's nice and snug.
patrickl:
--- Quote from: shmokes on August 13, 2004, 10:27:42 am ---You know...I always thought the button holes were supposed to be the same size as the joystick holes, and the Visio templates support that claim.
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I've seen that before yes, but doesn't that depend on the joystick (throw, handle width) and mounting depth? I mounted my Ms Pac/Galaga reunion stick with something like a 7/8" hole for the handle. Far less than the 1 1/8"for the button holes. Maybe not an issue if you put the dust washers on top of the CP, but if you plan to hide those then the hole size should be as small as possible.
BTW probably the best random tip is to think before you implement. Better try new ideas out on (scrap) pieces of wood before you commit them to your cab. I see way too many threads that fill the pattern: "I did <fill in destructive act> to my cab and I really shouldn't have, please help me fix it".
grumble:
--- Quote from: cbmeeks on August 13, 2004, 08:58:43 am ---
--- Quote ---Norm really knows his stuff, and is a true craftsman
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Yeah, Norm is king. Unlike that pansey Bob Villa. Have you ever noticed Norm (or Nam) gets right to it and works while Bob Villa just talks about it and watches other people work? I swear, I have seen about 1000 Bob Villa shows and I have yet to see him actually pick up one of his tools and use it. Hell, even his Sears commercials show OTHER people using the tools he is selling.
lol
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Totaly :D . Did you ever see that sticom, Home Improvement? The Tim and Al characters are based on Bob and Norm down to the beard, plaid shirts and glasses on Al. Pretty funny stuff.
So I'm curious.. Where did those of you who consider yourselves to be competent woodworkers learn your stuff? Was it just trial and error, a teacher? a class? books? tv? what. Are there any good resources beginners could use to learn more?
foomench:
--- Quote from: grumble on August 13, 2004, 06:09:34 pm ---So I'm curious.. Where did those of you who consider yourselves to be competent woodworkers learn your stuff? Was it just trial and error, a teacher? a class? books? tv? what. Are there any good resources beginners could use to learn more?
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This will answer your question, but may not help: I learned a little bit in a shop class in high school, but most of what I learned I picked up from my dad. I helped him build my desk, a loft structure, a wall unit, and a host of other things. It started with me just helping, to me designing and both of us building, to him helping me a little, and now I'm on my own making things these days.
I strongly second the "try things out on a scrap" technique. Maybe a pro doesn't need to do this, but I always do if it is something new and different.
-foomench
patrickl:
I actually started out building a microcab PocketGalaga just to teach myself some woodworking and painting skills. Also to see if I was even able to build something at all since I never did any woodworking before. After that I did a standalone CP. From those two experiments I learned an incredible lot. Most importantly the standalone CP tought me I had some designflaws in my upright cab plans so I'm working on correcting those.
But even still, I try to mount a new joystick or new trackball on a scrap bit of wood first.