creating a curved surface?

[AlanS17]

Well I didn't read ALL the replies so I can't say if this has already been suggested or not, but...

(1) I used hardboard for a curve across the front of my control panel and it's tought stuff. It's 1/4" thick, but it's probably all you would need for this application since it's not load-bearing.

(2) Most cabinets with curved sides at the top have a flat board between them. Ms. Pacm-Man is a perfect example. If this thing is up against a wall then nobody will ever see the curvy top. Unless this machine is free-standing in the middle of a room, putting a curve in the top is (IMO) probably more trouble than it's worth.

[Witchboard]

Stupid question:
Could you use a piece of lexan and bend it with a heat gun?

You can paint it with that new Krylon plastic paint I see at walmart.

It could glow too.  Put a light behind it and you could have an errie green glow comming out the curved back.

I suppose you could, but I don't think it would be very economical.  It would also be more fragile.

[xar256]

I'm taking a process from my other hobby group, but it should work just as good here.  We make shields with this process, and it works great!

Since you want to end up with 3/4" plywood, you'll be best off building up 3 layers of 1/4".  Cut the panel width about 3-4 inches wider than needed.

Take 2-3 pieces of 2x6 or 2x8 or 2x10 <the width is dependant on the depth of the curve you want- buy your lumber accordingly> the length of the panel you need to bend.
Cut the same curve into the lumber that you want the panel to match.  
Nail<nailing works better than clamping for this> the first 1/4" panel to the convex side of the 2 lumber pieces<one on either edge of the panel, and one in the middle if they are particularly wide pieces>.
Slather the entire surface with wood glue and lay the next sheet of 1/4" and fasten.  Then repeat for the last sheet.  Make sure you nail or clamp everything good and tight to the "press".  Let everything dry and voila!  3/4" custom curved plywood.
Just cut off the excess width <which removes the nail holes and you're golden!

Hope this helps, I can do up some pics of needed.
Xar256:D

[MiKman]

One thing I was curious about was if you were planning on a coin door.  a coin door will not work well on the curved surface you will need a flat spot in there somewhere.

[Kremmit]

One thing I was curious about was if you were planning on a coin door.  a coin door will not work well on the curved surface you will need a flat spot in there somewhere.

You could mount a couple of Nintendo-Style coin chutes- they're small enough that the gaps where the curve meets the plate could be covered by a little wood trim.  Here's some:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13718&item=6114503321&rd=1
You'd want to dismount them from that black door for minimum size, I think.

Or, this guy's pretty small:
http://www.happcontrols.com/coindoors/40001200_exploded.htm