Opinions needed on construction of CP

[Tahnok]

I am almost finished with the plans for my bartop cab. I have been focusing on the CP lately.

The hardest part is fitting the controls into the compact CP. I am hoping to put in a T-Stik Plus, Ultimarc 2 1/4" trackball and a 6 button layout. I think I have figured it out though. The entire CP is going to be covered in plexi, which will act as a mounting plate. In other words, the wood will be cut away and the parts will be mounted straight onto the plexi. See the below pic.

The main thing I am worried about is whether or not it will be strong enough. The plexi will only be 1/8", will it be strong enough to hold up to bashing?

Oh yes, if anyone is wondering, the plexi will have contact paper stuck underneath it. This is to prevent you from being able to see into it where the wood is cut away.

I don't think I have ever heard of anybody doing it this way. I think it is a pretty good solution since it provides a uniform look, non-recessed controls and no routing. You could even almost get away with using metal mount controls.

[tommy]

there is no chance of the plexi cracking during normal play , unless it is old and brittle it will be fine , also note that plexi scratches easy and will fade over time

[Tahnok]

there is no chance of the plexi cracking during normal play , unless it is old and brittle it will be fine , also note that plexi scratches easy and will fade over time

Wow, really?! That's good, because the way I am planning my CP there is also going to be some slightly under-supported areas.

I'm not worried about scratching too much, I have seen public machines with plexi over them and they are not that bad.

[cholin]

Im sure it'll hold up but you would be better to route out a section of the wood in order to be double sure.

[mahuti]

I don't think it will crack, but it might flex and vibrate more than I would like it to.

[NoOne=NBA=]

It depends on what you use.

If you use Plexi-glass, a.k.a. ACRYLIC, it could crack.
Acrylic is very brittle by nature, but is more resistant to scratching and a little clearer than Lexan.

If you use Lexan, a.k.a. POLY-CARBONATE, it will scratch easier, but be more flexible, and less prone to shattering.


I'm guessing you'll be OK, based on how much support there will be underneath, but wouldn't take any bets on it.

[cholin]

My point exactly, leave some wood, perhaps add some support, ya never know.

[Tahnok]

Well, the entire point of doing it this way is so I don't have to route. I'm having a hard time finding a cheap router bit (I was able to borrow the router). Also, this way, I don't need a trackball mounting plate, which I couldn

[paigeoliver]

Just cover your panel over with sheet metal and mount to that, or just use mounting plates in the first place.

[Tahnok]

Just cover your panel over with sheet metal and mount to that, or just use mounting plates in the first place.

I don't have room for the 6"x6" mounting plate and I don't have the experience or tools needed for metal. Metal would be great, but I just can't pull it off.

I bought some plexi today that will be used in the finale CP. I cheaped out though and got the really flexible stuff, which may actually help. It feels like it is less likely to snap.

[paigeoliver]

Ok, well mounting them to 1/8" plexiglass isn't going to work out, you can waste your time and money now and fix it later, or do it right the first time.

I saw a brand new cabinet at super auctions that had a similarly flimsly control panel like that, and the thing was destroyed by the end of the auction.

[mahuti]

Definitely sounds sketchy.