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Some control panel questions
Veinman:
Believe me, I've looked around many of the FAQ styled threads, and am still wondering a couple things that I want to get nailed down prior to purchasing some of my final materials.
First, my plan was to use 5/8" MDF for the control panel and for the cabinet. Then I was going to put 1/8" lexan on the CP. To finish I would put 3/4" T-molding on the cp, and 5/8" T-molding on the cabinet.
Tonight I called Menard's and asked if they had 5/8" AND 3/4" MDF. I was pretty sure I had seen 5/8" there before. The guy told me they only carried 3/4", but what I have heard is that the 3/4" MDF is in actuality 5/8". Can anyone confirm that?
So... in a worst case scenario, if I have to use 3/4" for the cabinet, would it be okay to use 5/8" plywood for the cp, so that I would still end up with 3/4" after lexan and could use 3/4" T-molding? I was worried that a 7/8" CP would be too thick and would hamper the joysticks.
Next question- I'm planning the CP to be 48" wide. Conveniently, the Lexan comes 48" wide. Am I setting myself up for a very unpleasant surprise by assuming I will be able to slap the lexan down and have the width fit perfectly?
Thanks!
markrvp:
3/4" MDF is actually 3/4". I would STRONGLY suggest you build the cabinet out of 3/4" MDF.
Your plan to use 5/8" for the CP top with 1/8" Lexan IS VERY GOOD. Now you can use 3/4" T-Molding EVERYWHERE. 5/8" MDF is readily available in 24"x48" pieces at Home Depot.
48" Lexan should be 48" wide, but don't ASS-U-ME that it will be a perfect fit.
Veinman:
I'll check with Home Depot tomorrow on the MDF. My city, as small as it is, has a Menard's, Lowe's and Home Depot all within a square mile.
And yet I often have to visit all 3... :-\
Anyway, what might I do in the terrible scenario where the Lexan doesn't fit right? I would guess I would just have to hack away at the CP until it DID fit. Lexan greater than 48" wide is crazy expensive.
Another option is adjusting my CP to be 47" or 46", just to allow some wiggle room.
markrvp:
When you go to the hardware store, take a tape measure and measure it to find out if it is exact. Then you can know definitive measurements for your CP.
Paul Olson:
--- Quote ---And yet I often have to visit all 3... :-\
--- End quote ---
Don't feel bad, I was looking for plywood, and some other stuff, about a month ago. I had to go to 2 Lowes and 2 Home Depots to find what I needed. Life was much better before these 2 stores took over everything.
Paul