Best way to mount joysticks?

[Sinner]

I have HAPP Supers, and T-Stik plus joysticks...what is the best way to mount hem?
The CP is made of wood.
Is it better to route the top and bolt through, or route the bottom and mount from underneath?

[dabone]

For my tsticks I routed out the top, used flat screws and wood putty to fill in.

I like the height and it looks good under a overlay.


Later,
dabone

[ethous]

I would routed out the hole counter sink the holes then putty the holes and add a cpo on it.
Would be a really nice finish.

[Sinner]

For my tsticks I routed out the top, used flat screws and wood putty to fill in.

I like the height and it looks good under a overlay.


Later,
dabone

You haven't run into any problems doing this?

Do you think the supers could be done the same way?

[markrvp]

My personal preference is to use T-nuts on the top of the panel and mount the joysticks from underneath. 

I routed out 1/4" of material underneath to raise the joysticks higher. 

The advantage of this method is that you can change out the joysticks very easily without having to disturb or possibly ruin your control panel top & overlay.

Threaded inserts are another option, but the ones I can find are 3/4" in length which prevents you from routing out any material in the 3/4" MDF.

[Q*Bert_OP]

Use carriage bolts.

[AlanS17]

It completely depends on what joystick you have, whether you're installing in wood or metal, the length of the shaft, and how high your want the joystick to come up. It also depends on what type of games you plan on playing.

For example, dabone mentioned that he routed out the top for his t-stick plus. This is how I had my Supers.

However, I'm going to just screw my t-sticks directly into 3/4 wood from underneath without routing. This will keep the ball top low to the control panel. Of course, this is for a classics cocktail cabinet.

In other words:  different application -> different mounting method.

[Sinner]

It completely depends on what joystick you have, whether you're installing in wood or metal, the length of the shaft, and how high your want the joystick to come up. It also depends on what type of games you plan on playing.

For example, dabone mentioned that he routed out the top for his t-stick plus. This is how I had my Supers.

However, I'm going to just screw my t-sticks directly into 3/4 wood from underneath without routing. This will keep the ball top low to the control panel. Of course, this is for a classics cocktail cabinet.

In other words:

[Mark70]

Doe anyone have any valuable comments to add about the diameter of the hole of you mount under.  IE, enough room for the throw of the stick and have the dust cover (plastic washer thing) still cover the hole with the stick fully thrown.

[zaphod]

I just use 1-1/8" bit, and route some material from below (1/4"-3/8").  Gives me plenty of joystick range..

[markrvp]

I think 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" is standard for a 3/4" panel.

[Mark70]

I guess I'll do my mock up that way since I don't have my router yet. 

I take it the short sleve on the Happ Supers is designed around undermounting on a piece of 3/4" material.

[ahofle]

However, I'm going to just screw my t-sticks directly into 3/4 wood from underneath without routing. This will keep the ball top low to the control panel. Of course, this is for a classics cocktail cabinet.

That's what I did, and I haven't had any problems in 2 years of frequent playing.

[ften]

[Timoe]

will a super mount to where a wico leafswitch was or visa versa?  Will the holes line up, I mean?

[Breaker]

Hi all,

I've been meaning to ask this question and it's pretty close to being on topic for this thread. ..

I'm wondering how thick the typical metal control panel is? I too plan to route out underneath but I'm also thinking about routing the top and inserting a metal plate onto which I'll connect the joystick - this method will allow for extra joystick height. Everything will be covered with laminate in the end so I think this method might work but I'm not sure how thick the metal plate should be - I'm thinking 1/8". Comments?

Thanks,
Breaker.

[markrvp]

will a super mount to where a wico leafswitch was or visa versa?

[pmc]

However, I'm going to just screw my t-sticks directly into 3/4 wood from underneath without routing. This will keep the ball top low to the control panel. Of course, this is for a classics cocktail cabinet.

I did something similar with J-Sticks on an upright. The difference for me was that I drove the (carriage) mounting bolts from the TOP of the panel so that they'd go all the way through. The bolt-heads are counter sunk so they can be covered with artwork. Ball-tops are low to the panel and the mount is rock solid.

-pmc