Control Panel building

[JONTHEBOMB]

Hello, I'm just looking for some suggestions on what a control panel should or could be made out of.  I have looked at many examples and I see a certain kind of wood used or particle board.  Also, would you suggest building the control panel separate form the cabinet or into the cabinet?

Thanks for your help.

[markrvp]

Because of it's size, a CP is typically made out of MDF or Plywood.  MDF holds paint better IMHO.  Poplar would be my wood of choice (because of how it holds paint), but you would have to glue up panels, so very few people do this.

The width of your control panel will be determined by the space needed to accomodate the controls you choose.  The width of your cabinet will be determined at least partially by the size of your monitor.  If the width of the CP is wider than your cabinet, then you will probably build it separate from the cabinet and then attach it.  If your CP will fit within the width of the cabinet, then my opinion is it looks nicer built into the cabinet.

These are my opinions.

[Q*Bert_OP]

If you have access to metalwork go with metal control panels.

[Veinman]

Often the control panel is separate because of the difficulty/impossibility in moving a cabinet with it attached.

[JONTHEBOMB]

A bit more information about the cabinet I'm working on is...

I'm building it out of wood (not sure what kind yet).
It will have a 19inch monitor.
The controls are below.
They include 2 joysticks, a spinner, a trackball, and a lot of buttons.

Switching topics how would you suggest I connect a control panel built separately to a cabinet so that it says in place and doesn't move around during gameplay.
 
Thanks

[Navmaxlp]

I used elbow rackets for mine. I used four of them (two on each side). Myself and a second player can put our full weight on it and the cab will tip but the CP doesn't move a bit. I cut a square notch out of the cab for the CP to sit on so it's pretty sturdy.

[JONTHEBOMB]

What exactly are elbow rackets, and where could I find some to buy?

Thanks for your help.

[Navmaxlp]

Elbow brackets are metal brackets that look like an "L".  You can get them in a bunch of sizes at Home Depot or Lowes on the cheap. Installation is a snap as there are just a few screws and they shouldn't obstruct anything when installed. Ask any hardware salesperson for a hand and you'll see what I mean. Good luck.

[Tiger-Heli]

Angle iron or something like 1x1 wood strips would work also.