Clarification for mounting 49-way

[greywolf22]

Hey guys,

Been reading lots of posts on this, but am still a little confused. I want to mount my 49-way joystick in my control panel.  My panel is 1/2" MDF with 1/4" lexan on top.  I had heard that to be safe 1-1/2" hole was preferable for mounting the joystick to get the full throw on it.  The question I have is...first with 1/2" mdf and 1/4" on top, is it preferable to route out the base of the joystick to increase the length of the stick? If so, what would be a good depth to route out...and secondly...if I do route out (or not) is 1-1/2" hole for the stick still recommended or something smaller 1-1/4" for example?  Just trying to get my plans sorted out.  Thanks as always for the helpful replies

[Tiger-Heli]

Markrvp is probably the resident expert on this, and I think he recommends using a smaller hole so the stick is somewhat physically restricted, but hopefully he will comment directly.

[Brewser]

I used a dremel tool to route out the hole from 1 1/8" to 1.5 ". I don't think I can recommend this since now I do have some rough spots after I assembled the joysticks and for the time being I am just going to live with since I don't want to take this apart again. The rough spots aren't that bad but you will notice them if you move the joystick around in circles, but for most games you would never notice.
Cutting that plexi is going to be tough. I think the only way to do this would be with a dremel tool and do it slowly.
Keep in mind these sticks do have a larger throw, but you don't need to move the joystick the whole distance, so if you hit the wood with a smaller hole you might be OK. Try it and see how it feels, but I think you should at least go 1.5"
One other thing I noticed is the dust cover sometimes hits the hole. It doesn't get stuck, it just makes a snap noise. This has only happened a few times.

[Tiger-Heli]

Cutting that plexi is going to be tough. I think the only way to do this would be with a dremel tool and do it slowly.

Not if he doesn't have an existing stick to replace.

[markrvp]

There is no need to route out any material under the CP, the 49-way stick is really long.  As Tiger-Heli stated I advocate using a 1-1/4" hole for the joystick.  This reduces the throw of the stick without affecting its ability to activate all 49-way positions.

[greywolf22]

Thanks for all the great information.  Luckily this is a new control panel that I'm building so cutting the Lexan won't be a problem (just wanted to make sure I sized it properly first)...and so now your saying I didn't need to buy that new router    I'm sure I'll find some use for it 

Thanks again everyone

[MrSaLTy]

...and so now your saying I didn't need to buy that new router

[dema]

...and so now your saying I didn't need to buy that new router

[Tiger-Heli]

I'm sure I'll find some use for it 

T-molding.

[lettuce]

I am using 1/2" MDF for my CP, and i routed out half the thickness of the CP, cos without it, i felt the stick werent long enough, i guess its down to personal prefrences!