Snap-in Pushbuttons/Lexan

[starnix17]

Any here use them? I was just wondering if they are hard to put on a control panel. I've played around with the screw-in kind and they are very easy to put on.

Thanks
-Tony

[uppy]

When you say snap-in are you referring to the japanese snap-in buttons like sanwa and seimitsu? If so they're pretty easy to with with provided you're working with a metal panel in that case it would just be a matter of cutting the holes and pushing them into place.
In a wood panel situation you may run into problems since a sheet of wood is thicker than the recommended clearence needed for them to work. there are ways around this of course, some people route away material giving them the thickness they need or sometimes people put a plastic overlay like lexan to support the buttons on top of the wood.

Hope this helps
Noel

[AlanS17]

Lexan will withstand the same beating that any metal CP will take. It's a much better idea than routing wood. Plus you risk damaging the wood permanently if you ever remove it.

[starnix17]

I was actually thinking about trying lexan before this.... how much does a sheet usually cost (my current control panel is 23"x7", but I'm making a whole new one)?

[starnix17]

OK.. I found some and it looks pretty good. But I do have a few more questions.....

1. How thick should I get it?
2. How the heck do you cut it (my dad's the construction guy, I'm just wondering if he has the tools to do it)?

[Ed_McCarron]

"1. How thick should I get it?"

1/8" on top of 5/8" base (MDF, particle, etc) seems to be the standard - if there is such a thing.  This gives you 3/4" total for t-molding to cover.


"2. How the heck do you cut it (my dad's the construction guy, I'm just wondering if he has the tools to do it)?"

Having cut tons of it for combat robots (1/8" - 3/4") it cuts/machines just like wood.  As long as you use lexan/polycarbonate and not acrylic or plexiglass it is almost impossible to shatter.

Use a fine tooth sawblade, and go slow on the twist drills because it tends to pull the bit in once you penetrate.

Its really pretty easy to work with - just leave the protective covering on until you are done if you want max prettiness.