CP thickness (MDF)

[Silverwind]

What is the standard thickness of a control panel?

I am currently thinking 3/4" MDF.  I have used MDF to build speaker boxes before.. and it's quite sturdy..

if I add 1/8-1/4" of plexi/lexan to that.. will it be too thick?

Thanks

[Surgeville]

I used 3/4" mdf for the cabinet itself, but went with 5/8" for control panel, because I reasoned that when I put on the 1/8" plexi on top, it would be just right.
Now that I have one of the boxes done, I don't think that extra 1/8" would make a difference, and I think I might make some of the control panels without the plexi at all.

[JoeB]

I actually got a 3/4 MDF myself.. 1/8 on an inch extra will not be noticed.  I know this because I'm actually restoring an old cabinet that was abused into a MAME one, and it had a 3/4 plywood top with 1/8 plexi and it looked fine.

The problem I came across is that I noticed that the actual 8-way controllers were recesed into the wood, and was wondering how one can do it at home, or if it's required at all!?

i.e. The original board is 3/4 inch, but where the joystick is installed, the bottom had a square piece cut down to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep where the joystick went in (from underneath).  How does one do that?! and is it required??

JoeB

[Driath]

I think I'm a loner on this one, but I used 1/2 MDF with 1/8 Plexi.. then when using 1/2 Screws, it grabs a very nice amount of the wood w/o going through the back. I don't personally see the advantage of going 3/4 as mine is sturdy enough and sure as heck already heavy enough (When I build the cab / another cp I'll probably go Ultralight MDF to save 30% the weight).

PS: I just posted my first control panel pictures here
http://bellsouthpwp.net/D/r/driath/

[Spectrum]

JoeB to "hollow out" a mounting hole for the joysticks you need to use a router.  Also need a router for slotting T-molding.

Driath  good looking CP you got going on  gonna cover it with some pretty artwork or keep the pink look?

[Driath]

Thanks Spectrum... I'm actually designing the art now... I am going to print it this weekend at Kinko's... i'll post a thread up when it's done for some critique... the pink is jsut the plexi protective film so i don't scratch it while still designing everything hehe

[Dave_K.]

I'm redoing one of my control panels that is already exactly 3/4.  I'm redoing it because I want to add artwork and a plexi top.  Happ Supers are made for 3/4.  Any thicker (even 1/8 more) will make the stick to low, so you would either have to route out the underside, and/or maybe increase the diameter of the hole.

I'm going with 5/8 thick board with 1/8 plexi.

[Silverwind]

I'm thinking about going 3/4" and then routing a square to mount the happ super..

I figure might as well make the CP thick.. since everyone will be leaning on it etc...

maybe on the top of my CP i'll route some cup holders in
hehe j/k