Is lexan strong enough to mount TB to?

[jim_daniels]

I've been trying to figure out a way to mount my ps/2 imperial trackball to my control panel without using an ugly mounting plate and making it as clean as possible.  I was thinking about cutting a hole in my 3/4" MDF the size of the entire assembly, then mounting the trackball to the 1/4" lexan on top.  Anybody have any idea how this would hold up?  I think it would look really nice because that little lip on the mount would stick through the hole giving it a nice ring around the trackball.  Plus it would give me a good height. Anyone tried this?

[Silverwind]

I've been trying to figure out a way to mount my ps/2 imperial trackball to my control panel without using an ugly mounting plate and making it as clean as possible.  I was thinking about cutting a hole in my 3/4" MDF the size of the entire assembly, then mounting the trackball to the 1/4" lexan on top.  Anybody have any idea how this would hold up?  I think it would look really nice because that little lip on the mount would stick through the hole giving it a nice ring around the trackball.  Plus it would give me a good height. Anyone tried this?

Hmm.. i'm not sure.. I don't think 1/4" lexan would support the weight of someone leaning on it...  at the VERY least I would build some type of support underneath.. like some metal/wood brackets to hold the trackball up against the lexan from underneath..

[eightbit]

Its been done before. Do a search on the archive of the message boards. Seems like you should be able to find it in the last 90 days. If that doesn't work search back farther. There are also examples on the project page but I can't remember where I saw it I just know I have.

I/4" lexan is some hefty stuff and its a lot stronger than your giving it credit for. Are you sure you want your overlay to be that thick? I just did one with 1/16" and it was nice but very thin and I wasn't supporting a trackball with it.

[jim_daniels]

I think I'm going to go for it, I'll probably find some L-brackets and attach the housing to the wood somehow for added support.

[eightbit]

I think I'm going to go for it, I'll probably find some L-brackets and attach the housing to the wood somehow for added support.

Then you won't need to attach it to the lexan. I cut the hole for my trackball to snugly fit. Then I took the trackball apart and screwed from inside the trackball into the edge of the plywood. We've been pounding on it for a while and it hasn't budged.

I didn't use plexi I just covered the CP with vinyl.

[wee beastie]

I mounted right to the lexan.  I just cut a hole in the wood underneath the lexan to fit the housing snug on the sides.  Then just used carriage bolts straight thru the lexan.  I haven't had a problem yet.

[eightbit]

I mounted right to the lexan.  I just cut a hole in the wood underneath the lexan to fit the housing snug on the sides.  Then just used carriage bolts straight thru the lexan.  I haven't had a problem yet.

How thick is your lexan? I think it would take an awefull lot of force to crack 1/4" and shearing it probably wouldn't happen.