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Troubles finding 5/8 MDF
DrewKaree:
Do you have plans that REQUIRE you to use it for some reason or other, or is it just that you're afraid your measurements are going to be off? Something close to 3/4" is fine. An eigth or thirty-secondth difference isn't worth traveling all over creation. Just change your measurements. You're essentially just making 4-sided boxes. Just select two sides (I'd choose WIDTH rather than DEPTH measurements), cut those to what you need, and subtract the added material. Once you have one width measurement figured out, all the rest of the pieces that were the same size in width, change your dimensions. Take your time, plan your measurements carefully, and if anything, if you're SERIOUSLY worried, cut your pieces a bit larger, test fit everything, and then trim again.
And you guys thought all that math crap with fractions would never make a difference in "the real world" ;)
Anyone having their plans and unable to find your MDF in the size you want, I'm willing to resize your plans for you. I exact a hefty penance for not keeping track of your helmet though ;)
AtomSmasher:
--- Quote from: DrewKaree on February 18, 2006, 09:05:59 pm ---Do you have plans that REQUIRE you to use it for some reason or other, or is it just that you're afraid your measurements are going to be off? Something close to 3/4" is fine. An eigth or thirty-secondth difference isn't worth traveling all over creation. Just change your measurements. You're essentially just making 4-sided boxes. Just select two sides (I'd choose WIDTH rather than DEPTH measurements), cut those to what you need, and subtract the added material. Once you have one width measurement figured out, all the rest of the pieces that were the same size in width, change your dimensions. Take your time, plan your measurements carefully, and if anything, if you're SERIOUSLY worried, cut your pieces a bit larger, test fit everything, and then trim again.
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Umm, he said the 5/8 was just for his CP, which means meant just the CP top since thats what the project arcade book calls for when you add 1/8'' plexiglass on it. If you haven't ordered your t-molding yet you could order about 5 feet of 7/8'' when you order the rest of the molding, it shouldn't cost you much (if any) more. Your other option is to find a lumber yard, I know my local lumber yard has pretty much every type and thickness of wood I could possibly want. Also, since it will be covered with t-molding and plexiglass, you could just get 5/8'' plywood or hardwood.
But its nice of you to offer your help with the math Drew ;D
DrewKaree:
--- Quote from: AtomSmasher on February 18, 2006, 09:25:37 pm ---
Umm, he said the 5/8 was just for his CP, which means meant just the CP top since thats what the project arcade book calls for when you add 1/8'' plexiglass on it.
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So the plexiglass isn't necessary (see mamemarquees or emdkay), OR, if you simply MUST have the plexiglass, it STILL doesn't make a difference if you use 3/4" material. The buttons will still fit, the T-molding will still work....I'm STILL failing to see what the problem is. I doubt I'll ever understand it, since it's a non-issue, but I'd still like to hear the theory behind being unable to use anything other than 5/8".
If it's just because "that's what the book says", I'm POSITIVE saint would agree that it's not gospel that you use THAT thickness if you've got access to 3/4".
I'm not certain he's using the book either, since he didn't say that in this post, and I'm not following his progress anywhere else except to answer questions hither and yon.
albybum:
I got mine from Lowes.
When I first asked them for 5/8 MDF, the guy had no idea what I was talking about. We took a walk through the section where they keep the stock and I found it.
5/8 was all they had.
MYX:
Hey Drew, it is because I wanted to have a plexi top. I have really been trying to have a clean slick finish to this and the plexi has always been a part of the plan. I bought and actually read the book and refer back to it often , and no offence to anyone who has built the project arcade, it is not at all what I wanted. (However the book is a must have. Rumor is that it will sell like beanie babies in about a month or so. :D ). I wanted a laid back vert monitor in a NON pac or galiga style. So after measuring my QIX, I bastardized it as I saw fit. I am having fun making a 100% mod in progress (no firm set or drawn plans. just scribbles here and there). So it is not a mater of not being able to measure or make new measurments, (heck most of my measurments are beyond comprehension up till the point of the nice new saw board ;) ) I just really wanted to have a final plexi that used 3/4 in t-molding (dark blue). I do not want to use partical board. I used it on my last CP and it is no fun to work with. MDF is beautiful to work with. With router in hand it is nearly like sculpting. I am trying to have no sharp edges on my cab. Though a struggle, as I have never done any "real" wood working, I think (<-- relitive term) I am doing a pretty good job.
--- Quote from: wrench on February 18, 2006, 08:45:12 pm ---Keep in mind if you try to shave down a 3/4 mdf board,the dust produced is supposed to be nasty,make sure you use a mask.
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yeah it has been nasty all along, but no regrets so far. I do all the cutting and routing outside. Then I use my echo leaf blower and send a huge cloud down the street. ;D