Advice needed for building Cabinet

[NickC]

Hello,
I am just getting into this whole scene, I was wondering what type of wood or other materials are best for building a cabinet, and how can i get that authentic look for a control panel, what materials are used? I am trying to build a two player setup, bought the parts from happs, are there any tutorials or plans for building a cabinet?

thanks
nick

[ripzone]

I think the best to use is 5/8 MDF or particle board.
For the control panel the best is to use 5/8 plywood or MDF and a 1/8 sheet of lexan/plexiglass!

You can go to the Examples section at http://www.arcadecontrols.com to find good plans!  

If you have any more questions, just ask!  

[NickC]

The size for the pushbutton holes is 1 1/8 inch correct? what is the size of the joystick hole, the same or larger?

[cdbrown]

Most people just use the same hole cutter for the buttons and joystick which saves money.  The limiting factor on the hole size is the overall thickness of the panel (including lexan).  The deeper the bigger the hole size as you don't want the stick to hit the wood.  Most examples I've looked at have the overall thickness as 3/4" and 1 1/8" hole.  Just make sure you have the joystick centered on the hole.  On my cheap trial panel one of the joysticks is off center and hits the wood very slightly.  It still registers the movement but you can tell it doesn't move as far in that direction.  If you're worried and have the money then go for 1 1/4" just to give a little more room.

*Edit - don't make the hole too big that you need a new disc

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=5021

Cheers
-cdbrown

[Jakobud]

5/8" MDF will serve you well.  Almost all my panels are this and it looks incredible.  Very nice finish after painting.

[neuromancer]

The size for the pushbutton holes is 1 1/8 inch correct? what is the size of the joystick hole, the same or larger?

Everything everyone else said, *and* thicker materials require bigger holes for the joystick. I use a 1.5" bit for all my joysticks. Spade tip bits are pretty cheap. Maybe $2 or $3 each.

Bob