Mounting Sanwa parts in Wooden panels

[n3rrd]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be getting some parts in for two personal panels I plan on assembling.  I'm cannibalizing some PS2 controllers to provide myself with a more authentic means of playing the crapload of fighters I have for the thing.  I like the look of Sanwa sticks and buttons, so I've decided to snag myself some of each.  That is where my problem begins.

I know that most Japanese cabinets use metal or plastic panels and thus have very small mounting requirements, making them difficult to mount in wood.  Top mounting the joystick will leave the shaft long enough that you wouldn't really notice.

The problem I'm having is figuring out how to mount the Sanwa buttons in a 3/4" Wooden panel with a Lexan sheet!  I know it's possible, because byrdo does it in the panels he makes (http://www.byrdo.org), and I know he makes them out of wood (http://www.byrdo.org/small_sanwa_blueprint.htm).  It's been confusing me for a while...

I did some searching around and read about a guy who calls himself Dreaded Fist.  He also makes these single player panels, and also uses Japanese parts.  Is it just me, or does it look like he is mounting them directly to the lexan in this picture?  http://home.comcast.net/~dreadedfist/pics/stick_3.jpg

I realize the downward force applied to the buttons while playing isn't TOO intense, but would the lexan be able to support them?  If not, does anyone else have any clever ideas?

[usedelectronics]

The panels I make also have the buttons retained by the lexan.
The downward force isnt a issue because of the wood support directly underneath.

[n3rrd]

The panels I make also have the buttons retained by the lexan.
The downward force isnt a issue because of the wood support directly underneath.

Thanks for the response, usedelectronics.  I figured as much!  I couldn't think of how else he would have supported the buttons in those pictures.

Another question regarding mounting the controls up for grabs!  When using the Sanwa mounting plates, there are holes that aren't necessarily needed to fasten the plate to the panel.  Do those spots need to be filled with bondo, wood filler, etc. so that they don't interfere with vinyl overlays?  Or is it not an issue?

I've also wondered this about top mounted Happs joysticks, as they have a small lip on the base and leave a sunken area that I would assume to cause issues with the vinyl bubbling.  Any feedback?

[usedelectronics]

Easiest way is to just recess them in the back of the control panel.

Like so:

[n3rrd]

Easiest way is to just recess them in the back of the control panel.

Definately a viable option.  I'll keep it in mind.  Any other opinions or ideas?

[kowal]