few quick newbie questions

[qskint]

HI i now have all my bits ready to build my first cp, but theres a couple of probably dead simple things bothering me, hope you can help.
incase needing to know im using a happ super joystick with 7 pushbuttons and 3 mini buttons.

1. im using 18mm chipboard (will get mdf soon just that i have chipboard handy) is a diameter of 1.25 inches right to drill the hole for the joystick? planning on just mounting the joystick underneath as normal with no routing. also how big do i need to drill the holes for the mini buttons like these http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/images/miniredbig.jpg ? obviously they will only just poke out the other end of the wood so gonna glue them in or something (error on my part when ordering, didnt think about the lentgh)

2. im using a playstation pad to solder the buttons to, where do i put all the grounds from my microswitches to?

3. when mounting the joystick what size screws (or bolts) do i need? and how big a drill bit do i need to use?

thanks, i know these are newbie questions but i am new to this.

[leapinlew]

Question 1: regarding the joystick... I've used 1 1/8" without any problems. If you have a 1 1/4" - that'll work too. If you use the dustwasher on top of the CP - it'll cover the hole.

As for the mini-buttons, I can't help you. But as for mounting them in the CP - couldn't you use a forstner bit or router to route out a portion large enough to secure the button with a nut?

Question 2: The ground will daisy chain from each button to each button.

Question 3: Can really only be answered by you. Take some scrap material and drill some holes till you get the right size. Divemaster sells some great unmarked carriage bolts to hold your joysticks to your CP.

[qskint]

thankyou, carriage bolts thats the one =)

very limited carpentry skills, like cut the wood and drill the holes is about all im capable of at the mo.

[leapinlew]

thankyou, carriage bolts thats the one =)

very limited carpentry skills, like cut the wood and drill the holes is about all im capable of at the mo.

Same here... but, it's your project. Take your time and take breaks as needed. Many of us here have built at least 2, fixing the mistakes from the 1st one on the second one.

[Bill Mote]

My cabinet was my FIRST wood working project.  My buddy bought the black, unmarked carriage bolts.  I don't know where he got them, but they sure do look good!  I had regular rounded slotted bolts in before he found the aforementioned bolts.  I'm very glad I changed them out.

dot

[qskint]

wheres the best place in uk to get cariage bolts and what size will i need?