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Who is the guy to get carriage bolts from?
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steveh:
This question is along the same topic.  I am a newb at building machines, but i have been reading the forums, and looking at projects

I put together a mock cp. (I think the plywood i used was thin) and i had problems with the joypad ripping out of the cp when mounted from the bottom.  When i build a new one i would like to make sure this is not a problem  what should i be looking for when i build it.  I think i would like to have the joysticks mounted from the bottom, and ill probably cut them into the wood for a better fit.  I do not want any screws to be viewable from the top.  What do i have to do to make sure these do not rip out of the bottom from excessive play.

rdowdy95:
Steve what you will want to do then is mount from the bottom.  Cut your joystick holes then center the base of the joysticks on the underneath side of your base on the bottom of the hole.  Trace around the joystick base and rout 1/4" deep inside the traceable area.  Then it will add some more support.  Then use washers and 1/2" wood screws.  That will give you a nice clean look from above.  I am going with the carriage bolts from above for extra support.  I got some friends that really will give the sticks a workout!
steveh:
Should i use 3/4" MDF,  Should i predrill the holes?
rdowdy95:
The Project Arcade book uses 3/4" MDF.  But use what you want.  MDF is usually the way to go.  I used Birch Ply for the wood grain look.  As far as predrilling the holes for the control panel I would wait till you are ready to put your sticks in.  Just drill the button holes and joystick holes. 

Did you order Saint's book yet.  It will have a good way to go about it for the beginner.  It is what I used, then I came here asking questions and so forth.
WaRpEd:
Steve I would use the Birch plywood over the MDF for strength and durablity. MDF Is OK but the original arade cabinets were not made of MDF.
A 2' by 4' handy panel at a Hardware store is only a couple of bucks more than the alternative.
By the way My first CP I made out of MDF is cupping or warping from use and abuse we thrash it pretty hard on fighting games.
But ones I've made since about 9 now haven't warped at all.
Just my two cents.
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