Countersink screws for joystick with 1/2 inch panel

[mcdo15]

I searched and looked at serveral threads but didn't find an answer...

I'm helping a friend with panel.  He used 1/2 wood for the panel.  Can i still countersink top screws so they don't show on the panel?

I built a cab many years ago and kinda forgot what I did (i used 3/4 panel and i put the screw countered up top, a nut countersinked on the bottom, joystick, then washer/nut...  This held up great and still works.    can i do this with 1/2 inch?    If drilled right, i can grab wood but not much.

This is a Happ Competition Joystick

Or should i just bolt though top?  Me i don't want them showing and the person wanting it wouldn't even notice (kinda)

Any advice for this would be great...

TIA

[leapinlew]

1/2" eh? I've countersunk joysticks with 5/8ths - seems plenty strong. I've also put some screws in from the bottom of the joystick into the wood. That also seems plenty strong.