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Ideal CP Width and Thickness?

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simpleman46:
I'm just looking for some opinions before I build, any input is appreciated.  :)
Two things:

1)  I'm building a two player control panel.  Two 8-way joysticks, 7 buttons per player.  Possibly an additional 4-way stick.  And of course the usual coin and player start buttons.  
Based on previous experience, what do you think is a good width for this?  I don't want to make it too huge, but I don't want the two players to be interfering with each other too much (bashing elbows).

2)  It seems that most people use either 1/2" or 3/4" thick wood for their CP.  I think I'll probably use the 1/2" because I'm concerned with the length of the joystick shaft.  Should I be concerned?
What if I have plexiglass also?
Will 1/2" wood be strong enough for play?

Thanks for your opinions!

btw.....  I'll probably be using MDF for the CP.

ArcadeFX:
I am 6'3 and about 210.  My control panel is about 35 x 17.  It is T shaped and  this is the perfect size for my cabinet.  It also is just right for two players my size.  I made sure I had enough room.   It all depends on your cabinet size and your layout.  Here is a pic of mine if you have any further questions..

tellarite:
Here is my newly completed panel: http://www.tellarite.net/new-cabinet#03-17-2002

It is 900 cm across. I used 1/4 inch phenolic with 3/4 inch wood underneath. The wood is for the added weight and rigidity to the phenolic. The joys are mounted directly to the phenolic (so that's 1/4 inch clearence) I haven't had too much playtime involved with this panel, but anything longer than 900 would be too big for my cabinet and it seems about right for two players. (My cabinet is skinnier than a lot of peoples. Dimensions were based off of an old millipede cabinet I have that since was converted to a two player aero fighters cab. The joys in that were even closer than I have them.)

I am very happy with the length of my joysticks (I am using Happ Supers), however, I might be concerned even with the 1/2 inch you suggested. Idunno.. this is my first panel.. and I just barely got it done.. so take my comments with a grain of salt.

My suggestion is to go to a real arcade and see what feels good to you. Don't forget to bring a tape measurer!

Here is a pic:

Frobozz:
Of course, if you have a bridgeboard sitting around in your basement, you could make it out of 12 gage stainless steel. ;)

Question tellarite.  How well does the CP hold up?  Is there any flexation or misformation around the joystick mounts?  I wouldn't want to break my panel during a heated game of Sinistar. ;)

tellarite:
phenolic is SOLID AS A ROCK

I honestly don't think I could break it with a hammer.

I knew that phenolic was hard stuff, but I was surprised at just how hard it really is (But not to cut or drill amazingly!) The stuff is made by GE for high voltage electrical stuff like transformers ... it's a polymer of fabric and plasticy stuff... smells terrible when you cut it. Weird stuff.. it is normally tanish brownish but the dust turns bright orange when routered.

I wanted to use steel originally because of it's thickness (or lack there of) but then I realized that I wouldn't be able to use my tools on it (I only have woodworking tools). So, I thought I could use aluminum because it's softer and have heard woodworking tools are fine with it. BUUUT... I found out it would cost me about $90 for the sheet I needed... ouch.  

The pluses of phenolic:

1) a LOT cheper than aluminum. I paid about $30 for my sheet. I forget how big it was originally, but it was the minimum order... not that much bigger than my control panel which is 900 cm across by 310 cm deep

2) Can be cut with standard woodworking tools

3) The stuff is actually used for some bullet proof applications.

4) I cannot bend this stuff

5) Aluminum dents if you hit hard enough. I haven't tried but I doubt phenolic will...

phenolic rules!!

Here is some pics of the phenolic allready cut and cemented to the wood. The surface on it is as it came from the factory (I actually had one friend think that I stained the wood.. LOL)



-Tellarite

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