Paul's Modular Control Panel

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TOK:
Cool idea... I planned to do something like this originally but went off the deep end and just kept building more cabinets, including one with a dedicated Stargate layout. :P

If you're going to use threaded fasteners, perhaps you could see if there is a Zeus application that would work for you. These are the real flat fasteners you see a lot on race cars and motorcycles. They have a standard slotted screwdriver end, but latch and unlatch at half a turn. To me, the panels have to be something you can swap in under 30 seconds or they just won't get swapped often.

Paul Olson:
TOK - Do you have a link for info on the zeus fasteners? I am not coming up with much on google.

If I can find a fastener that will allow me to speed up the swap time, that would be great. I finally found the cap screws so I can get everything lined up and start the face frame. I had to go to 4 hardware stores to find them!

Thanks,
Paul

TOK:
It was my fault you had no luck because I spelled the name phonetically... Its actually spelled Dzus.
If you search google for dzus fasteners, you'll come up with a ton of links and styles. Sorry for the confusion.

Paul Olson:
I was actually looking at the quarter turn fasteners before I went with the unistrut. I still like the idea, but I really like the way the panels sit on the strut. It is a very solid mount. I will try to find some way to make the quarter turn fasteners work with the strut in the future for sure. I know it will get old screwing in the panels all of the time. Although, it did occur to me that it might be better if the swap is a bit of a hassle. That way I will probably play more games instead of constantly swapping the panel. If friends are over playing, I think I might keep it limited to one setup. Then the next time everyone is over, we'll try a different one.

I made the face frame on Sunday, but I think I will redo it this weekend. I made it with MDF, and I am not sure how well it will hold up to the swapping of panels over time. If a panel wears out, I can just mount the parts on another one and keep going, but if the face frame wears out, it will be a pain to replace. I will grab some poplar and do it right. I will try to also get some hardware on some of the panels this weekend. I have to write a paper for school, but hopefully I will have enough time to get at least a few done.

Paul Olson:
OK, I decided to stay with the MDF face frame. The hole in the frame is big enough to leave a little gap to account for small variations in the panels. I left the gap on purpose, but I am going to test it out to see if the gap is needed, and also to see if it bothers me. I will be using vinyl to cover the panels and everything else will be painted black, so I may not notice the gap much. I still need to clean up the frame a bit and then I will route the outside edges this weekend. Hopefully it will be ready for paint Saturday, then I can turn my attention to the panels.

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