Where can I get a metal or plastic (blank) sheet to create a control panel?

[Broken]

its for my arcade cab... I'm new to this so any help will be appreciated.

[pcb]

Call around to the local machine shops, or metal fabricators.  I'm sure someone local to you can help you with a blank flat piece of steel.

Or just use wood like everyone else.

[Jdurg]

If you plan on going the wood route, make sure you have all of the following tools in order to avoid issues later on down the line;

Router  (To recess hinges on the CP, the joystick and trackball area as well).
Jigsaw  (To cut out the odd shape needed for the trackball and the "bulk" part of the joystick if you top mount it).
Miter Saw  (To make the odd angle straight cuts if your CP box isn't a standard rectange).
Square  (To Make sure your CP is square and doesn't lean in any direction.  Makes assembly and the final product MUCH better.  I had to start over on my CP because I didn't check it for square).
Level  (To ensure that your panel is level)
Power Drill  (To drill the god knows how many number of screws into the CP, button holes, etc.).
1 1/8" Spade or Forstner bit (To drill out the button holes).
Patience  (Good lord you'll need a lot of it.  )

[shardian]

Lowes/Home Depot sell small sheet stock that is perfect for control panels.

[sstorkel]

Lowes/Home Depot sell small sheet stock that is perfect for control panels.

Many also sell small pieces of sheet metal. There's a limited selection of sizes and thicknesses, but you might find what you need. EBay is also a great places to buy metal. I can recommend Frigodesign as being a reliable seller. I've purchased stainless steel sheet from them; even with shipping factored in they were cheaper than any local retailer. They also sell plexiglass sheets.