where to hinge control panel?

[purplemonkey]

ok, I originally designed my control panel to hinge open from the back, thinking that that would make it easiest to work on.  But now that my cabinet is half built, I can see that it is not going to work because it hits the sides when you try to open it.  The only solution I see is put the hinge in front, so that it opens toward you instead of away from you.  This makes the hing visible though.  It's not to bad since there is an overhang, but I still don't like it.  How does everyone else do it?  Anyone got pictures?

[mpm32]

I used no hinges at all.  Just some blocks of wood in the corners of control panel, it's just a press fit into the box.  Doesn't move at all.

[REBIRTH]

I don't do it this way, but you can install a hing on the inside of the cab (one side underneath the control panel, one side attached to the inside of the front of the cab).  You still might see the edge of the hinge, but might not depending on how your wood is situated.  Or just don't hinge it at all.  I have 3 rotating control panels, and I don't hinge them.  I attache them using little bolts, and left enough wire play inside so that I can remove one and flip it over to work on.

[purplemonkey]

I don't do it this way, but you can install a hing on the inside of the cab (one side underneath the control panel, one side attached to the inside of the front of the cab).  You still might see the edge of the hinge, but might not depending on how your wood is situated.  Or just don't hinge it at all.  I have 3 rotating control panels, and I don't hinge them.  I attache them using little bolts, and left enough wire play inside so that I can remove one and flip it over to work on.

I think I know what you mean, but that would involve hinging the entire control panel box.  I just want to hinge the top.  The way mine is built my control panel is a box with 6 sides including a bottom.  The part of the cabinet it bolts too is also solid.  I want to be able to hinge the top open to un/screw the bolts inside the control panel to fasten it on.  I've seen pictures of a setup like this somewhere.  Problem is, if the hinge is inside the box, it won't open without hitting itself, so it has to be outside.  It can't go in the back cause then it hits the cabinet. That only leave the front (or the sides which would look pretty stupid...) Aughhhh...!

[hyiu]

instead of hingeing the panel....

you might want to consider using panel clamps....

then when you need to access... you can just open the coin door (assuming something in the front can be opened to access the inside...), reach in and loosen the clamp... then the top of the panel comes off....

I did it that way..... Happs clamps are expensive... but they're really nice and secure....

hope it helps...

[jim_daniels]

I ran into this problem too.  My cabinet has a ways to go yet, but I know the way it is now it won't open right hinged in the back.  Anyone got a solution?

[Sprucemoose]

I used a piano hinge on the front of the the cotrol panel.  I am using the Lusid design, so there is overhang of the top of the CP and a slight angle so you really can't see it unless you bend down or your a dwarf.  It is pretty easy to work on and I would do the same thing if I built another one.  I'll try to get a pic up soon.

[Hoe]

I used no hinges at all.  Just some blocks of wood in the corners of control panel, it's just a press fit into the box.  Doesn't move at all.

This is how I did mine, works perfictly.
A better way would be the clamps some one mentioned.

from Therealbobroberts.com:
Control panel latches set (2) $8.0

[Amra]

I went a slightly cheaper route.... not as cheap as the scrap four peices of wood... might add that for "added security"...

Anyhow, I just put velcro along the sides, and tacked them down with brads.  Suprisingly, you can pick up the entire control panel from just the top panel.

Just another Idea to throw out...

[MrBond]

My cab came with a hinged panel on the front...it is a TMNT cab originally.  It works great, and you can't see it at all unless your 2 feet tall.  It is black and blends in, and there is an overhang.  This was the best solution for me.  I can't see having the cab without it.  I don't want to take the hole control panel off just to reach inside to tweak something, especially because this is how I get my keyboard and mouse out.

On my original stand alone control panel for my desktop, I hinged the back with a piano hinge, and that worked great as well.  However, I also found that you can't put a hinge on the back on an arade cab.

The front hinge is the way to go.  VERY easy to adjust switches, joysticks, spinner, or wiring of any component.

Just my opinion.