My Control Panel (so far)...

[Amra]

Well, Ive finally finished the woodwork for my control panel.  Its been a long journey (both days of it) but worth every minute! I decided I would share my journey with you, but first, let me show you the rewards of my labor.



As you can see I went with the standard SF layout (yes, Im planning on playing a lot of fighters) and added the "Neo Geo Button"  (planning on a lot of Samurai Showdown as well )

I think the Neo Geo button is a little close, but it doesnt hinder my gameplay, so I dont mind.  The panel just seemed a little small... even after I built it... Odd, especially for 36x18 Inches of Control Panel goodness...



This is a picture of what it currently looks like, but in poor lighting.  The screws are flush, and the buttons are in there just to see if the placement is good and non-impeading.   I made sure the screws are flush because I will be adding Laminate and the Overlay in the next week or two (that means more pics to come, woohoo!)



These are the Tools I am using to create this beast, Drill Bits, Screws, Wood Glue, Electric Sander, Jigsaw, Circular Saw, Router, and not to mention three rulers/yardsticks you cant see in this pic.


Always remember to set your Saw depth to one tooth below the wood.  Dont ask why, just do it!


This is the bottom half... obviously.


This is what the corner looked like as soon as I finished mounting it... Still need a little TLC....


This is the same corner, after a little TLC (and electric sander).


This is the opposite corner... as you can see, you can make things pretty nice without needing Mitered Corners.  All you need is time, (and an electric sander).


This is something Im perticularly proud of.  These are Allen Head Bolts sunkun into the wood, just below flush.  Ill show you a close up...


As you can see, it goes just below the surface.  This is going to allow me to put an overlay, and not see the screws.  its going to be "a nice little touch".

After I get the laminate, the I-Pac (on its way im sure), the Lexan, the overlay, and the wiring done... its going to be pretty nice... I think.

Please, give me your suggestions, gripes, constructive critisism.  I want it all folks.. Thanks!

[Sshado]

I think you did a great job on the mitering, sanding, and preparing it for an overlay

I can't believe it is 36" x 18".  My cp (just finished yesterday) is 35" x 18" and has sooo many more controls on it.

[SNAAAKE]

I like it..pretty clean looking panel there Amra..the buttons are kinda far apart but thats personal preferance right ?
What kind of artwork you be adding there?
using it with a cabinet or bare panel...wondering(I always wonder for some reason )

[Amra]

Thats a nice CP Sshodo!  me like, but a little crowded (at least for me), but still... very nice ::nodding::

I had to space the buttons at 2" apart to make it really comfortable for me, because I have long fingers.



Heh...

I personally would like to see comparisons for different hands and their control panels, to see what people find comfortable for their hands... anyhow.

This will be the Control Panel that goes on my full cabinet (when its finished).  The artwork is still in... uhm... development.

[Brax]

GAH! You'll never be a hand model!  

[Amra]

You try working in the Auto Business for 6 years, and see if you can be a hand model...      

[Sshado]

Heh, I think he said that because he thought you were a female (with the name Amra and a pic of Denise Richards).  Then a hand with hairy arms shows up  

[SNAAAKE]

LMAO..god dam !
second person thought amra is a chick(remember rahzel )..now how cool are we down here .
Besides why on this planet would any girl wanna go buy tools and build sticks(unless its some super chick likes anything ever)?
....

[zzsprade]

Amra,

Mate I had to ask if you had in rough plans or dimensions that you could share for the CP construction. Your CP is exactly something that I was hoping to build in the next month... its spot on!

Cheers mate!

-Alex

[Amra]

I knew I forgot to put something on here... lol...

I will give detailed plans tonight (when i get off work).