When is joystick recess routing necessary?

[TheGameAh]

Hey guys.  I'm getting ready to build another control panel out of 3/4" MDF.  I'd like to lay a sheet of 1/8" plexiglass over top of that.  I got some Ultimate joysticks from Happs on the way.  Will it be necessary to recess route?  If that's the case, could I get by with 1/2" MDF?  I really don't want to recess route  

[Chris]

I used 5/8" MDF with 1/8" Lexan and I didn't need to recess the joysticks.  

--Chris

[HeadRusch]

Its really a personal preference.  I used 3/4" MDF and 1/8" Lexan on my CP....my joysticks are a bit on the stubby side but frankly I like them that way...I dont like really tall sticks.

Nbody has yet to complain that the joysticks are too small...on the otherhand, I haven't had any hard-core fighter players over...they'd probably ---smurfette--- and moan about the joysticks not being 5 inches tall or whatever.

[SirPoonga]

if you plan on using restrictor plates too you will problably want to recess.

[Generic Eric]

You should wait untill you get all your parts, then start building.  That way you can be sure you are only routing away what you need to.

[REBIRTH]

The HAPP Ultiumate Joysticks allow you two heights using a provided spacer (one about 1/2 longer than the other).  As someone said above, if you are using restrictor plates as well, which add about 1/4 inch you would really need to route a 3/4 MFD.  If you aren't using restrictor then you should be fine not routing the 3/4 and using the joystick at it's longer length (if you go with HAPPS).