Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: The cranky hermit on July 27, 2003, 12:54:12 am

Title: What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: The cranky hermit on July 27, 2003, 12:54:12 am

Naturally, a method that does not require a router  ;)

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: TheTick on July 27, 2003, 01:00:19 am

I've found gravity works pretty well. That and the sides of my box are so tight its not sliding out on its own.

I used piano hinges on my previous one.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: Hoe on July 27, 2003, 08:06:29 am

I've yet to make one involving hinges, but they sound like a lot more fuss for a lot more inconvinence. Making it so the box is slightly larger, and so you need to force the cover on top of it gives a very good result.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: Frostillicus on July 27, 2003, 09:31:55 am

Ugh - you guys aren't physically attaching the top somehow? That's just begging for disaster.  

On my first cab I used 2 small cabinet hinges in the back, and a latch in the front.  Very sturdy.  

Some can get by with just a few hinges in the back and a bunch of velco in the front.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: CanStick on July 27, 2003, 11:21:42 am

I have used velcro for that, and it holds quite well.

Or, another thing you could do, is fasten the top to the sides, and make the bottom removable.  I have done this as well, and I just use four screws to hold the bottom on, so when I need to get inside, it is quite easy & quick to do.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: Bill_S on July 27, 2003, 07:22:20 pm

Velcro along all 4 edges, no hinge.  Never budges!
I do have 2 locating blocks on the underside of the top for side loads.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: TalkingOctopus on July 27, 2003, 08:45:52 pm

4 edges of industrial strength velcro.  Good times!!

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: SeanFu on July 27, 2003, 11:37:23 pm

I used two small hinges in the front so it would flip forward.  Unfortunately it's got some annoying play in it...

I'm going to try and suppliment it with some velcro I think.  Or maybe some well placed guide blocks.  Just one of the many details I find that I haven't thought out too well.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: Frostillicus on July 28, 2003, 10:51:25 am

The reason most of us use hinges and a latch is to stop curious hands from messing with the innards...especially if you have kids (I don't, but have nephews).  With a latch you can lock it...

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: Aceldamor on July 28, 2003, 11:43:26 am

Another alternative is to use T-nuts:

Just put theese into the top of the walls of your cp box, then you can screw in the carridge bolts to keep the cp on. Looks kinda nice.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: king88mob on July 28, 2003, 12:30:38 pm

I use a combination of the two solutions seen here. Piano hinge along the back, and velcro along the other three sides. Guiding blocks are a good idea as well.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: SeanFu on July 28, 2003, 01:41:36 pm

How did you find piano hinges that were the right length?  The ones I saw at Home Depot were like 3 feet long.  Also - is there any play in the piano hinge?

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: AlanS17 on July 28, 2003, 02:42:54 pm

I recommend chewing gum - preferably not sugar-free. That stuff doesn't stick too well.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: hyiu on July 28, 2003, 05:21:36 pm

I used panel clamps before... I find it very nice... (although not a cheap solution...)

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: pmc on July 28, 2003, 10:28:49 pm

Quote from: honko the clown on July 28, 2003, 01:41:36 pm

How did you find piano hinges that were the right length?  The ones I saw at Home Depot were like 3 feet long.  Also - is there any play in the piano hinge?

ACE Hardware sells 12" hinges. I used two of them for a 24" run and then worked great. No need for a hack-saw and it only cost me maybe $2 more.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: TheTick on July 28, 2003, 11:26:55 pm

I guess I didn't use a piano hinge... it was those little 2" or 3" hinges from Home Depot. I used two on the back, so it flips up. Held pretty well on its own.... No ones lifts the joysticks up, just down.

Title: Re:What's the preferred method for attatching the top panel to the box?
Post by: SeanFu on July 29, 2003, 05:25:45 pm

pmc,

When you used those 2 12" hinges, did you use anything additional to secure the CP?  Is there any lateral "play" in those hinges?