Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: eds1275 on March 12, 2010, 04:12:22 pm
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Is there a standard for side panel width? My cab-in-the-making is a slim [23 3/4"] and wide [28 3/4" inside width not including the sides] design [6' tall]. I am torn between the added rigidity or 3/4" yet feel that 5/8 will be more than adequate. Any input on this?
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Most cabs use 3/4". One reason is because it's far more available than 5/8" material. 1/2" material (the next step down that is wildly available) is probably too thin. Also there are a lot more options for T molding in 3/4" than 5/8".
If I had easy access to 5/8" material, I'd use it. But I'll probably be using 3/4" sanded (one side) birch plywood for my cab since it's fairly close to the same cost as 3/4" MDF locally but quite a bit lighter.
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I'd use 5/8" for a slim if available.
I built my UAII clone using 5/8" and it's more than 'bulky' looking. 3/4" on a slim might be a bit thick in appearance.
I've been tinkering with the idea of building a 'mini' for my son... if I did I'd probably use 1/2". even 5/8" would appear too thick for it I think.
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I guess I'm lucky - 5/8 and 3/4 are both readily available where I live. I guess I'll use 3/4 on the sides and 5/8 for the rest to try and minimize the weight.
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The main question I would ask is are you going to laminate?
If you are going to laminate...hands down go with 5/8"...use 3/4" T molding and 1/16" Laminate (Wilsonart/Formica etc). Your T Molding will be flush over the laminate. The laminate also adds to the rigidity.
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb312/epyx_photo/CPCornertopViewTMold.jpg)
If you are going to paint...go with 3/4".
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We build our cabinets out of 3/4 material, it's stronger and very much available in Home Depot or Lowes.
(http://michiganclassicarcade.com/original_images/IMG_0069.jpg)
It makes for a heavy cabinet tho. I have 1 t-molding slot cutter available if anyone is interested in it please visit our site.