Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: AlienInferno on August 29, 2011, 12:35:52 am

Title: speaker slots
Post by: AlienInferno on August 29, 2011, 12:35:52 am

I've been trying to figure out what size slots I want to cut out for my speaker panel.  I'm using computer speakers but want the look of slots.  I've got two 6 inch circles drawn out with 5 half inch slots marked out evenly spaced a half inch apart.  Looks ok to me but before I cut this I'm wondering what width speaker slots are normally on arcade machines.  .25"?  .5"?  other?

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: AlienInferno on August 31, 2011, 06:03:29 pm

Never did figure out the answer to "what width speaker slots are normally on arcade machines?" but I made some test drills/cuts in some scrap.  I went from 1/2" down to 1/4".

1/2" was to big
1/4" to small (maybe for a bartop)
5/16" still slightly small IMO
3/8" is the one I went with.  Looks good on my cab's speaker panel and fills a 6" circle with 9 slots.  Could have spaced them a little bigger to cut down on the number of slots but IMO it looks good.

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: Nephasth on August 31, 2011, 06:26:20 pm

 :pics please.

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: lilrascal on August 31, 2011, 10:01:18 pm

I was actually just thinking about this too as I contemplate y build.  Pic would be nice, or any suggestions you have for cutting the slots.

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: AlienInferno on August 31, 2011, 11:38:40 pm

Don't really have any suggestions for cutting the slots besides take your time.  I just measured out where I wanted the slots to be.  Drilled a 3/8" hole on each end of the slot and then cut it out with a jigsaw.  I then used a small flat and a small round file to help smooth them out some more.  Will be going over it again with some sandpaper for the final smoothdown and maybe a dremel with a sanding drum to help with the rounded ends a bit more.

Probably could use a router with a straight cutting bit if you were more confident then me in your routing skills. 

Here are the pics of the slot panel screwed in to my machine and the marquee being held in with my make shift WIP marquee retainer. 

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: Vigo on August 31, 2011, 11:44:58 pm

Wow. Nice!  :applaud:

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: Nephasth on September 01, 2011, 12:04:35 am

Quote from: Vigo on August 31, 2011, 11:44:58 pm

Wow. Nice!  :applaud:

+1 Great job!

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: dfmaverick on September 01, 2011, 02:49:58 am

Looking at the plans on jakobud's site for something like Donkey Kong, it shows 1/4" for the slots with 3/8" between slots. Just a for instance.

I'd say if you like the 3/8", go with it.

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: lilrascal on September 01, 2011, 09:21:29 am

Yes they do look nice.  Especially considering you had to use a jigsaw to cut them.  I do have a router table, so I am thinking I will use that with the fence and a straight bit.

Title: Re: speaker slots
Post by: Generic Eric on September 01, 2011, 09:48:59 am

I had a post written last night, but I don't know what happened to it.  Anyhow, good work.