Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: zaphod on January 22, 2004, 10:56:13 am
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A question for those who have laminated their cabs/control panels: What thickness of laminate did you use for the cab and which for the CP? In looking at one site (http://www.cabinetparts.com/cgi-local/shop_2003.pl/page=Black_1595.html (http://www.cabinetparts.com/cgi-local/shop_2003.pl/page=Black_1595.html)), I see there are two thicknesses, .050 and .030. Is the laminate surface thicker on the .050 or just the backing? I would imagine the thinner laminate would be easier to work with on a control panel but wanted to ask for experienced opinions.
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The thinner is generally used on vertical surfaces, thicker on horizontal surfaces like countertops. Most people doing arcade cabs just use the thicker as it's what you'd likely get at a building supply place.
Also on that page they've got two different series of laminate listed, the stuff at the top is the general purpose laminate. (107 series) It's .050" and intended for use on flat panels. It can be cold formed around a radius of about 9".
The stuff towards the bottom (335 series) is vertical grade laminate, it's .030" and can be heat formed around a radius of 3/16".
Lastly, you might want to check out the FAQ at Wilsonart's site. They cover this stuff in depth. ;)
http://www.wilsonart.com/laminate/consumer/product_support/q_a.asp (http://www.wilsonart.com/laminate/consumer/product_support/q_a.asp)
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My local Menards and Lowes charge a bit much per sheet for my blood (about $96/sheet), therefore I will be ordering online. Add in the fact I own a small vehicle, the delivery to my door will be nice.
I guess my question is has anyone used the thinner laminate for the cabinet sides with success? Any reason not to do so?
Thanks.
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The thinner should be fine for the sides, and from what the FAQ said it'd likely work just fine for the control panel as well. The only thing I can think of you'd need to watch would be the smoothness of the wood you'll be laminating. The thinner laminate would "telegraph" surface abnormalities more than the thicker laminate due to it being more flexable. Not a problem if you're using MDF for the cab, but it could be if you were using plywood.
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Home Depot sells the thinner laminate by wilsonart for $39.99 for a 4x8 sheet. They have Black and a variety of colors and patterns.
Hope this helps,
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Thanks for the guidance, gentlemen. With this information I think I know what I want to do now. :)
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I was debating ordering Laminate online but thought shipping would kill you but looking on the cabinetparts site above it isn't too bad at all $37 - but they also give you a discount on the laminate when you buy multiple sheets.
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Dude... you guys are seriously measuring out the pro's and con's of 0.05" vs 0.03" thick laminate?? Do you know how small of a difference that is? It's about 1/48 of an inch...
amazing.
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Dude... you guys are seriously measuring out the pro's and con's of 0.05" vs 0.03" thick laminate?? Do you know how small of a difference that is? It's about 1/48 of an inch...
amazing.
But its still 40% thinner! :o