Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: John IV [MameUI64] on September 13, 2002, 03:18:40 am
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I'm a bit concerned about the corners on my CPs lexan covering, they're pretty sharp and are flush w/ the sides of the lid. Are there other alternatives to routing out a groove and using T-Molding?
I was looking at Home Depot for some moldings of some kind, the lid + lexan height is 7/8" but didn't see anything that might work.
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I took my dremel and used a rounding bit.
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yeah... you should be able to sand it smooth without problem...
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I did this way. I put the Lexan on my CP bolt it on then I got a Router Bit for the corner and did rouite both of them so it came out smooth.
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i used somethin called "batten stripe".
got from ace hardware for $2 a piece(6 feet).
if you can find the material that i used then go with that first time around.its cheap and all you gotta do is use small black finish tacks.
did you see my panel..
its not t-molding..its BATTEN STRIPES...
cheap and easy solution but not the best looking...however i am very happy with the result. ;D
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Since you're not going the router......um route, ;) here's what I suggest.
Take some sandpaper (around 300 grit) and wrap it around a sanding block. Use this to knock the sharp edge off the lexan. Be careful that you don't drag the sandpaper over the lexan face and scratch it. That should be enough to take the super sharp edge off it. If you want to polish the edge you can move up to maybe a 600 grade sandpaper and THEN a polishing compound. If you don't want to buy a polishing compound, toothpaste will even work. I think sandpaper is probably enough for your purposes though.
Now the edge. Now that the edge of the lexan isn't sharp I wouldn't try to cover it as well. How thick is your board? 5/8?
Two choices:
1. Either sand the edge really nice and smooth and paint it black.
2. Find a kind soul here who has some left over 5/8" wide t-molding to donate. (I probably have some) Cut off the "t" part of the molding and glue it onto the edge with hot glue. In your application it will be held on plenty strong and to be honest you really can't beat the look of t-molding.
You mentioned perviously that you may use black electrical tape for your edge. I suggest you don't. Have you even seen what old electrical tape morphs into? The adhesive melts and turns into a sticky, gooey mess. If you don't want to go with some sort of edging then I'd personally do paint.
But...... as you see there's lots of choices. Make it your own! There's no "right" way to do it.
....except MY way of course! *laughs*
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Good suggestions guys thanks. I like Brax's sanding idea, I have some irrational fear about the fragility of the Lexan so I hadn't considered just sanding the sh*t out of it.
The top is 3/4" MDF w/ .093" Lexan.
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Lexan is quite durable, but it does scratch easy. I suggest clamping or taping a Quarter or a large round object to the top and the bottom to help get an even curve. Just sand until you are flush. Perfect curve every time.
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Sure on the name? It doesn't come up on an Ace Hardware.com search, nor does it appear anywhere in Google. :)
i used somethin called "batten stripe".
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lol
I swear the younger generation can't spell to save their lives! Damn computers.
It's batten STRIP. Its used in the constructon industry in metal roofing systems. You can find plastic as well as metal batten strip. Here's an example:
http://www.genflex.com/batten_strip.html
Try a Home Depot or a building supply center.
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yesss...
pretty sure about the name.
i found a phone # from where you might get the same stuff i got.
1 800 558 8984
its actually 8 feet NOT 6 feet a piece.only cost $2 each at my local ace. :)