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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 04:22:46 pm

Title: Dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 04:22:46 pm
mirrored cp overlay, i still need to drill all the holes yet ,its not going to be easy without chipping
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 04:25:51 pm
 :D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Stingray on February 16, 2005, 04:36:16 pm
Is that a glass mirror? That's pretty zany. I have no idea how you would cut round holes in glass, but it's nifty idea.

-S
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 04:39:20 pm
its not that hard to drill glass with 1 1/8 carbide bit like the ones we use to drill outlet holes in mirrored walls  im not sure if im going to like the finished product though  ill find out soon
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: nostrebor on February 16, 2005, 05:01:58 pm
Cool.

Ihope you have a big bottle of Windex handy ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:10:48 pm
 :D  your not supposed to use windex on mirrors  it has ammonia that eats away the back windex is for glass not mirror   but i get you joke  ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: RandyT on February 16, 2005, 05:11:39 pm
Sounds like you need to make friends with someone that owns a waterjet cutter.

I think you're gonna have a tough time cutting it, but if you insist on trying, make a little plasticene dam around where you are drilling and flood the area with some coolant.  If it starts to glow just once......CRACK! :)

RandyT

Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:14:42 pm
thanks randy  i work with glass for a living i wont have any problems  thanks for commenting  though ,its like a carbide diamond bit that i use with antifreeze to keep the mirror cool while drilling
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Apollo on February 16, 2005, 05:22:28 pm
That thing is going to be permanently filthy dude, cool idea but you would proably be better of using polished stainless steel ( way more expensive though ).
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: SpamMe on February 16, 2005, 05:26:39 pm
Yikes. I don't want to pee on your parade or anything, but how thick is that glass? It seems like, with the button holes spaced as closely as they are, there's going to be quite a bit of stress on the thin areas between them, and if anybody uses anything other than a feather-touch to play...
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:27:45 pm
i didnt really think of that apollo
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tmasman on February 16, 2005, 05:28:08 pm
Small suggestion...
Route out an area on the top of your wood to allow for the dust washer/cover to go under the mirror...  That washer floating on top of the mirror would probably detract from the clean cut look.

Also, do you plan on beveling all the edges? (Including the cutout for the joysticks?)

Neat idea if you've got the tools to make it happen (which it sounds like you do if you work with it f/ a living).

Keep us updated.

- tmasman
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:39:58 pm
i was going to bevel the edges but if it breaks id rather not send it out to be beveled again i could just cut a new
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: DaveMMR on February 16, 2005, 05:52:09 pm
How strong is that glass?  I have a tendency to bang on control panels when angry.  Hope your friends don't do that and have to be rushed to the emergency room.  Otherwise, it's a cool idea.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:54:18 pm
lmao  dave not recently    its not easy to explain how strong it is but its stronger when its atatched 3/4 wood
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: GGKoul on February 16, 2005, 05:57:38 pm
I tried this with Mirror Plexi, and I hated it.  Too much cleaning and too many fingerprints.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,16419.0.html
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 05:59:37 pm
I tried this with Mirror Plexi, and I hated it.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: GameOver on February 16, 2005, 06:02:07 pm
CUT IT!  I WANNA SEE!  Then drop a button in.

GG - yours looked awesome, but no finished pics?  Did you ever finish it?
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: RayB on February 16, 2005, 06:25:09 pm
Neat idea. I assume there will be some sort of supporting layer under the glass (sheet of wood?)

My comment is that it would be very distracting, cuz you'll see relfections of yourself/arms when playing.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 06:31:25 pm
im going to have to drill it in a few days when i can bring all my glass tools home
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 06:37:29 pm
it will be great i could smile at myself in my cp when i beat my old high scores  lol
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: AmericanDemon on February 16, 2005, 07:33:18 pm
That CP is crying out for backlit buttons and trackball.  ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 07:42:03 pm
im not much into trackball games and this is not a mame cab  so this setup will be fine for now , also i dont want to get to crazy with drilling into mirror, it will weaken it to much  ,  lighted buttons is a great idea though
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: RayB on February 16, 2005, 10:51:32 pm
You could put flashing lights all around it. Really get a Vegas theme going.  ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: danny_galaga on February 16, 2005, 11:35:05 pm
both tommy and gg- you need to have a nice ceiling to go with that mirror finish! especially gg, who wants to always be looking at THAT ceiling?  ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 16, 2005, 11:38:51 pm
i hope i dont go nuts and mirror the whole dam cab   ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: DaveMMR on February 17, 2005, 12:07:00 am
Yeah, I completely failed to realize there was going to be wood under there.  I don't know why I'm so dense lately.  Too many drugs, not enough hugs I suppose. 

But I do like the idea.  It may be a pain to cut but with some cool lighting (and I do mean 'crank' up the number of glowing things on that cab) in a dark room, it'll be quite the conversation piece.

As for cleaning: just keep some glass cleaner wipes around (they're like baby wipes except I wouldn't recommend using them on the 'ole 'bum bum').
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: RetroJames on February 17, 2005, 12:30:57 am
i hope i dont go nuts and mirror the whole dam cab
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tmasman on February 17, 2005, 08:44:40 am
hehe...instead of smoked plexi he could get a one way mirror.

If there was an entire mirrored cab, that would be awesome...
You can't even see the screen until it's turned on...

Stainless Steel joys & grey (or silver painted) buttons...

Ok... I'm not totally awake yet... That all almost sounded cool. ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Stingray on February 17, 2005, 10:24:43 am
hehe...instead of smoked plexi he could get a one way mirror.

If there was an entire mirrored cab, that would be awesome...
You can't even see the screen until it's turned on...

Stainless Steel joys & grey (or silver painted) buttons...

Ok... I'm not totally awake yet... That all almost sounded cool. ;)

Woo! Groovy!

-S
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Sinner on February 17, 2005, 11:03:07 am
Would it be possible to put a thin layer of plexi over the mirror??  I think that would cut down on the fingerprints, smudges, etc and still give the desired effect...
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: SirPeale on February 17, 2005, 01:00:28 pm
If anything it will show off more things. As the plexi scratches (and it *will* scratch) you'll see not only the scratch, but the reflection of the scratch as well.

Frankly, although the mirror as some neat 'wow' appeal, even one fingerprint (which it *will* get) will make it look unseemly.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: DrewKaree on February 17, 2005, 01:13:02 pm
So if you made a seamless mirrored cabinet, would that be considered "unseam-ly"?  ;) ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 02:12:47 pm
I still need to drill the holes a hair bigger for the controles to fit ,but its almost done
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 02:54:01 pm
 ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Witchboard on February 17, 2005, 03:43:45 pm
Now would be about the time I would drop mine.  You should seriously consider router under the glass for the dust washers on your joys.  Of course you would have to knock the sharp edge off the holes around the joystick shafts, but that shouldn't be a problem for somebody with your tools.  ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 04:46:13 pm
Im probably going to use a plasic mirrored cover on top of the joys, it will be just like the black ones but mirrored   anybody have any mirrored buttons for sale  ::)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: cholin on February 17, 2005, 05:53:48 pm
Mirrored buttons...wow that would be crazy!  Especailly tinted mirrored buttons somehow.  I don't know how you came up with an idea like this, but let me tell you, as insane as it is, it is VERY neat.  Im not fond of cleaning a mirror every single time someone plays though :)  Nicely done though man, lucky you work with this kind of stuff eh.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: GameOver on February 17, 2005, 05:56:07 pm
Most Excellent!  Nice work.  I like RayB's idea for the Las Vegas theme with lights & stuff.  That would be sweet w/the mirror(s?).  Your side art could be showgirls/roulette or sometihin.
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 06:03:52 pm
Cmon guys dont get me started , i was thinking of etching or sandblasting something on the cp also ,not sure what i would put though  only time will tell ,ill have to quit my job soon to work on this thing   hmm lights and las vegas theme you say   showgirls sandblasted into the mirror , too many ideas to think about   thanks for your ideas
Title: Re: Dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 07:42:03 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: somunny on February 17, 2005, 11:29:23 pm
Pretty cool and you can't beat the mirror finish of an actual mirror.  Stainless steel with a 'mirror' polish might be a nice alternative for those without the light touch needed for glass.  Super strong and nearly the same effect.

At any rate, great job.  Frankly, I like the idea of doing something just to see if it could be done.

Coop
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 17, 2005, 11:37:03 pm
Thanks coop,  people seem to think that if i sneeze this will break but when its backed with 3/4 wood its very strong believe or not , i could bang on my cp and its not going to break the edge is the weak point ,then the glass will run and split ,but its solid
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Stingray on February 18, 2005, 11:18:42 am
Oh man, that is so cool! You really, really, really have to mirror the whole cab now!

-S
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: Gunstar Hero on February 18, 2005, 11:31:18 am
Dude, that is crazyfreakycool.  :o
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 18, 2005, 01:32:58 pm
Thanks guys for your support ,it took me over 2 hours to get this cp almost done, id like to mirror the whole cab but if i ever move all that mirror will peobably break in transition  and besides that, an arcade cab is heavy enough  with out adding another 200 or so  pounds of mirror   ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 18, 2005, 06:23:07 pm
Well thats about it , i have no more buttons to place in the cp for now, im just waiting on my mirrored joy dust covers
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: the3eyedblindman on February 18, 2005, 06:44:20 pm
Wow, cool! now whatever your Control Panel reflects is your new CPO!
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 18, 2005, 09:50:58 pm
Please use gloves when you play this so no finger prints need to be cleaned   ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: fleevo on February 18, 2005, 11:24:22 pm
Hey Tommy,

If you still got enough mirror left, you could cut out rectangles and glue them to the sides of your CP box which would give it a nice effect.

Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: DrewKaree on February 19, 2005, 04:23:31 am
Hey Tommy,

If you still got enough mirror left, you could cut out rectangles and glue them to the sides of your CP box which would give it a nice effect.


The "game" where you get to slug your buddy in the arm for checking out your "junk" WOULD get taken to new levels if you did that, so I agree, that WOULD give it a nice effect ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: SNAAKE on February 19, 2005, 09:06:02 am
you could have just bought some laminat/formica like that then go through all the glass cutting ;)
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 19, 2005, 11:49:11 am
I still need something to cover the sides of my monitor as you can see from my last pic,(any ideas)the cab is for a 25'' monitor but i put a 19'' in ,and now theres space on the sides and and top , i could have put a used 25'', in but i had a new 19'' just sitting around , it was no contest for me
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tmasman on February 19, 2005, 02:51:28 pm
You could always use a 2-way mirror as mentioned earlier in the thread... :P

Barring that, get some smoked glass/plexi & make yourself a bezel out of poster board or that project foam board you can get at craft stores & you'll be all set.

It doesn't look like you've got enough room to include a real 19" monitor bezel, that's why I sugget making your own...

It would look good either way. (But I still like the idea of a 2-way mirror...) ;D
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 19, 2005, 03:04:55 pm
Hmmm  i cant put any glass in front on the monitor because i had to custom fit that 19'' monitor in there, it kinda sticks out past where the glass would sit , i had to manufacter a way to secure the monitor in there ,and to move it back where it should be so the glass would fit i would have to alter the cab too much,ill have to make something work 
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tmasman on February 19, 2005, 03:25:41 pm
My only other thought would be to build a small frame that would fit the the space you have & hold the glass/plexi far enough out to clear the monitor...

Maybe not ideal, but with a little effort it shouldn't look too bad.

Just a thought.

- tmasman
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 21, 2005, 05:27:24 pm
Ive got some black glass i could put around the monitor, also happ dosent make any type of lighted horizontal buttons do they ?
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: DarkKobold on February 21, 2005, 08:14:02 pm
what if you used 1/2" wood, and then covered the mirror with 1/4" plexi? Would that help the finger print problem?
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on February 21, 2005, 08:53:35 pm
what if you used 1/2" wood, and then covered the mirror with 1/4" plexi? Would that help the finger print problem?
I think that would kill the mirror look and also trap dirt under the plexi,im not really worried about the finger prints theres nothing that could be done about it,i expected this problem  ill have to clean it alittle more often then a normal cp 
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on March 11, 2005, 05:28:55 am
Just got my controles still not set on the colors yet but this will do for now , im going to be doing some more mirroring soon around the monitor and in some other areas ,not sure how far i will go with the mirrors , i like it so far
Title: Re: Dont bang on my cp
Post by: RayB on March 11, 2005, 11:54:03 am
Ayeee mirrors around the monitor means players seeing themsevles and any and all movement they make. = Distracting?
Title: Re: dont bang on my cp
Post by: jelwell on March 11, 2005, 01:58:15 pm
Small suggestion...
Route out an area on the top of your wood to allow for the dust washer/cover to go under the mirror...
Title: Re: Dont bang on my cp
Post by: brandon on March 11, 2005, 02:10:26 pm
maybe you could get some super wide T-molding to cover the edge of the glass.. or maybe offset the slot so that it covers it.. just a thought :)  lookin good though!
Title: Re: Dont bang on my cp
Post by: tommy on March 11, 2005, 04:37:18 pm
Im not sure what you mean joseph the edges really cant chip unless i take a hammer to it , rayb i think you might be right ill set up the mirror with out gluing it ti see if its distracting - thanks