Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Sir Auros on July 11, 2007, 06:57:34 pm
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Ok, Lowes has Duraplex brand acrylic plastic in a 30x60" sheet (my CP is going to be around 50"), and the guy told me that they would put in as many cuts as I needed. The thickness is only .80" instead of the .125" I was originally looking for to go on top of my 5/8" thick plywood.
Should it be ok having the store cut the plastic?
Is it going to be too thin?
On the subject of control panel coverings, they had no black laminate there, and what they did have came in large, thick sheets and were $45 each. Countertop laminates seem thicker than I need. I was thinking more like the kind that's used on most ready to assemble furniture. Should I see if a cabinet maker has some, or another building supply store, or should I try to paint the wood until I can't see the grain?
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They aren't going to cut it like how you want (if they cut it at all)
If somehow they will cut all the holes for you - have them do it before you pay for it.
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I was talking about just the cuts, not drilling the holes. I doubt they'd drill the holes, but I was asking him about cutting the sheet to fit.
It's a moot point if that's not a good brand of covering or too thin, though.
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The thickness is only .80" instead of the .125" I was originally looking for to go on top of my 5/8" thick plywood.
I assume you meant .08. If they'll cut it for you (which I still doubt they'll do) - cut it. Adjust your t-molding to hang below the plywood for any overhang. I've used that thickness of plexi and it turned out fine.
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Yeah, stupid decimals, my bad.
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They'll cut it...I had some cut last week. The cut it much faster and straighter than I did.
You could try Home Depot...I found some plexi there that was pretty close to the thickness I was looking for.
Jouster
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How about painting vs. laminate? I'm also thinking some arrow decals or something may be in order for players 3 and 4, since they'll be at angles.
I hope my questions aren't too newbish. I did read the book and feel like I've done my homework.
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Lowes will cut the plexi to size but not angled cuts. They won't drill the holes.
The material that is sold in those sheets that you are talking about is Formica brand laminate. The material you refer to wanting to get is called Melamine. Melamine is sold at Lowe's and Home Depot as large particle board sheets with a white melamine laminate on both sides. They normally do not carry black melamine. Lumber yards can order the black melamine for you. It is just a little more than MDF for a 4x8 foot sheet.
I don't know how good this would be for building an arcade cabinet. I have heard that particle board desintegrates easily.
If you do buy the Formica and laminate yourself you may want to get 5/8" MDF since the laminate is about 1/16" thick. You can then laminate both sides of the panel to get a 3/4" thickness.
Another alternative is cheap non-adhesive vinyl fabric that is sold at fabric stores (many Wal-marts also carry this). My mini-Dragon's Lair machine is laminated with this and it looks fantastic and is very easy to work with (you just use a spray adhesiv to hold it on).
Good luck with your projects.
Alex
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While I have used both Lowes and Home Depot for plexi I would recommend HD.
The HD brand is .093 and is thicker than the Lowes at .08. It's also less brittle and does not break or crack as easily.
HD sells a 36 by 72 sheet for $31.99. I can't remember how much Lowes is for the similar size.
I would also suggest investing in some control panel artwork using a peel n stick overlay. It really finishes your panel off nicely and considering the cost it's worth it IMO over the plain black look.
Jack