Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Smittydc on June 03, 2003, 04:15:13 pm

Title: Lightweight control panel
Post by: Smittydc on June 03, 2003, 04:15:13 pm
I want to build a small control panel into a 2-rack slant mount space on my dj-rack, and I think 1/2 or 3/4" wood is a little heavy and too deep.  Any ideas on something else to use?

Thicker lexan?

Lexan with a wooden "frame" underneath?

A metal CP?  Anybody had luck with this? Drilling/cutting metal has always been a pain in the ass.... maybe metal with a lexan cover to disguise ugly holes?

for the record, a rack space is only 19" wide.
Title: Re:Lightweight control panel
Post by: shmokes on June 03, 2003, 05:30:51 pm
And the usable space (inside the rails) is more like 17".  Hope you're building a one-player stick.  I would think that unless you have the tools to do metal or know someone who does you should go with 1/2" plywood.  The Lexan idea is intriguing, though.  If it's strong enough it would sure look cool.
Title: Re:Lightweight control panel
Post by: 2slk on June 03, 2003, 05:38:38 pm
 I think lexan would definitely be strong enough. I know one guy who has his trackball mounted directly on lexan. It gets a lot of abuse and has held up quite well.

 Metal could be a good option as well. If you get the right tools and take your time, it shouldn't be that bad of an experience. A good tool rental service would be able to fix you up for sure.