Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Numbski on November 05, 2008, 12:14:24 pm
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So I'm finally getting around to re-doing my control panel this weekend. Making some tweaks to the box, and completely re-doing the top.
One of the things I screwed up badly the first time around was the corners. I just took a glass, traced the bottom around the corners where they intersected, and cut. Not the most scientific way to do it, and the results were *terrible*.
The only thing I can thing to do is drill a small pilot hole, and I have a circle cutting attachment for my roto-zip rotary saw, and just use that as though I were cutting a full circle, but just cut the rounded edges. Is there a better way to attack this?
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How big of a curve?
I would draw the arc out on a piece of MDF, cut it and sand to the line and then use that piece as a template with my router for all of the corners.
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Not sure how big I want to do. Here's a shot of the last attempt (early shot, ignore the fugly wannabe CPO):
(http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/w/images/thumb/b/b1/Numbski-cabinet.jpg/400px-Numbski-cabinet.jpg)
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How big of a curve?
I would draw the arc out on a piece of MDF, cut it and sand to the line and then use that piece as a template with my router for all of the corners.
That's the way to go right there.
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So get an extra big flush-trim bit then? Take a scrap piece of 5/8" board, cut my curve there, then clamp or screw that to the work piece, and flush-trim bit the thing?
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If you can find a vegetable/processed food can with the right radius you could cut around the side of the can about 3/4" from the bottom and then screw that to the CP top to use as a template for your router to follow. Should give you a perfect curve.
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How big of a curve?
I would draw the arc out on a piece of MDF, cut it and sand to the line and then use that piece as a template with my router for all of the corners.
I am redoing my CP and that's how I plan to do it too.
One question: is worth getting a belt sander to sand the curves or elbow grease will do it?
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If you want to be that exact I wouldn't use a belt sander... one moment leaning too hard and now you have to fill it. They eat stuff fast. I'd cut it close and use a palm sander with like 80 grit.
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If you can find a vegetable/processed food can with the right radius you could cut around the side of the can about 3/4" from the bottom and then screw that to the CP top to use as a template for your router to follow. Should give you a perfect curve.
That's a great idea too - or at least use it to make the template.
I would NOT use a belt sander. MDF sands super easy by hand.
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I like the can idea. I think I'll give that a shot! :)
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My mom told me that pointing is rude. :-\