Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: meta87 on July 02, 2003, 11:23:58 am

Title: MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: meta87 on July 02, 2003, 11:23:58 am
Hey,

I got a 4x8 sheet of mdf (5x8) and a 4x8 sheet of plywood (5x8).  Which would you use for the control panel. I used the mdf for the rest of the cabinet, but noticed you can rip the screw out easier than in plywood. Will this be a problem if I use mdf? I can just see one of my moron friend getting mad and ripping the joystick right out of the controlpanel.

Thanks!
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: Tiger-Heli on July 02, 2003, 11:42:05 am
Shouldn't be a problem if you are using carriage bolts for the joysticks.  Wood screws might not hold as well in the MDF, but they might not do as well in the plywood either . . .
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: Lilwolf on July 02, 2003, 02:20:26 pm
Use carrior bolts and nuts... And MDF...

plywood it too rough and not worth the time.
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: Mike on July 02, 2003, 02:26:24 pm
It's also easier to round the edges or cut a t-molding slot in mdf.
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: locash on July 02, 2003, 03:20:21 pm
Use MDF it will be easier for you to get good results.

You can use screws if you want but make sure you are using wood screws (not drywall screws).  Use rolled screws, not cut screws.  The threads on rolled screws are wider than the shank, on cut screws the threads and shank are the same width.  Drill pilot holes as close to the width of the shank as possible.  And don't overtighten, the wood that is interlocking with the threads can be sheared out of the hole.

And if you are still concerned, use carriage bolts as suggested by others.
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: SNAAAKE on July 02, 2003, 07:46:11 pm
I say mdf..easy to drill(for some reason that sounds little...errr)

"easy to screw" LOL !

plywood is way to0 rough so avoid ! :)
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: AlanS17 on July 02, 2003, 09:40:02 pm
Yeah plywood can be hard to curves into. It's also not as easy to route... Plus I've found that spade bits work better for drilling MDF than hole saws. The hole saw gets all full of sawdust and it won't cut any further. A spade bit just chews away.
Title: Re:MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?
Post by: SirPoonga on July 02, 2003, 09:40:29 pm
MDF is much easier to work with, you probably know that already.  Plywood would be a little lighter.

I had no problem with wood screws in my mdf.  Just don;t screw into ends, but that;s the same with plywood too.