Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Nakune on May 21, 2009, 12:04:10 pm

Title: Routing on thinner plywood
Post by: Nakune on May 21, 2009, 12:04:10 pm
I'm planning on building an arcade stick for the 360, but have come across a question regarding the materials I was planning on using. I was going to use 1/4" plywood for the top panel, but am concerned about mounting the joystick. I have read that the stick should be mounted about 1/4" below the surface, and this brings me to the question of whether or not routing is necessary, or whether I should just get a thicker piece of plywood. I was planning on the overall depth of the box to be about 2 1/8", so I should have some room if need be. This is my first project with little woodworking experience, so a dumbed down answer would be nice  :)
Title: Re: Routing on thinner plywood
Post by: Chadwick on May 21, 2009, 12:18:48 pm
With mats that thin I would just bottom mount and skip routing.
Title: Re: Routing on thinner plywood
Post by: ChadTower on May 25, 2009, 02:37:58 pm

How wide is the panel?  If that panel has any width at all 1/4" ply might flex in a rough game.
Title: Re: Routing on thinner plywood
Post by: massive88 on May 27, 2009, 11:00:40 am
Ideal mounting for Sanwa sticks is 3/8" below the surface. 

Dont route out anything, 1/4" ply + 1/8" plexi is perfect.

If you are worried about flexing, put in a stiffener bar or additional supports, or both like I did on my first stick:

8 Supports instead of the more traditional 4 corner supports:
(http://omgbbq.com/tfight360_files/image018.jpg)

Glued bar to center of the panel for additional stiffness:
(http://omgbbq.com/tfight360_files/image022.jpg)