Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: spOOf on July 23, 2009, 11:20:37 pm
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Okay, I am a complete woodworking novice. I am converting a cab so I could avoid much of the woodworking. But I can't avoid it anymore! I need to do the control panel.
I am borrowing a router and jigsaw. I have the control panel cut out already. I will need to do the following:
Round the 2 front corners of the control panel (I have my old panel as a guide)
Drill holes for buttons.
Cut hole for 3" trackball (U-Trak).
T-molding.
Other stuff I may need to do is to cut holes for the speakers. I have a grill to cover that work though. Also, I may need to cut some wood for around the monitor. But the 4 things above are what I'm most concerned with right now.
I am working with 5/8 plywood (I couldn't find 5/8 MDF at any of the 15 places I called locally) and I will have 1/8 plex.
What do you guys recommend I pick up?
I figure I need a 1/16 router bit for t-mold and a 1-1/8" forstner bit (like this one: link (http://"http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000CFNAZA/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ARGKZ1TK0K0C7&v=glance")).
What else? How to I cut the trackball hole perfectly? Links are appreciated.
:cheers:
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Actually, you should cut the slot for T-molding with a slot cutter... I got the 1/16" one from MLCS http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html)
I also bought Forstner bits from MLCS; one for my inset cabinet hinges (can't remember the size...), a 2 7/8" for the trackball (that's for the X-arcade trackball... I'm not sure about any others) and a 1 1/8" for button holes. You can use a spade bit for the button holes, but the Forstner bits provide a cleaner hole.
If you're just doing the control panel top, that should just about cover it. If you're building a box for it to sit on, you may want a 45 degree chamfer bit to fit the corners together.
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Reusing box from my old panel. So you're suggesting I buy a 3-1/4 forstner bit for the trackball?
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Oh, and what do you suggest for the rounder corners?
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I'm a newby too. I recently bought a small drill press and a Forstner bit. . very nice stuff. The button holes so far are the only clean part of this iteration of my control panel project. :) Highly recommended.
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Reusing box from my old panel. So you're suggesting I buy a 3-1/4 forstner bit for the trackball?
No, it's a 3" track ball and I'm mounting it directly to the MDF. According to the X-Gaming instructions... "use a router to cut out 5-7/8” by 5-7/8” down to ¼”. Cut 2-7/8” hole for lip/ball"... So, to do that, I'm using a straight router bit as well to do the 5 7/8" square.
Oh, and what do you suggest for the rounder corners?
Not quite sure what corners you mean... But would a round over bit work? http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_round_over.html (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_round_over.html)
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Oh, and what do you suggest for the rounder corners?
you should be able to shape them surely with a router,have you got a flush trim router bit?use something round like small cup,place it near the corner,mark out,rough cut with jigsaw and you can use a flush trim router bit to shape it up.i would say that sounds best way to go.
:)