Did I mess up my CP?

[Metimbo]

I built my Cp out of 3/4" MDF.  I planned on using Lexan to cover the top.
Well, in order for the controls to be right length, I routed out the CP.  I think I accidently routed 1/4" instead of 1/8".  

I'm going to double check when I get home.  But, any options if I did route 1/4"?  I know I could buy 1/4" Plexi, but I've been reading that it scratches easily and is hard to work with, so I want to stick with Lexan.

Also, how do you cut the 3" hole in the Lexan for the Trackball?  I can't find a holesaw or Foresters Bit that big with a 3/8" shaft.

~Tim

[hyiu]

I have routed 1/4 in out for joystick before and its still fine... (but I'm using plywood...) I guess MDF will be fine too...

just use 1/4 in lexan.... it'll be fine...

as for the 3 in hole....

if you have a router... you can buy a circle cutting jig....
that can cut any circle form like 1/4 - 6 inch in diameter... (or something like that...)  pretty cool....

I got it also.... but I have not used it yet.....

[Metimbo]

I would use Lexan, but a 48x36 piece around here goes for $45 and that is the .93 stuff.  The 1/4" would probably cost me $100 or more I bet.

If I go with the .93 Lexan, will the joysticks sit up too high?

~Tim

[paigeoliver]

I would use Lexan, but a 48x36 piece around here goes for $45 and that is the .93 stuff.  The 1/4" would probably cost me $100 or more I bet.

If I go with the .93 Lexan, will the joysticks sit up too high?

~Tim

You are never going to have a problem with your joysticks sitting up too high. 90 percent or more of real arcade games shipped with metal control panels that are like a sixteenth of an inch thick and they did not come with plexi/lexan, and that is what most controls are designed for.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I would just leave it as-is.
Your joysticks will be 1/8" higher than you were intending; but I don't think anyone will even notice, unless you tell them.

There's a big range to what is "normal".

If you really want to "fix" it, I would cut a spacer to go between the joystick base and the bottom of the CP.

[Dartful Dodger]

yes

[OSCAR]

It more of preference thing, really.  When using the Happ sticks like the Super or Competitions, I install them such that the top of the base is 3/8" below the control panel surface.  For me, I find that to be the optimum depth for the Comp and Super (using the long spacer for the Super).  Or if I'm using the long handle (4") Wico's, then I don't router a 3/4" control panel at all.

In any case, you certainly didn't screw anything up if you routed too much.  In fact, you can always lower the joystick (if you don't like how it turned out) by installing nylon spacers on the bolts between the control panel and the joystick base.  No damage done.  

[hyiu]

sorry.... my bad... I typed it wrong....

I want to say in my last message just use 1/8 lexan... it'll be fine.... not 1/4....

damm..... I usually proof read what I write....
(I think I did...) I guess Monday is not a good day to work... or read... or do anything....    

1/8 (or whatever thinnest lexan will do....)
the joystick will stick out just a little more... but it'll feel fine...
(maybe it'll feel better....)

[Auntie MAME]

My CP is made of 3/4 MDF with 1/8 lexan.  I have Happ Super joysticks.  I routed the back of the CP so the bottom of the base of the joystick is flush with the bottom of the CP.  It is perfect.  The joysticks are just the right height.  

A ~10"x25" sheet of lexan at the Depot is $7 and change.