What wood do you recommend for the control panel?

[laggerific]

I'm currently reading through the Project Arcade book on which I'm basing my heavily modified cabinet.

In the book, he mentions using something sturdier than the MDF he used for the cabinet for the control panel.  I want my control panel to be sturdy, stable, and live a long time.  Since it's the part taking, likely, the most abuse, I tend to think that I might want to consider something other than MDF.  Any recommendations?  Should I just go with straight wood?  If so, what makes sense and will provide pleasing results?  I may go with MDO for the case for the control panel, since that is what I'm planning to use for the cabinet, but thinking I want something more for the main control panel face.

[apfelanni]

if u dont like mdf then go with steel , aluminum or plywood. usually the type of material u pick depends on the cabinet style , the controls or artworks u will use.  ps. mdf of maybe 16 mm is strong enough 2 handle the job. the most common ply for woodworking here in ger is birch and beech . but u may find something better wherever ure from . i would advise ag soft or non plywood.  consider a plexi overlay if u dont laminat the cp. painting usually isnt very scratch resistant. 

[laggerific]

I'm just trying to get some ideas, so thank you for your response.  I'm planning on putting on a plexiglass cover.  I guess, I'm also curious about peoples stories with their MDF CPs to see how they've been abused and held up under the stress, or I may just use the extra MDO from my cabinet itself to create the CP face.

[Shortbus]

MDF 1/2" or 3/4" is plenty sturdy, i've used it many a time and never had a problem, if it's a rather akwardly long cp, then obviously brace it, but I use MDF and it works fine. just my opinion, plywood bends and warps, Metal is ideal, but I don't have the tools or skills to shape or cut...hope that helps.

you could also use cabinet grade plywood, thats great too, but expensive. good luck

[Epyx]

How will you be layering your CP?  Laminate? Plexi over art? You can do laminate  with 5/8" and have 3/4" T molding flush top to bottom...same with 1/8" plexi by offsetting your mold. 

5/8" is therefore imo the most versatile size but if all you want to do is paint with a 3/4" T Molding just use 3/4".  Also make sure you route recesses etc to get maximum shaft length etc.

[drventure]

Walnut, Curly Maple or Bubinga

 

[DirtyDachshunds]

On my new cabinet planning on using MDF then covering it with plexiglass similar to the new fossils cabinet.  Not only does this give the control panel a nice look, but it also protects the wood.

[jholman76]

Walnut, Curly Maple or Bubinga

 

I was thinking cocobolo for the sides and bloodwood for the CP, what do you think?.... i'm thinking you have a very expensive and heavy cabinet...