First CP Question

[highholyme]

So I got my sticks and buttons (YAY!) and am getting my wood and tools together to build my CP, but I was curious, is recessing the joystick really necessary? My plan was to bottom mount them, and i'm using Happ Ultimates.

Forgive my punctuation, it's 4am. 

[EvilNuff]

It is not 'necessary' in that it will work without recessing them.  However the shafts will seem very short and they will just feel different, as well as look different.

[highholyme]

Feel, like how? I am trying to do this right the first time, as in all likelihood this will be my ONLY arcade build, I've had to scrimp and save change for what I have now, I don't see me doing this again.  

Edit: Oh. Double checked, they're HAPP supers. If that makes a difference.

[EvilNuff]

Think about it this way, if you use 3/4" of wood for the cp and you bottom mount with no recessing then you have removed 3/4" of the length on the joystick shaft.  They will look funny (short) and feel different in how the stick moves before the switches are depressed.  Mock it up with cardboard, mount one stick directly under cardboard and another stick a couple 3/4" thick pieces of scrap wood between the cardboard and the stick and see the difference for yourself.

[yotsuya]

Rout them. You won't regret it if you do, but you will if you don't.

[highholyme]

Okay, went out and got my MDF. (Holy crap they actually had it!) They only had 5/8 but I figure it wasn't that big a deal. How deeply should I rout out the space for my sticks?

[justinjstark]

Okay, went out and got my MDF. (Holy crap they actually had it!) They only had 5/8 but I figure it wasn't that big a deal. How deeply should I rout out the space for my sticks?

I would recommend leaving half the wood.  You can try routing at a depth of 1/4" but I would be hesitant to go much deeper.  People are going to be slamming your joysticks and you don't want them to rip out.

How do you plan on mounting your joysticks?  Make sure you leave enough wood for your t-nuts or whatever you are using.  The joystick mount kits from groovygamegear require .4".

If you are really worried about stick height then top mount them.  It takes more work: you have to cut a big hole, route, and add support underneath for the mounts.

BTW: I use 1/2" MDF for the top of my control panels.  It is deep enough for easy joystick mounting yet is thin enough that I do not have to route at all.

[Donkbaca]

I don't think top mounting is really that much more work, In my CP that I am building I top mounted.  All you do is cut a hole, and rout out the  thickness of the mounting plates.  Then I layered a 1/8th in of wood on top, and then I am putting 1/8in plexi on top.  I went with top mount because it seemed easier, and by layering it I know exactly how long the sticks are and there are no bolts showing, real clean installation.  Plus, the mount feels solid since the mounting plate has wood underneath it and 1/4 inch of wood/plywood above it.

[justinjstark]

I don't think top mounting is really that much more work, In my CP that I am building I top mounted.  All you do is cut a hole, and rout out the  thickness of the mounting plates.  Then I layered a 1/8th in of wood on top, and then I am putting 1/8in plexi on top.  I went with top mount because it seemed easier, and by layering it I know exactly how long the sticks are and there are no bolts showing, real clean installation.  Plus, the mount feels solid since the mounting plate has wood underneath it and 1/4 inch of wood/plywood above it.

I guess it depends on the sticks.  The happ comps I usually use have such a thick base that when you route deep enough for the mounting plate there is not enough wood left.  If you are using sticks with thin metal mounting plates then it must be much easier.