CP build question - mounting joysticks

[rhys]

I'm building my first CP.  Have the template done, ready to through on my CNC mill.  BUT - before I mill this thing, I have a question about mounting the Happ competition joysticks.  I plan to put a laminated self adhesive vinyl overlay on the top, so I want a nice, smooth, unmarred surface to apply it to.  Therefore, I plan to under mount the joysticks.  I don't want to loose 3/4" of the stick height though, so I added a pocket for each one to mount into.

Problem is, I can't find screw in insert nuts short enough to not breach the surface of the panel except out of the UK.  I live in the US, I'm not paying for nor waiting on shipping out of the UK....

Anyone have any suggestions on alternative mounting arrangements or know of somewhere I can find hex drive screw in insert nuts under 1/2" long?

Thanks!

[JDFan]

Home Depot has some 12.5 mm which is just under 1\2 inch @ $4 for 4 ( http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-1-4-in-20-x-12-5-mm-Zinc-Plated-Type-B-Insert-Nut-4-Pieces-54484/100337754#.Ulqo6hDOT40 )

[rhys]

I need non-flanged screw in.  Press-ins are for hardwood.  Screw-ins are for softwood and composites.

[JDFan]

E-Z Lok (located in Gardena CA) makes many kinds -- http://www.ezlok.com/InsertsWood/index.html they should have a list of distributors near you.

[rhys]

EZ-LOK doesn't make a #10-24 or M6 shorter than a half inch either....

I can't find the #10-24's at 3/8" long on Ebay out of Hong Kong, or M6x10mm from the UK which would work as well, but I can't seem to find either size available from a US retailer 

[JDFan]

Since you're putting an overlay on it anyway could you countersink the bolt heads and then cover with wood putty and sand down ?

[rhys]

Duhhh, hadn't thought of that.  Or I could pocket sink T-nuts and top fill with wood putty.

Thank you, I think I'll go with one of those options.  I think I like the T-nuts better so if I want to swap out sticks, I don't have to worry about the bolts breaking the wood putty when I go to loosen the nuts.

[kahlid74]

I'm always a big fan of T-Bolts as they are super strong when applied through wood.  You can use a router and route 1/8" so the T-Bolt sits flush with the rest of the wood and then putty it in (Just like @JDFan said)