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Mounting a trackball on a wood panel? (versus mounting a joystick)

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sofakng:
Ok, any suggestions as to the depth of the recess to cut into the wood? (for the trackball and/or perfect 360 joysticks)

Is there any way to tell how deep you are cutting with a bit like that or do you have to guess/keep trying different depths?

FractalWalk:

--- Quote from: sofakng on June 17, 2004, 08:06:28 am ---Ok, any suggestions as to the depth of the recess to cut into the wood? (for the trackball and/or perfect 360 joysticks)
--- End quote ---

For the trackball you want to make the plate flush to the wood when it drops in so you would recess the top the thickness of the mounting plate.

For the 360's you would only need to route from the bottom if you want your joystick length to be longer (the deeper the route, the higher the joystick sits). The proper depth is a matter of personal preference. However, make sure you leave enough MDF to provide adequte strength (at least 1/4" -3/8" ??)



--- Quote from: sofakng on June 17, 2004, 08:06:28 am ---Is there any way to tell how deep you are cutting with a bit like that or do you have to guess/keep trying different depths?

--- End quote ---

The router lets you lock in your depth. So once you set it, that is the depth of your cut until you reset it. I would set depth on a scrap piece of wood first and see if it is correct before routing your panel.

Doc-:
I used a different method involving no plate and no routing.  Some may find it less elegant but it works just fine:

 - Start with an Betson/Imperial Trackball which has a solid case (see pictures).
 - Trace the outline of the case carefully on the wood.
 - Cut the outline out with a jigsaw.
 - Buy 4 of the 1" or smaller small angle irons (shelf supports) from Home Depot.  The ones I purchased were pre-drilled.
 - Pick non-vital areas on your trackball case and drill a matching hole so you can bolt the angle irons into the top of the trackball case.  Set them at appropriate depth so the trackball is flush with your panel top.
 - Drill and screw the angle irons into your panel as well.
 - Put the bottom back on the trackball.
 - Cover with artwork and plexiglass, or vinyl, or whatever.

 There are some pictures of my trackball panel about 1/2 way down the web page here:
   http://www.beersmith.com/mame/panels.htm

  You can see the angle irons quite clearly in the bottom shot.  If you cover it with artwork and lexan you should not see the outlines - though you can always fill them with wood filler from the top if desired.  This mounting system also lets you easily remove the bottom of the trackball case for servicing.

Doc-
   

simplygriff:
Your cabinet is really nice Doc-.  I'm using a similar idea for mine. (not as many panels)  Thanks for the inspiration.  

Does it fell awkward or have you had any problems with those 3 buttons above the Trackball?  I was going to mount mine the same way but a lot of people suggested against it.  Any info would be great!
-G

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