ArcadePC control panel conversion

[Katana Man]

Hi fellas,

[GGKoul]

It probably would have been easier to make a new 4 player CP that was a custom fit with your cab instead of ordering one from Slik-Stik then modifing your cabinet to get it to fit...

[CheffoJeffo]

For a cut of that size, I might use a good crosscut (e.g. hand) saw.

[Katana Man]

Thanks GGKoul, very helpful.  The ArcadePC control panel is the proprietary one.  The SlikStik control panel is all square. The cut notch will be square as well and it will bring the control panel back 2 more inches for a more secure fit and it will bring the players closer. So this is desirable.

Anyway, back to the question at hand...  CheffoJeffo, you think I can cut a clean, straight 6" cut with a hand saw?  If my hand saw isn't perfectly 90 degrees in both directions, it will mess up the cut pretty bad.  It's kind of an important cut because the control panel will be resting up against it.  Any variation will show.

[kcoleman]

I'm thinking of using a jigsaw with some fine teeth to make a smoother cut, and using some sort of guide rail to prevent mistakes.

[CheffoJeffo]

I think you can, indeed, make that cut and make it straight with a good quality, sharp, crosscut saw (e.g. don't even try it with a cheap or dull saw). You can cut slowly and make a nice clean cut (I've seen people rip 4 foot lengths using nothing but a crosscut saw).

Having said that, I can't find a flaw in kcoleman's technique, although you are going to need to get the guides secured well. As kcoleman points out, the outer edge of the vertical cut is where you need to be right on. So, if you have a problem with the inner edge, you can backcut with a coping saw to achieve that flush edge on the outside.

Cheers.

[kcoleman]

I was also thinking that if you do mess up the cut a bit you can put some sort of trim around the new control panel.  you can get quarter round trim at home depot that they use to trim out floors when the baseboards dont cover gaps in hardwood floors or a simple small square piece of wood.  If you miter the corner and paint it black it will not look bad at all.  In fact you could probably use a half inch piece of wood that is cut to 1 inch or so width and glue or screw it in from the inside of the cabinet

[Katana Man]

Well, I set up a guide and used a Skillsaw jigsaw.

[Katana Man]

Well, the router is definately the right tool for the job. I also cut the slots for the t-molding as well.

[AceTKK]

You could fix that with a belt-sander too.

-Ace-

[InsaneDavid]

You could fix that with a belt-sander too.

-Ace-

Ah yes, the belt sander, the spiral saw's best friend. 

It looks really nice, Katana Man.

[Katana Man]

Well, here is the final results:


More details on the project can be seen here

I'm extremely happy with the end results. The control panel is interchangeable, and it locks in like a rock! I mean no movement or noise at all. The 4 draw clamps, turnbuckles, wood guide peices, and two bolts make sure of it
I'm working in Photoshop to design a new marquee. Almost done with that too

[Ghoward]

I like it, the new cp makes it look much better, like a new machine. I also love the fans at the base of the cab.


Gary

[HaRuMaN]

Do the fans make your legs hot as you play?   

[dweebs0r]

Great job!

Now just swap out the marquee with your new one and maybe put on some tasteful
side art, and swap out that monitor for a larger one, and ...

-Dweebs