CPOs - how do you "finish" the edges?

[SadGamerGeek]

I'm about ready to buy & apply a Control Panel Overlay, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do at the edges. My CP board is 1/2" MDF and I wasn't planning on using T-Molding. I've already cut the holes (except for the spinner which I've ordered this morning). I guess I should have fixed the CPO first & cut later, but I just didn't have confidence in my drilling & sawing skills & didn't want to ruin an expensive CPO!

Here's what it looks like so far (everything in except the spinner):



For the CPO, I was thinking of something plain like the "MAME Grid Unmarked" ones here:http://www.classicarcadegrafix.com/cgi-bin/store/checkout.pl?keywords=mamecpo

I guess my options are to either cut it at the edge, or fold it over. If I cut it, I'd be nervous that the exposed edge would eventually peel away.

[mahuti]

It is definitely flexible enough to fold. I bought an overlay from classicarcadegraphix.com and folded mine over. (check out my defender link below) You might have a slight crease around the front corners, and definitely a crease on the far corners. Some glue and a staple gun will keep it down nice & tight.

You might also want to check out mamemarquees.com they do very quality work, with excellent service. I can't recall any complaints about them. While I think my panel turned out great, there have been some mixed comments about classicarcadegraphix. 

[megashock5]

I will second mamemarquees.com's work. Haven't applied my CPO yet, but it came in the mail yesterday and it looks fantastic (as does the marquee I got from them earlier).

The stuff is really top-notch, you won't be disappointed.

[Blacksmith]

I think T-molding is the way to go.  It looks an arcade machine is supposed to look.  Find someone with a router and a bit and let them rout it.  I think folding over a paper edge will eventually tear through at the edge from leaning up against it.  Just my opinion though.

[SadGamerGeek]

Thanks for the help - maybe I should go for T-Molding after all......

I'm still keen to hear more thoughts though........

Cheers,

Richard

[mahuti]

The stuff you get from Mamemarquees is laminated paper, that looks and acts very much like vinyl after the process is complete. It's not like applying paper. It's like applying a vinyl overlay, which was done to some of the early cabs (i.e. Defender)

I do not think that you will have to worry about damage to the edge. The material is very tough.

That being said... t-molding is always going to be more resistant to damage than vinyl, it is also easier to replace when it does get damaged. If you have to replace a CPO, you will have to remove all of your controls to do this. With t-molding, it's a quick switch. If you WANT to use T-molding, then do so, but otherwise, use the cpo. The amount & type of play the machine gets shouldn't be enough to damage the material for years.

[RayB]

Paint the wood white and you'll have yourself a nice Fisher Price control panel.