Some questions about making a MAME arcade control panel

[xxkodemanxx]

Hey guys.

First i HAVE been looking around for these answers..and either i didn't find any or got multiple different answers..so lemme put down MY situation and see what i get haha.

ok So im gunna build my control panel for my MAME machine.. Im using a cabinet from a former 4 player bball arcade game. Im pretty much just gunna trace and use the same shape of the current CP and just replace it with a new top with a new button layout.

Im using 3/4" MDF

im doing a 2 player 7 button layout with a 3" trackball in the middle.
im using 2 iL 8-Way Eurojoysticks
and HAPP compeition buttons.

the Questions:

1. What tools will i def need? I know i'll need the following:
*Jigsaw or tablesaw to cut the MDF to the proper shape.
*a drill with a 1 1/8" wood-boring drill bit (for the buttons)
* a router (along the edge to add some t-molding.. and to possibly recess the joysticks on the bottom..another question i have)
*sandpaper
 Is there something im missing or need to change?

2. When using these iL 8-Way Eurojoysticks on the 3/4" MDF will i need to recess the underside?
like this:
(if you look at beg they have those recessed squares for the sticks..

or do i not need to...
this guy did NOT..but im guessing its because he used a different joystick..or maybe diff wood..
http://robandgabe.com/rdowney/arcadeodyssey/cp/imagepages/image26.html

If i DO need to..how deep do i need to make those squares?


3. If i choose the No plexi on top route... what would be the next best bet. What should i lay over the MDF.. contact paper? Vynil? lol

thanks ahead of time!

-D

[xxkodemanxx]

lol 45 views and not one responce.. lol

its cool.


im very curious about this question though:

If im using 3/4" MDF for my CP
and the iL comp Joysticks.

how deep do i need to recess the square underneath for the joysticks?
or do i not need to?..though i think i do..

couldnt find the answer anywhere

thanks!

[HaRuMaN]

You do not need to recess the joysticks.  If you were using Sanwa JLF's or something, then yes, you might want to.

[xxkodemanxx]

thanks for the responce

[javeryh]

1.  I've never needed anything other than a jigsaw (for rough cuts) a router with a pattern bit (for straight cuts), a slot cutter (for the t-molding) and a 1/4" straight bit (for routing out material for recessing stuff) and a drill with a forstner bit (for drilling holes).  You will also need lots of odds and ends like a square, sander (a block is OK), tape measure, ruler, wire cutters, etc.

2.  I don't know exactly but it's all up to how you want the sticks to feel.  A mock-up helps.  You will just know whether the stick is too short.

3.  I have used vinyl on top of a control panel and been VERY happy with the RESULTS.

[xxkodemanxx]

thanks for the responces!
2 more questions!

1) lets say.. i dont have access to a router..and i decide i WANT to recess the joysticks a bit..is there another tool option i could use? anything by hand?

2) Vinyl sounds good...but is there any place that would carry that locally? Happ is so much $$$ and then add shipping ;/

is this similar?
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100123333&N=10000003+90020

or way off..lol
any local places that carry it? home depot/ace hardware/ fabric store?

thanks again!

[Encryptor]

I think it would be tough to recess your joysticks without a router. I'm sure it could be done but I can't see it being done with any accuracy.

This is the vinyl I used and I believe it's the same stuff a lot of builders here have used. It's from Parts Express.

http://tinyurl.com/lww2rk


Encryptor

[drventure]

You could always use a chisel (as if you were mortising a door hinge)...

But that's a WHOLE lot more work. I think you'd be best off finding a cheap router/bit set.

[Haterot]

A Chisel would be tough, especially if you have never used one in that capacity. if you want power tool but not really expensive I bet a RotoZip could handle the routing with more accuracy than a chisel.

[Paul Olson]

Just break down and buy a router, it will be well worth the investment. You don't need a fancy one, although options like a plunge base can be nice. I am too cheap for a plunge base though.

I personally like a 3/8" recess on those sticks. I think that is what was used on a lot of the fighting games, and it feels right to me. It is personal preference though, so a mock up is definitely a good idea.

Also invest in a nice 1 1/8" Forstner bit for the button holes. That is another tool that is definitely worth the money (about $12 I think).

[dryseals]

There are lots of cheap routers out there, pawn shops are full of them.

The main thing is to invest in one that has a base that will fit you needs later. Many of the manufacturers copy bases. Freud and Porter Cable are the most copied bases. I have 12 routers, all for different uses and just bought the Dewalt 618 combo plunge and fixed as it's an older model being replaced with a newer version. The 618 combo is fanastic set-up and may be the only router you'll ever need and the base fits Porter Cable attachments which is probably the most popular one out there.