my first arcade control stick (pics and questions)

[mariox2098]

So i'm nearing completion of this arcade control i've been making for the past couple weeks. The top is pretty much finished and semi-wired, the sides aren't connected or painted yet but will soon be. Tell me if you guys like it and and there's anything I should do differently if/when I decide to make another one. One question though, i don't have much space inside the box  and it seems like the pcb is touching some of the contacts, is there anything i can do to prevent that like putting something in between them?

Edit: Final pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/mariox2098/OkamiArcadeStick

[Gatsu]

I think it looks pretty good so far. Nice choice for the artwork. Okami is cool.

how thick is the board you're using? and what are the dimensions of the box?

[mariox2098]

Thx! Im using 3/4" MDF and the dimension of the space in the box is 10.5" x 5" x 3"

[Gatsu]

I'd suggest mounting the PCB to the bottom board with some PCB feet. That will give you some space. Just make sure that bottom piece is a lot thinner than the rest of the box.

[mariox2098]

Also, do you think that i should use screws and glue or is glue alone is sufficient for holding together such a small box?

[Gatsu]

Wood glue is amazing. I've glued most of my sticks together and have had no problems. A little tricky to get it clamped. But it holds really well.

If you're not comfortable with glue only....do both. Just takes some putty to cover up the holes....or you can get some screw-hole covers.

[saleem]

what controller is that?

i think its nice.

[Epyx]

Ill second the wood glue is amazing...I would go as far as to say its better than a screw only option for controllers. I used the Yellow wood glue from HD and within about 30 minutes its stronger than hell.  Easy to clean up with just water and a rag during the first few minutes of setting too...just apply...clamp...cleanup and wait about 25 to 30 mins...couldn't be easier.

[mariox2098]

what controller is that?

i think its nice.

I used an old wavebird controller my friend left at my place years ago. Wireless is so nice lol

[mariox2098]

I finally finished! All the progress pics as well as the final pics can be found here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mariox2098/OkamiArcadeStick

[Epyx]

I love the artwork. My only question/comment...

It looks like you have a bit of overhang on the green t molding on the bottom? May have worked better to offset the slot cut a bit higher so that overhang covered the plexi instead.

But with that said I like it!