Drilling Holes for Joysticks

[doanut]

First let me say that I did a search throught the forums and did not find anything that would help me with this problem.  I am on my first cabinet build and almost done.  I am working on the CP and have drilled all holes for the buttons, but now I am wondering about the Joysticks.  I have a Happs replacement joystick for galaga (part number:50-6084-1125R)  http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/5060841125r.htm .  Not noticing that it was for metal CPs ..ooops.  Anyway I am still going to install in but using the router I will install from the top of the CP to try and keep some height to the stick.  Is this a good idea or what potential problems could I face.

My other question is that I have two Happs Perfect 360 Joysticks to install as well and I was wondering what size hole I should drill for the joystick.  I have not found this anywhere after much searching.....is it a big deal?  If I use the same size hole for the buttons for the joystick will that be OK?

I am hoping I have no problems installing my trackball, that looks like it would be the hardest, but I did not think installig the joysticks would be a big issue either.

Anyways thanks for your help.

[smalltownguy]

I don't think you'll be very happy with bottom mounting that joystick, no matter how close you try to raise it up.

You'd be better off cutting your hole for the joystick trunk, and then use a router to create an inlay in the shape of the skirt. Yes, the top surface (under the dust washer) of the joystick is not flat, but you could easily fill that in with a filler of your choice -- bondo, etc. Or you could just take it apart, and sand the top of it flat.

If the stick is going on a wood control panel, chances are you'll have an overlay and then plexi over it, so you shouldn't need to worry too much about the surface strength of the putty. If you sand it flush, then no worries.

A 3rd option would be to make a metal mounting plate for the stick. Flush mount the plate, weld nuts to the underside of it (or bolts) and attach as necessary.

Just my $.02 worth *plink plink* 

[doanut]

Thanks for the reply, yes I was going to install that Happs joystick from the top of the CP.  What I thought of doing was routering out the top enough so that the joystick will fit level with the top of the CP.  Then have a hole through my overlay (I am not sure what size) and the plastic covering with the CP.  I might try and make a custom smaller "washer" to fit overtop of this hole that is not so big, but this will be some trial and error.