The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: bmo on May 14, 2013, 08:16:53 pm
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I'm in the process of building a new cocktail can but this time I'm not going to be using metal parts but rather want to build it from wood. I've built several standup cabinets but this is a new challenge and I'm not sure the best way to go about doing it.
If I run the top of the panel where buttons joysticks sit, I'll have to run t-molding horizontally across the front because of the end piece sticking out or on top (top is not an option.. looks horrible). Anyways, hoping you guys have some tips/advice for creating a fairly seamless controller. Any thoughts on 45deg angles for the wood? might be able to pull that off.
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Could you not reproduce the angle of a metal cp? That would make it look the same, and remove the need for t-molding.
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That sort of angle (if it comes out in the post like it looks now while I type it).
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Just sand the butt joint to the same angle as the metal panel and bondo for a seamless piece. Just from looks nobody will be able to tell the difference.
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Just sand the butt joint to the same angle as the metal panel and bondo for a seamless piece. Just from looks nobody will be able to tell the difference.
Pretty much this, but experiment several times before you touch the wood you want to use. Sanding/Routing and Bondo should get you exactly what you're looking for.
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That's a great but I plan on using 1/4" plexi glass on top of the panel. Rounding it will leave that 1/4" step. Wonder if it'd be too much work to plane out the rest of the control panel down a 1/4". Rather not have to go that far tho.
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Bend the plexi to the wood. It's supa easy. Lots of tutorials on here. Problemo solved.
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excellent. i've decided on that now. bending the plexi over a 1/2 dowel should work great. gonna need to find a heat gun but should be cheap enough
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Heat gun or butane torch, or you can even set the oven to 450 then crack the door and heat the bend area like that...but that technique is ghetto-fabu
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Heat gun or butane torch, or you can even set the oven to 450 then crack the door and heat the bend area like that...but that technique is ghetto-fabu
Ghetto-Fabulous and a cheap ass way to Vaccum Mold plastics!
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excellent. i've decided on that now. bending the plexi over a 1/2 dowel should work great. gonna need to find a heat gun but should be cheap enough
Harbor Freight has this one (http://www.harborfreight.com/12-interval-heat-gun-with-led-temperature-settings-69343.html) with 12 settings from 430 - 1160 degrees.
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_21653.jpg)
They also have an accessory kit here (http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-heat-gun-accessory-kit-68695.html).
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_20315.jpg)
Scott