The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Automaticher0 on December 30, 2008, 11:19:44 am
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I just purchased some Sanwa JLF-TP-8T Ball Handle Joysticks.
The specs are here:
http://lizardlick.com/pages/sanwa_jlf_faq.shtml
I need tips on routing my control panel to install these things, what bit to use/type of router. Also, is it very difficult to get one of these things in if I have never routed before?
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My first foray into routing out material was putting in a JLF and buttons, so dont let it scare you, its not that bad.
What I did, was first drill the through hole that the shaft will be using. Then you can insert the joystick, and trace the base in pencil on the underside of the wood. If you need a little extra notch for the connection (I didnt routing out 1/2" depth into 3/4" stock) you can trace that as well.
Then with a Straight Mortising Bit (http://www.ereplacementparts.com/carbide-tipped-double-flute-straight-mortising-router-bit-p-147903.html) set to the desired depth, start in the center of your hole and remove material in a circular manner. Then watch closely as you get near your pencil marks, and try to just trace out the outline with your cuts.
Once satisfied, try dropping your joystick in, if it fits, good work! If not, then carefully remove material until it does.
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What I would do (and what I'm intending to do for my future stick builds) would be to make a template.
Trace around the joystick base in a scrap piece of material and then cut out bulk with a jigsaw before cleaning up the edges with a straight bit and a guide.
Then drill the shaft hole in your CP and clamp/screw the template to the CP. You can then use the template with a [template bit (http://www.woodpeck.com/whitesidetemplatebits.html)] to route the relief. You will want to use a bit with a relatively small cutting length so that the bearing rides along the template.
You could free hand the notch or add it to the template profile.
The above may seem a bit long winded but you would end up with a nice clean recess and you can use the template again in the future.
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Follow this. It's not too hard at all.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51235.0
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