2 player control panel build

[Ionos]

Looks really good, I like the stacked approach to building the surround. Wish I had a CNC!

[a_w_d]

I'm hoping someone can comment, but i am unsure weather i should clear coat it?

It seems to mark easy, so not sure if a clear coat will help against that

[elvis]

A clear coat can help with the scratch resistance, but there are a few downsides.

If you're putting it over white, it will come up yellowish. And you can't sand it if it's over light colours, as you'll see the glass/sand from the paper in the finish.

Other than that, it's not a bad thing to throw two very light clear coats on top as a final finish. Just be patient with it, as mistakes are very easy to see.

[a_w_d]

i thought i would do a test fitting before finishing off the paint job

The coats of paint were much thicker than I anticipated, so I had to use a dremel to take it back on the holes


Click to view full size!

[a_w_d]

got some more work done on it



Click to view full size!

Click to view full size!



All i have to do now is cut out the clear acrylic bottom, get some rubber feet, install the control board, and do the wiring.


I have learnt a few things


1. You need heaps of prep work. The prep work needs prep work. I made the mistake of hoping that bog will fix everything, when I should have prepared the wood better from the start.

2. I dislike MDF. Ill probably go with some sort of real wood next time, or maybe even try something in acrylic.

3. Next time I paint MDF, ill probably go with 2 pack paint. It will be harder and more durable, I have a feeling over time the area where you rest your wrists on the front of the joystick will wear away.

[nimmers]

Originally Posted by a_w_d

I have a feeling over time the area where you rest your wrists on the front of the joystick will wear away.

That will just make it look cooler, like an old guitar

[a_w_d]

So i finally got it finished

I had some scrap perspex lying around, so i used it even thought it was scratched

I sanded it back to a smoked look, I'm pretty happy with it.

Also added 6 rubber feet, just some cheapo ebay amplifier feet


Click to view full size!


Click to view full size!


Click to view full size!

[Baker]

Looking good - do you need to add a credit button to it though, or are you happy adding them the shift-way?

[a_w_d]

i might still add another button for credits, it was something i forgot

for now it will be good though happy to just play a few games now

[JonathanB]

What were the dimensions of your design? and do you find it comfy to use? e.g. wrist pain

This design would be a great starting basis for my two player arcade stick.

[a_w_d]

Originally Posted by jonathanbui

What were the dimensions of your design? and do you find it comfy to use? e.g. wrist pain

This design would be a great starting basis for my two player arcade stick.

Hi

Sorry for the late reply, dimensions are around 660x230x75mm

Next time I would probably move to sanwa buttons as they have a much lower profile and would bring down the thickness of the control panel significantly

It is pretty big and bulky, but when you set it down on a table its very solid and doesn't move around even when you are playing vigorously (track and field was a good test!)

So far I find it pretty comfortable no issues.