Replacement Control Panel Question

daxwell

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I have a Centuri cabinet that was turned into a Pound for Pound which has two 3" trackballs. Instead of repairing the holes, which is a little more than my skills allow, a friend made a new Control Panel out of 16 guage aluminum. I'm planning on putting in a 60in1 with 1 joystick, 3 game buttons, player 1 & 2 buttons and 2 1/4" TB. Will this be strong enough? Will I have to reinforce it with a wood back?
 
It really depends on the shape and of there is any reinforcement underneath. I make metal control panels out of 16ga as well. Its not quite as thick but readily available at the local tractor supply versus going to the sheet metal shop that is 45 minutes away. If you have any bends in it, that will help.
 
CPs

I have made a lot of control panels. All steel. Also, in a past life, I made race car bodies for a living. Some aluminum some steel depending on the rules. I have made aluminum CPs for patterns for steel ones because the aluminum is easier to work with to make bend adjustments, layouts, etc. My fear in making a panel from aluminum to actualy use on a game long term is: The properties of the aluminum allow it to flex more causing metal fatigue leading to cracks around the joystick bolts, hold downs, etc.
 
The game will be in my basement so other than same angry nephews when they lose, it shouldn't see many stressful situations. The dimsions are: 23 3/4W x 7 3/4D x 3 1/2H. I was thinking that maybe I should JB Weld a thin strip of steel along the edges after I install the buttons, Joystick and TB. Do you think this is neccessary or just overkill. Here are pics of the 2 CP's.
 

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  • AluminumCP.jpg
    AluminumCP.jpg
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Looks like a simple bend. I completely missed that you wanted to use Aluminum. I would use steel. Worst case, you could layer a piece of flat 16 gauge on top of the old control panel. Not the best option, but an option.
 
So are you basically saying that it won't be structurally sound?
I'll have to find someone who works with steel and see how much it would cost to make a new CP in steel, or how much to weld the old one.
 
Found a sheet metal fabricator who will have 16ga steel one made for me by tomorrow for $35 with the screw holes to attach to the cabinet drilled. I haven't decided on a layout yet, so no other holes will be drilled.
 
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