Posted by Andy Desak on August 30, 1999 at 17:53:19:
In Reply to: Metal Control panels posted by gabe on August 30, 1999 at 12:03:40:
: Does anybody know where I can get the bent metal sheets used in some of the controls panels?
: I went to an arcade warehouse here in NYC to buy one for my project that uses them. But the guy said he didn't have any extra control panels?
: I haven't seen them in Happ's or Wico. Any thoughts?
Look in your yellow pages under welding shops. They will be able to cut and bend you a custom piece of metal. Even though it will be more expensive I reccommend getting aluminum. It will be much easier to drill your holes and you will be able to make a nicer paint job. Or it you really want to get carried away with the paint you can have it painted at an auto body shop like I did with the one at the link below.
http://members.home.net:80/hutt1/cad.htm
It would be pretty expensive though....but it looks incredible...I happened to get it done for free from a friend.
Also, 1/16" is the thickness you would want....I assume you are going to put this over the top of a piece of plywood?
If so, get your wood cut and take it with you to the metal shop so they can have a template. The will also be able to be able to bend it how you need it.
The piece you see on my site with the hole cut in for the rotating joystick and the extra metal piece inside were....ummm, I think $55--65...well worth it....this is a big piece though with flared out ends and a wrap over in the back. If you are just getting a simple rectangle piece with a bend it should be much cheaper.
Hope this helps,
-Andy Desak
Arcade Solutions