How To - Cutting And Drilling Lexan For Your Acrade Control Panel

[giansantiago]

can you cut a 3mm lexan with just a powertool like a dremel?

[DetroitIsland]

Hey. how about using a tile cutting circular wetsaw? A tile cutter circular wetsaw will work, too with little to no effort and it makes very clean cuts.

Starter model use: Skil Model #: 3540-01 to test.

see for yourself!

[fuelban]

Hi, very good informative video guy, I have been working with acrylics to build my projects, but not being a Professional with this stuff, and having more questions than answers LOL... I have been deciding now to change over to the lexan, Am I correct to think this lexan is polycarbonate ?

thanks.

Thom in Scotland.

[neoasura]

Great video, I like working with Lexan myself, a question..can the holes be drilled using a hand power drill? I don't exactly have a drill press lying around.

[YourMKArcadeSource]

@neoasura It's not as easy, but it's doable. You don't really run as great a risk with lexan as you do with plexi of it cracking when using a hand drill, but I'd say you would be able to accomplish it with no problems.

[neoasura]

@YourMKArcadeSource Ah thanks, I was typing that before I heard you mention it in the video lol. Anyways, I'm wondering if a 12v drill will get the job done at a slow speed and maybe sub a hole saw?

[waste55]

@YourMKArcadeSource What would you think about a plunger adapter for a router?

[MPaulHolmes]

Nice video! I've been having a terrible time trying to cut out lexan, and you gave me the trick I needed. I really appreciate you posting this!!!

[bertinouellet]

Also, how important are the security screws? It seems to me that the buttons are holding it tight there... and it would look a lot nicer without screws. What do you think?

[YourMKArcadeSource]

@bertinouellet They aren't important at all. It's your call.

[bertinouellet]

@YourMKArcadeSource Cool Stuff!

[bertinouellet]

What is the depth of the cavity for the square joystick base? I'm thinking of using 1/2" MDF instead for not having to mess with trying to dig in the wood somehow... What do you think?

[YourMKArcadeSource]

@bertinouellet Well, if you went with 1/2", the sticks would stick out pretty far from the panel because they are designed to be used on 3"4". Some come with adjustment rings, but I still think they'd stick out pretty far. I certainly wouldn't carve out an inset for the base to lay in if you use 3/4". I didn't carve out a spot for the base.

[bertinouellet]

@YourMKArcadeSource I'm confused... You have 3/4" ok, but what is that deeper part you have there for every buttons? So I can't have the thickness of the 1/8" lexan plus 3/4" right? I guess to put it simply, what is the thickeness between the surface of the lexan and the base of the joystick?

[bertinouellet]

@YourMKArcadeSource BTW, I'm working from scratch, I'm not using a already made control panel wood tablet.

[zork2001]

thanks man that was very helpful!

[kezza069]

looks good mate! for first timers tho i would say dont ue spade drilling bits! and head for an more easy type like the solid circle bit, it is the correct size and you cant by mistake drill lopsided and jam your self up with a spade!

And if you are doing the pollycarb plastic on a controll pannel that has no holes yet, it is alot better to to the holes through the MDF board and have the pollycard clamped like i the vid. and drill them all at once!

[x3Hv3]

Seems like a lot fo helpful comments

So, i'll ask here.

I'm looking to make a computer case and i've bought some 1/4 inch Acrylic (Plexiglass) I need a tutorial because i know this stuff is touchy. Can someone help?

[WhitedwarfGT]

I was looking at the related videos and they are all the same title CIMG2637. Not really a big deal but if you want more people to see your videos just change the file name before you upload

[Blaze20111]

your my hero :)

[YourMKArcadeSource]

1. Lowes, different prices for different sizes.

2. It's 3/4" MDF. If you can acquire a Z-Bracket, the holes should already be in it, so you would know where to drill.

[BohepansTheThird]

This is like, "This Old Arcade Cabinet: In The Workshop Special" or something. Nice.

[MEJP92]

what the badge/id on your trousers for?

[bigpete405]

nice video mike