Art's Hobbies Big Update! 1/32" Acrylic, V.S., Pro, Qanba, HRAP V3/VX, Custom Art Dustwashers.

arthong

Website: Welcome to Art's Hobbies

Big Update 3/4/2012

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've had the chance to be more active around here, and provide the occasional updates and question sessions. Long story short, I picked up consulting on a software project for the County. So between working on that and taking care of orders, I've been pretty beat up, trying to balance everything. Even with some added help in the business, I'm still the only one to answer emails and work on the more customized orders, so I have been a bit overwhelmed, particularly over the winter season and tournament seasons.

Now that my county project is at a phase where I can take a break, and after I had a little opportunity to relax, I'm refreshed and back with updates! And what timing too... with the V.S., Pro, and other new things coming out! Here's some things on the plate.

1/32" Acrylic!
This is one of the biggest things for me. For a while, I've had people ask me about 1/32" options, and I always had to turn them down because the only material that is normally available in that thickness, is Polycarbonate (Lexan). I've mentioned before that laser cutting Lexan can emit potentially toxic fumes and tends to discolor and burn the edges. So for a while I've been searching for an acrylic option in 1/32" thickness. Some places could make normal acrylic in that thickness, but it becomes way too brittle. Regardless, I continued to look for options.

Now, finally I have found a source that carries 1/32" Impact Modified Acrylic. This material is 10x stronger than normal acrylic, and is perfect for a thin alternative to Polycarbonate. It's incredibly flexible and more than durable enough for fight stick purposes, even for those times of pushing down hard to snap in buttons. Also, Acrylic has the advantage over Polycarbonate in that it is crystal clear (more clarity), less prone to scratches and will not yellow over time when exposed to UV (sunlight). Here are some images for you to compare.



Incredibly flexible and durable. (It can bend more than this)


Superior clarity. And this is after it was bent.


So I'm very excited to offer this new line of acrylics. This idea of 1/32" Impact Modified Acrylic is still so new, that most plastic businesses either haven't even heard of it, or still don't carry it in that thickness. Trust me, I've called like over 30 companies in California alone, and only one out of those 30 knew what I was talking about.

I'm aiming to make these available on my site in a few weeks. I just ordered a huge batch of them so I still need to wait for them to arrive, while also updating a lot of other products and the need to code in a lot of new options on my site.

Madcatz Street Fighter x Tekken V.S. Fightstick

As it's already mentioned in the V.S. thread, covers for the Top, Bottom, Sides and Corners have been worked on. The templates are currently available. That case is incredibly modifiable and easy to personalize. There's more that can be done and I'll continue looking at ways to offer more options to spice things up. More info and pictures in that thread:

V.S. Thread - Post 1
V.S. Thread - Post 2

Madcatz Street Fighter x Tekken Pro Fightstick

I've also got the Pro Top and Bottom covers. More info and pictures in the Pro thread here:

SFxT Pro Post

Qanba Plexi and Artwork

I've had a lot of requests for this but while working on my other projects, I really couldn't give an answer to working on a new stick. Now, I finally had a chance to complete the Qanba plexi. It also has Laser 3D engraved countersunk holes so you can use the existing screws. This method of countersinking can only be done on 1/8" or thicker material, otherwise it can cause thinner plexi to become too brittle and crack. So thank goodness Qanba plexi's are 1/8" thick.

I understand Qanba has their own plexis, but I was told it can some times be too large for some of the fightsticks and some sanded was necessary. Well, I modeled my template from the original Qanba plexi, and the person whom I've worked with (Motoyuki) has confirmed that everything fits perfectly without sanding (as he had to do with his replacement Qanba plexi from another source). Additionally, this will allow me to offer Artwork print and Cut services and other plexi color options for the many different colors Qanba has.




HRAP V3/VX and Artwork.

Finally, I get a chance to work on the V3/VX. It's been on my plate for a while, and I finally got to it. One of the things that stalled this project were the issues with the countersunk screw holes that could put a lot of stress on regular acrylic. But with the 1/32" Impact Modified acrylic, it is no longer an issue!

Notice, like the MadCatz Pro, I did not cut the middle screw hole as the screw there would very likely cause discomfort with game play, since it's so close to the lower button.

The necessary screws to install the plexi/artwork, as well as giving you top access for modifications, will also be included. Will be coming in another week or two along with all the other new additions =).

Here is the VX/V3 Template.

( Taokaka design by Stoogie )




TE Soul Calibur V Covers. (In Madcatz TE Section, scroll down a little to see them)





HORI Soul Calibur V






Custom Artwork Dustwashers Return!



When I first introduced these, they were laminated by a clear acrylic laminate spray. Unfortunately, that spray produced some technical difficulties in its application and made it difficult to produce a consistent, good quality product. So for a while, I was trying to look for an alternative. It took some time because most laminates that were presented to me, usually had some type of vinyl, polycarbonate, or pvc element to it, all of which are bad for laser cutting.

Well, finally I found a great quality overlaminate that is safe for laser cutting. So now, I can bring back the custom artwork dustwashers that many have emailed me about, and with more consistent quality.

Here are some closeups of some SFxT Dustwasher samples.







Custom Artwork dustwashers will be available again this upcoming week.

Alright, that was a ton of stuff. Time to get some rest. Hopefully I get to talk to some of you guys again, and get a chance to check out everyone's stick posts. Been seeing great things! Thanks again for everyone's support! Have a good one!

-Arthur

Also, Shoutout to JDM. Thanks for all your help to answer questions while I wasn't around on my threads. You rock!

Please check my website for more details : Welcome to Art's Hobbies

MezzoForte

Holy shit dude, that's some pro stuff!

MarkMan

O_O!

Nice

I need to get a few of those!

Unknown

wow good stuff, I hope you have good production on the TE ones because I am interested in one too. :)

arthong

MarkMan, post: 2876627 wrote:

O_O!

Nice

I need to get a few of those!

Yes! celebrity endorsement!

I'll trade you a few for a PS3 TE =D... consider it my friend ;)

Lt_Col_Sanders

Boy...you shur do have a purdy plexi glass uh huh.

beastSPL

!! great job !! im def. looking forward to the production run.

Jayducky

Put me in line for one!

moocus

i want

kimcicle

Have you figured out a solution for the plexi-only mounting idea that you had?

arthong

kimcicle, post: 2876634 wrote:

Have you figured out a solution for the plexi-only mounting idea that you had?

Sorry buddy. With all the cutting, email responses, packaging, etc... I haven't had a chance to even play SF4 let alone continue testing and revising the plexi panel =(. That will have to be on the backburner till a later date.

kimcicle

No big deal, just wanted to see if you made any progress on that front. Keep up the good work!

Unknown

:looney:that's good stuff:looney:

quick question... are they scratch resistant? most plexiglass tend to scratch easily.

fundando

This looks great. I'll try to pick one of these up when available. Will you be making these in 6 button layout?

Unknown

very cool

arthong

fundando, post: 2876638 wrote:

This looks great. I'll try to pick one of these up when available. Will you be making these in 6 button layout?

Yes, it's no problem to not cut the holes you specify =)

vegeto626

Looks amazing! In for one!

arthong

For those still interested, New website up with much better coloring, interface... Pretty much every damn thing, lol. Feel free to browse around and read the details. Most questions are answered there. Any other questions, just ask. Thanks again!!

http://www.tek-innovations.com/arthobbies/index.cfm

JesseD50

site and prices look great man, i'll be placing my order tonight!

SmoothCat

dope thank u for doing this

Geese Pants

That's some good shit there guy..............keep up the good work!
Maybe I'll get some from you.

arthong

Thanks fellas ;). I look forward to more variations and stick configurations. This community, with people like you, has been a great motivation =D

ONE100BILL

This is awesome. Do you have a contact #? I would like to order a couple and submit some artwork. Also will you combine the shipping or do I have to pay shipping for each item?

Thanks and great work.

arthong

ONE100BILL, post: 2876647 wrote:

This is awesome. Do you have a contact #? I would like to order a couple and submit some artwork. Also will you combine the shipping or do I have to pay shipping for each item?

Thanks and great work.

Thanks buddy! Email is the best way to reach me as I rarely have my phone on while at work. Shipping is combined. You can put a few things in the cart to see how it's combined. For example, assuming you're in the states, the system should allow 3 plexi items to ship without an increase in the shipping rate, and any more than that there is a calculation for every 2-3 more plexi's and it will max out if it hits the Flat Rate pricing. I try to set it up as reasonable as I can, cuz I hate how shipping tends to kill something that's suppose to be less costly =P

Added art does not affect the shipping charges at all, considering it's just cardstock, so no reason to charge you for that. You'd have to order like 15 art prints to affect the shipping weight, lol.

Thanks man.

Tsumuji

I've just looked through the site completely, amazing idea and amazing craftsmanship. I'll be sure to pick one up from you in the near future!

arthong

amanchin, post: 2876637 wrote:

:looney:that's good stuff:looney:

quick question... are they scratch resistant? most plexiglass tend to scratch easily.

Doh, I didn't realize I skipped this question. Sorry!

Compared to Polycarbonate (Lexan), Plexiglass is actually more scratch resistant. I do put a coat of plastic polish on it which will add a little more protection. But as long as you're not rubbing with a rough paper towel, mistreating it, or banging on your controller wildly with a watch on your wrist, it should stay in good shape.
But aside from using glass, acrylic/plexiglass is probably the better, and cheaper, solution for these projects.

Tsumuji, post: 2876649 wrote:

I've just looked through the site completely, amazing idea and amazing craftsmanship. I'll be sure to pick one up from you in the near future!

Thanks for taking the time to browse through, and glad you liked the idea =D.

JesseD50

Placed my order earlier tonight and sent the PayPal, should I use the template from the "The Official Street Fighter IV TE/SE Fighstick Template Thread " to make my design in photo shop? If so do the holes for the buttons in the template compensate for the rims of the button or just the holes the button goes into? Once again, great work!!

Unknown

JesseD50, post: 2876651 wrote:

Placed my order earlier tonight and sent the PayPal, should I use the template from the "The Official Street Fighter IV TE/SE Fighstick Template Thread " to make my design in photo shop? If so do the holes for the buttons in the template compensate for the rims of the button or just the holes the button goes into? Once again, great work!!

Use photoshop, but turn off the "openings" layer before you print it. The best way to cut everything out is to affix the art to the metal plate (by whatever method you want; two-sided tape works fine), then flip it over and trim everything out with the plate as a frame using a hobby knife and some form of cutting mat.

There might be better ways, though. Since I printed on regular laser paper, the edges were slightly frayed to the outside on the cuts. Thicker, more quality paper and a new blade (mine was very used up from other projects) should remedy that.

arthong

Iron Past, post: 2876652 wrote:

Use photoshop, but turn off the "openings" layer before you print it. The best way to cut everything out is to affix the art to the metal plate (by whatever method you want; two-sided tape works fine), then flip it over and trim everything out with the plate as a frame using a hobby knife and some form of cutting mat.

There might be better ways, though. Since I printed on regular laser paper, the edges were slightly frayed to the outside on the cuts. Thicker, more quality paper and a new blade (mine was very used up from other projects) should remedy that.

Pretty much what Iron said =). I've used the metal plate to trace as well as the plexi cover. But my method was slightly different than using dbl sided tape. I wrote a little tutorial on how I did mine here:

http://www.tek-innovations.com/arthobbies/?loc=tutorials&tut=cutting

But again, whatever works best for you. Take whatever tips you find helpful and do it the way you like =)

Unknown

SF 4 SE template soon? I'm sure i'm not the only one interested =D

hbreakz

wish they had plexi for the se! i would take 2 orders! but i guess it would be harder to do for the se. since there is a bent in it.

arthong

Don't worry guys, I'll get on the SE for you in a little while. I can do the bend because I have a strip heater that can bend plastic... although it's not the state of the art industrial ones, but it should be able to handle the SE size. Only thing is I need to get my hands on the SE, when jacked up prices drop, to be able to clamp onto that bend and get an accurate angle. I'll announce the SE plexi soon as I can get to it =)

TRiXWoN

Great

Hey guys i just posted in the other Plexi thread from art, but I just got mine for the TE and its perfect... cant recommend him enough. Also I did a lot of research and his price is probably the best you will find.

There were a couple of people posting these other sites you could order from but they were 25-75 bucks just for the product not including shipping.



Will post completed pics when i get around to painting the damn red plastic trim but everything is waiting haha.

horsedick

hi , would you ship to the UK?
as i am very interested and would liek to order 2 plexi's and 2 copys of artwork,

please pm me if this is possible.


thanks

RichL

I love you. I love that plexi. I will be ordering one in the weeks to come.

Khameleon

To install the Plexiglas on the TE stick, I'm guessing I would have to remove the joystick & all the buttons first, right?

misterT

The plexi looks great! I'll consider getting one once my preorder arrives.

TRiXWoN

Khameleon, post: 2876660 wrote:

To install the Plexiglas on the TE stick, I'm guessing I would have to remove the joystick & all the buttons first, right?

Yes well the ball top for the stick and the buttons... they just pop out though its really easy

RichL

Ca you keep the original art on or do you have to remove it?

TRiXWoN

RichL, post: 2876663 wrote:

Ca you keep the original art on or do you have to remove it?

The original art on the TE is a vinyl fused to acrylic. and is just stuck with double sided tape to the metal underneath.

RichL

TRiXWoN, post: 2876664 wrote:

The original art on the TE is a vinyl fused to acrylic. and is just stuck with double sided tape to the metal underneath.

Yeah but usually when I see people take it off it looks all mangled. Can you keep it intact?

Unknown

RichL, post: 2876663 wrote:

Ca you keep the original art on or do you have to remove it?

You easily could. I have taken mine off a couple of times and it is still perfect. The only thing is it will be a little thick once you add the acrylic template on top of it.

beastSPL

just got my plexi in and i need to get my template art for me TE together and then ill post pics! thanks Arthong!

nic3gui

i just ordered one of these.. but i was wondering if i can just use one of the artworks in the template thread cuz they rock.. ^^ ne way cant wait

arthong

TRiXWoN, post: 2876657 wrote:

Hey guys i just posted in the other Plexi thread from art, but I just got mine for the TE and its perfect... cant recommend him enough. Also I did a lot of research and his price is probably the best you will find.

There were a couple of people posting these other sites you could order from but they were 25-75 bucks just for the product not including shipping.



Will post completed pics when i get around to painting the damn red plastic trim but everything is waiting haha.

Thanks again for the support TRiXWon!

horsedick, post: 2876658 wrote:

hi , would you ship to the UK?
as i am very interested and would liek to order 2 plexi's and 2 copys of artwork,

please pm me if this is possible.


thanks

UK is in my list of shipping options =). Just sucks that it's relatively high, based on US Postal rates =(

RichL, post: 2876659 wrote:

I love you. I love that plexi. I will be ordering one in the weeks to come.

Lol, thanks dude =)

beastSPL, post: 2876667 wrote:

just got my plexi in and i need to get my template art for me TE together and then ill post pics! thanks Arthong!

Great to hear! Look forward to seeing the pics!

nic3gui, post: 2876668 wrote:

i just ordered one of these.. but i was wondering if i can just use one of the artworks in the template thread cuz they rock.. ^^ ne way cant wait

Pretty much just send me a high res of the image you want and I'll work with it =)

Atlus210

Hm, I am really considering this for my HRAP3, the stock picture is ugly, any HRAP3 owners here care to comment on it? I guess my main concern is if it adds any noticeable thickness and also my sanwa push buttons required some decent force when switching out the hori buttons, is the plexi going to be okay with that?

THE_KZA

im gonna pick one up soon

onedeadamerican

Art, I haven't been able to reach you since the 10th re: my art submission. I have been replying to the hotmail address you emailed me from. Should I be using the other one?

Invoice# : AH041209N118
Invoice# : AH041009N107

Thanks man.

arthong

yignpc, post: 2876672 wrote:

Art, I haven't been able to reach you since the 10th re: my art submission. I have been replying to the hotmail address you emailed me from. Should I be using the other one?

Invoice# : AH041209N118
Invoice# : AH041009N107

Thanks man.

Hey Buddy. Sorry dude, I thought I had responded to that email. I'll double check everything again and get right back to you!

arthong

Atlus210, post: 2876670 wrote:

Hm, I am really considering this for my HRAP3, the stock picture is ugly, any HRAP3 owners here care to comment on it? I guess my main concern is if it adds any noticeable thickness and also my sanwa push buttons required some decent force when switching out the hori buttons, is the plexi going to be okay with that?

The plexi is pretty resilient, even the 1/16 thickness can withstand some abuse. Of course, caution should still be taken. But also in my experience, that slight addition of thickness helps ease the button out better. It'll still be very secure when you pop them in, but it made it easier for me to pop them out because the snap isn't completely dug into the metal panel as before.

I hope that answers your question, for the lack of better details at the moment.

Nismo

i just ordered. hope it looks amazing.