WICO Joystick Grommets - repo

[Phils Arcade]

I'm currently working through a number of repo products, and one are these WICO joystick grommets.

I've been using a strain gauge to test the amount of resistance the rubber was giving and trying to match with something similar. I've been using old used versions to get a rough guide and taking an average.

Recently I was able to get a NOS one from a member on here, and this is way harder than those I've tested. I know rubber can dry out over time and become stiffer, but this doesn't seem to be the case here. Watched a few reviews of the grommets on YouTube and see people cutting slots and holes in their grommets, due to the stiffness.

I've been wondering what people prefer, a stiffer or lighter touch, oh'er matron!

Would it be worthwhile creating a couple of different versions, light, medium and stiff.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[pooman2084]

I’ve got a HUO Robotron with OG sticks with maybe a few hundred games and 3 of them are very stiff.

 

[pooman2084]

If I were replacing I’d pick a less stiff grommet to save my forearms!

 

[Phils Arcade]

Here's a thread by a member here drilling the rubber.

 

[Lastspaceship]

Only have good experience with two robotron machines one plays much looser I guess less stiff. I prefer less movement in general in combo with the leafs, but smoother feel. don't know which of the options that would be! Sounds a good project though.

 

[Phils Arcade]

I've managed to get the materials in for these, and just waiting for some extra tooling to arrive.
Looking to make a first batch of 50 or so, 15 light, 20 medium and 15 stiff, grommets.
Trying to work out acceptable costs for these and hoping to pitch them at around £8-£10 each. Discounts for multi buy.
Do you think that's okay if I can keep it in around that figure.

Also, does anyone have a spare Midway 1/4" Joystick Grommet or two, to hand, as would like to do these next. Thought I had some, but no luck searching so far.

 

[Phils Arcade]

Rest of the tooling has arrived, and the 3D modelling has been completed, so can now start looking at getting the metal parts sorted. As the workshop now has a roof and is more accommodating, it was time to get the main tools out and moved into the workshop.

Took the pillar drill out of storage and it had turned into a sorry state. This is the pillar and table. These should not be like that. Had to dismantle the drill press entirely, even to the point of the drill head itself, as any exposed metal had turned to a rustic hue.




Spent a long time with sanding paper and electric sander in places. Getting the rust out of the circular etchings in the table was a nightmare. Finally the base, pillar, and table are back to looking the part. Added a generous coating of wax to help protect them going forward. Hopefully I can get the drill head sorted over the next day or two. Once complete I'll be able to get started on the templates and jigs for these.




Here is the 3D model of the WICO grommet rendered. I think I've managed to get 3 different rubber densities sorted, light, medium and heavy. I won't know how good these are until I've made them and got them added into the joysticks themselves. Doing initial test moulds, there is enough of a difference in strength that should make a noticeable difference in playability.

 

[spinbot]

I've managed to get the materials in for these, and just waiting for some extra tooling to arrive.
Looking to make a first batch of 50 or so, 15 light, 20 medium and 15 stiff, grommets.
Trying to work out acceptable costs for these and hoping to pitch them at around £8-£10 each. Discounts for multi buy.
Do you think that's okay if I can keep it in around that figure.

Also, does anyone have a spare Midway 1/4" Joystick Grommet or two, to hand, as would like to do these next. Thought I had some,

Pm sent

 

[CptBod]

Are they 3/8 inch like these https://www.arcadeshop.com/i/1061/robotron-joystick-centering-grommet.htm
If so they will fit the Wico Command control joysticks .will pm