I want to build my own DDR pad.

[8ftmetalhead]

But I need some help with my ideas.

I'm going to use riptide's design, with the measurements converted into the most approximate metric measurements, but I am a bit short on cash, tools, and time.

Therefore, I ask of this great forum questions three. (or so)

1- I was considering just leaving out the metal plates for the solid panels, and merely using plywood. Is the metal generally just for looks and feel?

2- If I was going to cover the hard panels with something, I just had the brilliant idea of making it the same as the weird foam stuff that covers ping pong paddles. It's soft, grippy, and springy. Could go nice on a mat, If I could find it.

3- In terms of arrows and designs. Is the plastic /plexiglass/whatever altogether necessary? I know people make wooden panels, do they work as well as the plastic? Also, it'd be easier to mount led lights into holes drilled in the wood. If i ended up doing that.

4- If I did decide to use plastic/plexiglass/whatever for the arrows, would it be a better idea to have a solid arrow decal (like soft mats do), a cutout one (with gaps in it, should I decide to light it) or just to leave it as a blank, see-through piece of plastic (And if I do that, it'll probably get a few lights in it.)


Also, Any suggestions on how much it would cost in total for materials? In NZD I mean.

Cheers in advance for your help guys

[devout]