Re: Another complete newbie!
Everything is possible. Lots of stuff have been done before. MDF panel with monitor behind? Sure. But you'll need to mount the monitor a bit back in order to fit switches and rotaries.
Basic woodworking skills? Extensive CAD? Dude, you're halfway there! :D
Research. Yep, sorry my friend - that's what you have to do. Spend hundreds of hours on forums, google and so on. Gathering info.
I'll give you some cold ice in your blood - or perhaps I just add fuel to the flames here:
http://fagerjord.org/index.php/737-c...-builder-noobs
Good luck! It IS doable. Your dream can come true.
PS: search for information on unlikely places too! Movie effect making sites, model train sites, boat building sites... A LOT of useful information is available a few clicks away. I'm currently looking into casting parts in resin from a master mold. Who would've thought that a few years ago???
The very best advice I'll give you is this:
The impossible just takes longer!