Planning my first cocktail cabinet - suggestions?

[VinceVega]

I've been perusing this site for a few weeks, gathering ideas on what type of cocktail cabinet I want to build. I think I've settled on most of the major stuff but I'm not sure about everything.

A few years ago I built an upright based on LuSid's plans, but because I wasn't very ambitious I just put a Gamecube and a regular TV in it, with a few commercial arcade sticks integrated into the CP. I didn't know what I was doing at all, but it was a blast and it came out pretty well.

Now I want to build a cocktail machine for my new house, and I want to do everything right. MAME, custom CP's, and all. The collective knowledge of the members on this board astounds me, so I figured I'd sketch out what I'm planning to do and see what kind of advice I can get. I'd love for someone to be able to steer me away from a bad choice before I'm deep into the project.

Here's generally what I'm planning:

* A design similar to the Ms. Pac-Man cabinet.
* Three control panels - short ends with a stick and six buttons, long end with double that. I don't need the capability to play everything, not planning to include a trackball or special sticks. Just want to be able to play the major classics - DK, Pac-Man, Galaga, etc. as well as stuff like Street Fighter, MK, Metal Slug, and so on.
* No coin door at first, maybe just a cosmetic one later on.
* Planning to use an LCD monitor for convenience, but people have mentioned viewing angle as an issue. I've never worked with arcade monitors and I'd really like to avoid the hassle of mounting something so big and heavy if I can. Is this a deal breaker?
* Probably will build with Oak plywood or something that looks good stained. I have pretty good woodworking skills but I don't own nor have ever used a router. I hear it's pretty integral to use one. I have a Skil saw, a miter saw, a jig saw, a power drill and a random orbit sander. Do I need anything else?
* Standard T-molding and tempered glass top. Haven't decided if I want to use casters.
* Going to get all the controls from Happ. Planning to use Universal sticks for all four, since I can switch between 4 and 8 way. I read up on interfaces and it looks like buying an encoder is the way to go. Probably have to go with a 72-port.

That's about it. If anyone has any great tips that could save me a lot of time or money, I would sincerely appreciate them. Wish me luck!

[darcyp]

one question, do you think you need all those buttons on either end? I would tend to think that you would be playing vertical games from either end, and horizontal games on the side.

[spauldingd]

If you are going to have T-molding, you will need a router or at least borrow one.  I borrowed one from a friend but purchased the bit that I needed.

On the monitor, I would use a 17 or 19 inch PC CRT monitor.  You should be able to find one for $20 or less on Craig's list.  Much better than LCD and will give you more freedom when it comes to screen resolutions.  They are heavy, but not that bad and you want the cabinet to have a bit of heft to it.

Lastly, why bother if you don't have a coin door!  Find one cheap on Ebay and fix it up.  Nothing better than the red glow of a coin door to make a cab complete.

Dave in Des Moines

[t3design]

Lastly, why bother if you don't have a coin door!  Find one cheap on Ebay and fix it up.  Nothing better than the red glow of a coin door to make a cab complete.

+1

Not just the glow either. You gotta have the sound of tokens falling baby!

[spauldingd]

one question, do you think you need all those buttons on either end? I would tend to think that you would be playing vertical games from either end, and horizontal games on the side.

This is a good point.  I can't think of a vertical game that would use more than 2 buttons, maybe 3 at the most.

Dave in Des Moines

[VinceVega]

These are all good suggestions. I suppose I don't need too many buttons on the short sides. It seems like most people on here are putting no more than four there.

I'll think about the coin door. I'll do some research here and see if it seems like much of a chore. If it's not too expensive or too difficult to wire it up I might as well include one.

[brock.sampson]

I got a working coin door of of ebay mechs and all for $26 last week.  You can also use maws, http://maws.mameworld.info/maws/, to do a deluxe search to find the correct number of buttons for the vertical games.

[NOP]

I can't think of a vertical game that would use more than 2 buttons, maybe 3 at the most.

Threee is perfect on the vertical sides.  With three you can play tutankamen, which is a must for classic oldskool. (I know it's supposed to be 2 joys, but it works perfectly with 3 buttons) 

Here's my midway cocktail machine with 3 buttons:
http://waste.org/~winkles/winterMAME/pix/winterMALA.jpg

If you go this route, with a ms pacman/midway sized table, you can just get blank CPs in metal, already formed in the shape you need them.  Huge time saver.

[javeryh]

Don't put a CP on the long side.  I did and I regret it.  The viewing angle isn't the best, it makes the overall design look very cluttered (and confusing) and it just doesn't look nice, IMO.  I'm still kicking myself for in including it and I plan to take a hacksaw to it one of these days if I can ever figure out how to patch the hole.

 

[Ginsu Victim]

I was wondering when James would say "Three-sided? Don't do it!"

[javeryh]

I was wondering when James would say "Three-sided? Don't do it!"

I'm like a broken record - no 3-sided cocktails and no 4P CPs on uprights.  I just can't stand it.  I get angry thinking about it!!!  

 

[MazzMn]

I'm like a broken record - no 3-sided cocktails

That depends on what games he wants to play, and how picky about vertical screens. i.e. you need 2 on the side if you want to play 2 player games like joust/double dragon and if you are into 1941 style games then a control panel on the ends makes sense.

I decided I didn't need to be in true vertical mode if I could build the machine a bit cheaper and still have 2 player side by side as an option...so even tho I really like the idea of a ms pacman clone, I left off the vertical ends altogether. (hmm, did spend some time thinking about detachable CP which would work in either configuration..trashed that idea)

Since you mentioned using Oak I'll leave a pic of mine...maybe it will generate ideas
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/IceBoxCocktail

[javeryh]

I'm like a broken record - no 3-sided cocktails

That depends on what games he wants to play, and how picky about vertical screens. i.e. you need 2 on the side if you want to play 2 player games like joust/double dragon and if you are into 1941 style games then a control panel on the ends makes sense.

I decided I didn't need to be in true vertical mode if I could build the machine a bit cheaper and still have 2 player side by side as an option...so even tho I really like the idea of a ms pacman clone, I left off the vertical ends altogether. (hmm, did spend some time thinking about detachable CP which would work in either configuration..trashed that idea)

Since you mentioned using Oak I'll leave a pic of mine...maybe it will generate ideas
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/IceBoxCocktail

That's a nice cabinet (and doesn't break my personal rule!).  I like the side-by-side cocktail design - I think Joust had a real nice looking one with the control panel angled a bit.   

[brock.sampson]

I'm planning on making a cocktail for a friend based off of the track and field cocktail style.  It will have a two player sf layout on one end and a trackball on the other end.  The screen hopefully with flip back in forth depending on what game you are playing.

[MazzMn]

I'm like a broken record - no 3-sided cocktails

That depends on what games he wants to play, and how picky about vertical screens. i.e. you need 2 on the side if you want to play 2 player games like joust/double dragon and if you are into 1941 style games then a control panel on the ends makes sense.

I decided I didn't need to be in true vertical mode if I could build the machine a bit cheaper and still have 2 player side by side as an option...so even tho I really like the idea of a ms pacman clone, I left off the vertical ends altogether. (hmm, did spend some time thinking about detachable CP which would work in either configuration..trashed that idea)

Since you mentioned using Oak I'll leave a pic of mine...maybe it will generate ideas
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/IceBoxCocktail

That's a nice cabinet (and doesn't break my personal rule!).  I like the side-by-side cocktail design - I think Joust had a real nice looking one with the control panel angled a bit.   

Thanks! Yes I agree on the Joust, I considered that style as well... as I recall Joust style is what this one was based on
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Marc%27s_Arcade

[HanoiBoi]

This might be off subject, but why do people choose to build a cocktail cabinet versus an upright?  It's the same footprint, and most people have 6 ft of ceiling space....

I've never liked the cocktails.  The screen viewing was too angled for me (when laying flat).  For opposite side controls, I never liked watching my opponent battle upside down.  And for 2 player side by side, it seems to ...uh...something not too PC here.  Like, why are we both sitting on the same side of a 4 sided 'table'?

I did like the 4 player Atari Football with 4 trackballs.  The was the bomb.

If you do create this with 3 CPs....I might suggest that you consider at least adding a spinner for Arkanoid & Tempest on one short end.  Maybe even a trackball for Centipede & Millipede.

[Ginsu Victim]

This might be off subject, but why do people choose to build a cocktail cabinet versus an upright?  It's the same footprint, and most people have 6 ft of ceiling space....

For me, I'm wanting to do a cocktail for vertical games because my upright has a horizontal monitor and I don't wish to change that. My wife doesn't like the idea of another big cabinet, but a cocktail is fine by her.

[CheffoJeffo]

Pfft -- I like the 3rd side on my cocktail and the viewing angle isn't any worse than it is at either end.

Granted, it ain't as nice for viewing as the Joust cocktail is with the angled monitor.

[MazzMn]

Here's generally what I'm planning:
...
* Probably will build with Oak plywood or something that looks good stained. I have pretty good woodworking skills but I don't own nor have ever used a router. I hear it's pretty integral to use one. I have a Skil saw, a miter saw, a jig saw, a power drill and a random orbit sander. Do I need anything else?
* Standard T-molding and tempered glass top. Haven't decided if I want to use casters.

That's about it. If anyone has any great tips that could save me a lot of time or money, I would sincerely appreciate them. Wish me luck!

Forgot to mention, to avoid using a router and T-Moulding... sticking with the oak look... I used stainable vainer
Similar to what you see here
http://www.woodworkerssource.com/6_edge_banding_wood_tape.html 

[VinceVega]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I was really dead set on have a set of side-by-sides on one end, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually considering leaving it with just two opposing CPs. It's true - I am concerned about symmetry, and I've also wondered how comfortable it would be to sit so close to somebody to play a game. Ugh, I don't know.

Somebody asked why choose to do a cocktail cabinet. I'm doing it because I already built an upright. Granted, there's a lot I would do differently and I would love to have another crack at it, but the other reason I'm doing a cocktail is because I have my own house now, and I think a cocktail would look great in the living room. It's a bit more of a "mature" design, since it functions as a table. Also I'm married. The wife is much more amenable to this because of the lower profile.

I forgot to mention - I was planning on making the CPs out of wood and using formica countertop laminate to finish. I want to avoid metal working. Has anyone here gone that route?

[MazzMn]

Don't forget your original post you wanted to play games like Street Fighter too.

There have been some examples posted that make for nice spouse approved furniture when closed up.
Some examples I can think of
(the article linked to from this one talks about laminate as a cover...)
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Modern_Cocktail

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Image:TeaTable.jpg

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88515.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=73246.0

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Coffee_Table_Arcade

[VinceVega]

Don't forget your original post you wanted to play games like Street Fighter too.

There have been some examples posted that make for nice spouse approved furniture when closed up.
Some examples I can think of
(the article linked to from this one talks about laminate as a cover...)
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Modern_Cocktail

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Image:TeaTable.jpg

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88515.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=73246.0

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Coffee_Table_Arcade

That fourth one is BEAUTIFUL! For the most part, exactly how I was imagining mine to look, only possibly without the extended top on the double controls side.

I'm still debating about whether to include that third panel, though. Yeah, I'd like to able to play Street Fighter on it, but I also love the simple symmetry of a Ms. Pac-Man cocktail. I'll have to poll my friends about it. . .

[VinceVega]

While I'm here, I couldn't find this answer in the woodworking forum, maybe you guys can help me.

The control panel surface is slightly angled for ergonomic factor on most any arcade machine. This surface meets up with the vertical front panel below. If I wanted to make angled cuts so the two pieces of wood make a clean corner, what saw would be best for that?

[Kangum]

For angled cuts I use a standard circular saw. you can adjust the angle right on the saw.

I dont think you need angled cuts on the control panel though. To make that angle either just put one piece of wood on the other making the angle and fill the tiny gap with wood filler and sand and paint. or sand and use black laminate to cover it.

alternatively you can buy 9" or 11" cocktail metal control panels you can just drill at http://www.Arcadedepot.com

I use the 11 inch ones on my cocktail. Dont buy glass from there though you can buy pacman tempered cocktail glass from ebay for 65 bucks.

the pacman speaker covers you can get from arcadeshop amusements.

[piecesof8]

alternatively you can buy 9" or 11" cocktail metal control panels you can just drill at http://www.Arcadedepot.com

I use the 11 inch ones on my cocktail. Dont buy glass from there though you can buy pacman tempered cocktail glass from ebay for 65 bucks.

Good luck with that, if you decide to go this route... I've been trying to order one of their cocktail kits with a few customizations for a while now with no luck. The last email I received from Scott said, "We’ll have the quotation by tomorrow!" That was over a month ago now and I've emailed him several times since then with no response.

I think they may have dropped off the planet. 

[bkenobi]

$18 or $28 is relatively cheap for a custom ordered CP that's already primed and painted (or is that laminate?), but if it takes so long to order...

I'd look in the phone book for a local machine shop that has a metal break.  They can cut and bend a CP for you in no time.  You can probably just pay for the materials and a few bucks for the guy's time (if it's a small shop that isn't super busy). 

[Kangum]

Good luck with that, if you decide to go this route... I've been trying to order one of their cocktail kits with a few customizations for a while now with no luck. The last email I received from Scott said, "We’ll have the quotation by tomorrow!" That was over a month ago now and I've emailed him several times since then with no response.

I think they may have dropped off the planet. 

thats really odd. I ordered a kit from them and had it customized with a standard pacman top instead of mspacman. they are slightly different and it was necessary to make it so the underlay would line up. They had no problem with that and didnt even charge me extra. BUT this was a long time ago. Lately I have had some questions and as you said they have not been responding. A Magazine did a article on their cab with a custom top. so nearest I can guess is they got flooded with emails for custom work. thats my guess anyway.
its to bad I needed a custom order done for my sisters boyfriend and like you said they have been not responding. hey lost out on a 700 dollar order

[piecesof8]

thats really odd. I ordered a kit from them and had it customized with a standard pacman top instead of mspacman. they are slightly different and it was necessary to make it so the underlay would line up. They had no problem with that and didnt even charge me extra. BUT this was a long time ago. Lately I have had some questions and as you said they have not been responding. A Magazine did a article on their cab with a custom top. so nearest I can guess is they got flooded with emails for custom work. thats my guess anyway.
its to bad I needed a custom order done for my sisters boyfriend and like you said they have been not responding. hey lost out on a 700 dollar order

Well, at least now I know they're not just ignoring me - they're not answering anybody! 

It is odd, though... Scott was very responsive right up until a little over a month ago, when all communication just suddenly stopped. Seems like a great guy; hope nothing's happened to him.