Another Donkey Kong Scratch build - 8/31/10 - FIXED VIDEO OBJECT

[sk8ersublime]

Hey everyone,

Today I went to the hardware store and bought my 5/8'' wood for my side panels, I have a couple of questions about the jakobud.com plans. I may need someone with a DK cab to help me out. First here is a pic of what I have drawn on the wood so far, its the only pic I have and my phone died right when i took it.


ok so my question is, from just the side panel without the base, i feel like the control panel is VERY low, and also, the horizontal line in the top right of my 1st pic, is how tall i am.  Im taller than this cab? The measurement i got from back corner to top corner is 65.5''.

As for the control panel, could someone with a cab maybe measure from the bottom of the side panel to the top of control panel? or explain to me why it feels like this? I believe for the most part my cab follows the plans, except for maybe a bit off at the top (near the marquee)

Thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks for looking

[Ginsu Victim]

First off, don't trust the Jakobud plans and don't trust the pic you compared it to.

Second, Nintendo cabs are shorter than most.

[sk8ersublime]

First off, don't trust the Jakobud plans and don't trust the pic you compared it to.

Second, Nintendo cabs are shorter than most.

Well i went with the plans because of this guys blog

http://donkeykongarcade.blogspot.com/

his turned out really good, and he used the plans.

I just played on a DK machine this past weekend and i dont remember it being that short. but maybe...

[javeryh]

I'm taller than my DK cab.

[sk8ersublime]

I'm taller than my DK cab.

how tall are you? Im 5' 11''. Idk, im prolly just worried for no reason....i just want it to be close as possible to a real size one.

[versapak]

The cab itself is only 66.5 inches tall.

The top surface of the front of the control panel is about 34.75 inches from the ground.



[EDIT]

That is from my original Popeye, though I assume that they are exactly the same.

[sk8ersublime]

The cab itself is only 66.5 inches tall.

The top surface of the front of the control panel is about 34.75 inches from the ground.



[EDIT]

That is from my original Popeye, though I assume that they are exactly the same.

Thanks, this will help!

[garnerb350]

Did you take into account the base? how much taller would it make it then?

I hate to say and no disrespect to others...I agree with Ginsu...Its hard for me to trust those measurements...
Call me dumb or lazy, but I wish i could see measurements for EACH indivdual piece...A-Z...make things alot easy and simpler...
I'm eventually wanting to make a DK cab myself...and you are going through one of my fears on that build...Good luck...

[Ginsu Victim]

I hate to say and no disrespect to others...I agree with Ginsu

Is it such a bad thing to agree with me?

[sk8ersublime]

Did you take into account the base? how much taller would it make it then?

I wish i could see measurements for EACH indivdual piece...A-Z...make things alot easy and simpler...

I agree with this, but unfortunately this is what we have

those plans say the base 1.125'' higher, i tried adjusting my hands trying to imagine it, i couldnt get a good feel tho.

i think it will turn out ok, i just need to take my time, im going to Rockville tomorrow and there is a Dave n Busters there with a DK/Mario machine, im gonna take a tape measure

Only thing that sucks is i am building this cab at my grandpa's workshop, but he lives like 30-45 mins from me, so I do not have direct access to it so whatever i think about doing, i have to wait until i get up there again

as for agreeing with Ginsu.... haha idk....he HAS answered almost everything ive posted so far on here...lol...Thanks!  

[Ginsu Victim]

i think it will turn out ok, i just need to take my time, im going to Rockville tomorrow and there is a Dave n Busters there with a DK/Mario machine, im gonna take a tape measure

Just a warning:

If this link is accurate, that new machine is only 62" tall.
http://www.primetimeamusements.com/arcadegame.php?id=192

There is also a 58" cabaret model out there, as well.

[javeryh]

i think it will turn out ok, i just need to take my time, im going to Rockville tomorrow and there is a Dave n Busters there with a DK/Mario machine, im gonna take a tape measure

Just a warning:

If this link is accurate, that new machine is only 62" tall.
http://www.primetimeamusements.com/arcadegame.php?id=192

There is also a 58" cabaret model out there, as well.

It also clearly does not have a base.

I'm 6' and I'm actually a lot taller than the cabinet (without getting on my toes I can easily see the top panel).  I can take some measurements when I get home later but if I remember correctly, the base is 3.5" high but it is hidden by the side panel by about an inch.  Other than height, I'd be more concerned with all of the curves in the profile.

[Ginsu Victim]

I guess I don't know this base you're talking about.

[javeryh]

I guess I don't know this base you're talking about.

Check it out:

[Ginsu Victim]

Ahhhhh....gotcha

[sk8ersublime]

Yea the curves I would like to have as close to the original as possible, but idk if its possible with these plans to make the curves unless i just dont know how to read them.  I tried measuring out everything, but i got to the point where i didnt know how far to go in and up, so i just said screw it and tried to eye it from the plan/pic.  I will spend hours touching up my sketch before i cut.

the base part i was talking about being 1.125'' is just the part sticking out from under

[garnerb350]

Is it such a bad thing to agree with me?

When i meant no disrepect, I was refering to jakobud...
The base i was talking bout was the black bottom...


( seeing the photos that sk8ter had, I wasnt for sure if he realized about the base adding height)

I learned from the getgo since i started here, I've always respected Ginsu...(love ya too man!) LOL

Out of the bottom of my heart Sk8ter, PLEASE keep a record of what measurements and cuts you made/make...it would be a BIG contribution to the rest of the builders out here...Wood costs too much these days...at least in my neck of the woods that is...

[Ginsu Victim]

I learned from the getgo since i started here, I've always respected Ginsu...(love ya too man!) LOL

Cheers. Just for that, here's a new version of your avatar I made recently.

[sk8ersublime]

Is it such a bad thing to agree with me?

When i meant no disrepect, I was refering to jakobud...
The base i was talking bout was the black bottom...


( seeing the photos that sk8ter had, I wasnt for sure if he realized about the base adding height)

I learned from the getgo since i started here, I've always respected Ginsu...(love ya too man!) LOL

Out of the bottom of my heart Sk8ter, PLEASE keep a record of what measurements and cuts you made/make...it would be a BIG contribution to the rest of the builders out here...Wood costs too much these days...at least in my neck of the woods that is...

I will try, i dont know if you will be able to trust my measurements! haha.  But Ill try keep track of my final lines.

Yea and wood is pretty pricey. and 5/8 seems hard to find. I used particle board for my current cab, but i used 3/4''. Its freaking heavy.  For this DK build i got 5/8 particle board, and with my grandpa's military discount at Lowes, it only cost $40 for (2) 4x8 sheets and a flush cut router bit

[garnerb350]

Thats a good discount...3/4 plywood (1 sheet) in NC last i checked last year (when i built my cab) was 46 bucks...I think MDF is 10 bucks cheaper...Having to buy pull-ups for a toddler and a wife who loves shoes kind of puts a bind on the wallet situation... 

[sk8ersublime]

So it turns out the wood i bought was so cheap because, they only charged me for one sheet....just saw the receipt. oops.

anyway, I went to Dave n Busters this afternoon and measured the DK/JR/Mario cab. I saw a few guys working on a machine, and I asked them if they have anything broken sitting in the back that I could possible get a hold of, they said no, and that they get their stuff from some place in baltimore.  Also, I mentioned that I was gonna build a DK cab and the response i got was "WHY DONT YOU JUST BUY ONE??!?!?!" and I said, Because its more fun to build something 

Here is what i measured. It may be off a few 1/16 of a inch, but should help me get closer than just using the plans.

The Side



The Front



So the Cabinet is 66+ inches, good to know. and the panel is about 34''.  Pretty much right on with that Popeye cab you were telling me about earlier  

anyway, i took measurements right where the lines start to curve so i can get an idea of how steep it needs to be, and the depth of the cab. Maybe this for the time being will help someone...idk. just thought i would post.

Also, how is the cabinet held together? my current cab i have it held together with 2x3s on in the side, drilled from the outside, with long wood screws that are exposed, and this is not what I am looking to do for this one.

Someone want to take a pic of the supports the sides? I hope to get 2 sides cut tonight! maybe.....

[sk8ersublime]

oops- double

[garnerb350]

Hahaha...Yeah I had people tell me the same thing...and I always say, "WTH do you expect me to buy a DK around here?!"...and they reply "I see your point"

[Ginsu Victim]

Man, I could've had a non-working but otherwise excellent DK for $100, but didn't have the room for it. 

[sk8ersublime]

Man, I could've had a non-working but otherwise excellent DK for $100, but didn't have the room for it. 

That sucks. I would prolly buy one if i could get one in my area for $100. But i do enjoy a project

[javeryh]

I paid $36 for mine - and it came with the coin door and mechs!  Luckiest find ever.

[sk8ersublime]

I paid $36 for mine - and it came with the coin door and mechs!  Luckiest find ever.

Could you maybe send me some pics of what holds the sides and other panels together from your cabinet?

[javeryh]

I paid $36 for mine - and it came with the coin door and mechs!  Luckiest find ever.

Could you maybe send me some pics of what holds the sides and other panels together from your cabinet?

Here are some pics of the inside:



It is in my dining room and up against the wall so I can't really take any new pictures (the cab is finished).   

[sk8ersublime]

Yea i hope to have a finished cab soon...at least in the next month or so....i am jealous of your finished cab.... lol

Anyway, I got a lot done last night!

I cut the side panels and I routed the slot for the T molding, which went ok until for whatever reason the height of the blade dropped while i was cutting which mis-aligned my slot , i fixed the height and went back over it which of course made the slot to big, but ill fill it in with some putty when i goto put the molding on, im sure it will be fine, ill find a way to make it work. I have never used a router before, so I tested the blade on some scrap wood, and thought i would be fine.  But After that first side panel that was screwed up, the 2nd one was perfect. Oh and I had to use my jigsaw anyway for the side panels, the flush trim bit i bought was too thick for my router (that's what she said) So after I used the jigsaw i found a finishing sander that looked like it was from the 50s that my grandpa had, and it cleaned everything up really nice!

Here are a few pics.







Just testing the T-molding ^

I cant wait til I have these sides put together and have a standing frame! The only thing that is gonna be a pain in the ass from here out is the speaker panel, at least for the outside pieces....then comes all the monitor trouble which I havent decided if ill keep my 19'' LCD for this, or if I will get a CRT....low power consumption is always a plus....but i dont know which way im leaning yet.

[javeryh]

Looks like a good start.  It worries me that the slot cutter dropped on your router mid cut.  that should NOT happen and could be VERY dangerous.  Next time triple check ALL of the locks on your router before cutting - everything should be very tight and nothing should move other than the motor while you are cutting.  I'd hate for you to cut yourself or worse.

My DK took me about 4-5 months to finish working sporadically on the weekends only and not every weekend - like maybe 3 or 4 of them when the wife and kids were at the beach.  The bulk of the work for me was stripping the side art, sanding and painting - I'm sure you have more work since you are starting with nothing! 

[sk8ersublime]

Yea idk what happened. Everything was tight when I started. It wasn't the bit that went down but the router is and old craftsman, you have to twist the housing to adjust the height...and I did notice the housing move a bit while I was routing. I've never used a router other than this, so idk. After that issue I re tightened everything and the 2nd panel was perfect.

I still need to get a good idea for mounting the sides to the floor of the cab. I want a standing cab!!! Lol all in time I suppose.

[sk8ersublime]

I did some more work today, got the cab standing! with a base!

I didnt want to screw it together from the outside, but i went ahead and did that, im gonna cover the screws with putty or something when i get to that part. Or ill take them out once i figure out how to mount everything inside.

And compared to a pic of a real machine, the only problem I see is the front panel its too deep into the cabinet, but that is an easy fix.

Here are the pics.







Its coming together pretty nice...so far, so good.

[severdhed]

looking good.  this makes me really want to get my DK cabinet finished.  I got mine for $50 last fall, but my wife told me i wasn't allowed to put any money into it until after Christmas.  I had everything i needed to get it playable, but there is alot of cosmetic stuff that needs done to it.  and now we are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen and dining room, so it will probably be spring until i can start mine.  I haven't been on the forums alot lately due to the remodeling, but if you need any measurements or anything, i'll try to help out as well.

good luck and keep those pics coming.

[sk8ersublime]

looking good.  this makes me really want to get my DK cabinet finished.  I got mine for $50 last fall, but my wife told me i wasn't allowed to put any money into it until after Christmas.  I had everything i needed to get it playable, but there is alot of cosmetic stuff that needs done to it.  and now we are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen and dining room, so it will probably be spring until i can start mine.  I haven't been on the forums alot lately due to the remodeling, but if you need any measurements or anything, i'll try to help out as well.

good luck and keep those pics coming.

Thanks! Right now I need to get my bezel and Marquee.  I need to make sure they will fit in my cab, if not, ill have to re-cut the top bottom and coin door panel :\

Anyone know where to get a Bezel for a decent price? I found one place online for 45, but i need to call them and make sure its on plexi because every other place I find it, if its on plexi its like $80-90

[garnerb350]

Thanks! Right now I need to get my bezel and Marquee....
Anyone know where to get a Bezel for a decent price?

Dont get ahead of your self yet...Remember you are building a stratch built...something might come up to where the measurements are off...
See what the measurements are for the DK cab and cut out cardboard or (something cheap) and use them as a test pieces...if then if they are good then worry bout getting the actual bezel/marquee....

Another thing too if you want...it might be cheaper...but you can find the artwork for the DK cab...you can then take it and get the artwork printed and then you can apply it on pexi, glass, etc, whatever you choose...

http://arcarc.xmission.com/Web%20Archives/vectorlib.free.fr/DonkeyKong/index.html

[mr_doles]

I found one place online for 45, but i need to call them and make sure its on plexi because every other place I find it, if its on plexi its like $80-90

Let me know what you find out about that.  I was looking at an online place at $45 as well and was wondering about that too.

[javeryh]

Anyone know where to get a Bezel for a decent price? I found one place online for 45, but i need to call them and make sure its on plexi because every other place I find it, if its on plexi its like $80-90

Arcade Shop has it for $45 and it is great - that's where I got mine.   

You are making real good progress on the cab - getting it 3D is a big milestone - now you actually have something to work on instead of random pieces laying about the shop.   

[sk8ersublime]

Anyone know where to get a Bezel for a decent price? I found one place online for 45, but i need to call them and make sure its on plexi because every other place I find it, if its on plexi its like $80-90

Arcade Shop has it for $45 and it is great - that's where I got mine.   

You are making real good progress on the cab - getting it 3D is a big milestone - now you actually have something to work on instead of random pieces laying about the shop.   

Haha...its the only thing i think about...

Im a HUGE hockey fan, and yesterday I listened to the gold medal game on the radio while I was in the workshop working on the cab.... instead of watching it...Idk if I would have done that for a Caps game...but im really excited about getting this thing up and running, hoping that I can start painting or at least prepping for paint in the next few weeks.

Also, do you have to order over the phone from them? Thats where i found it last night, and I was just about to call him.

This is what I am afraid of, and right now, im at a point where I can easily make some new bottom and top pieces if the bezel wont fit.

Thanks! Right now I need to get my bezel and Marquee....
Anyone know where to get a Bezel for a decent price?

Dont get ahead of your self yet...Remember you are building a stratch built...something might come up to where the measurements are off...
See what the measurements are for the DK cab and cut out cardboard or (something cheap) and use them as a test pieces...if then if they are good then worry bout getting the actual bezel/marquee....

Another thing too if you want...it might be cheaper...but you can find the artwork for the DK cab...you can then take it and get the artwork printed and then you can apply it on pexi, glass, etc, whatever you choose...

http://arcarc.xmission.com/Web%20Archives/vectorlib.free.fr/DonkeyKong/index.html

[sk8ersublime]

nm, just called a ordered The Bezel, Bezel under decal, and the Coin decal $64 shipped! Awesome place! 

Now here are my thoughts for the Control Panel...

I dont know if I am going to build one... I am thinking about just buying a control panel from Mike's arcade, its only $85. I figure that after i buy the joysticks, strikes, and the artwork, plexi, and prolly screw it up it will be easier and cheaper to just buy one...haha

But I do plan on building my own custom 2 player panel that I will be able to swap out with this one

[javeryh]

nm, just called a ordered The Bezel, Bezel under decal, and the Coin decal $64 shipped! Awesome place! 

Now here are my thoughts for the Control Panel...

I dont know if I am going to build one... I am thinking about just buying a control panel from Mike's arcade, its only $85. I figure that after i buy the joysticks, strikes, and the artwork, plexi, and prolly screw it up it will be easier and cheaper to just buy one...haha

But I do plan on building my own custom 2 player panel that I will be able to swap out with this one

Arcade Shop is GREAT.  You will not be disappointed.  You are right about the control panel - it is almost a wash to order all of the parts separately and build it yourself.  Note that the $85 CP doesn't have a Nintendo stick installed - it is way more money otherwise.  I love the feel of JLFs and I wanted the challenge of building the CP myself so that's the route I went.  I love the way it came out so I have no regrets although there were a few times I was wishing I had just ordered the thing!