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Possible Bartop
Ond:
I just read leapinlew's comment to mean that in general the cost of any half way decent cab is probably going to be more than $50 when it's all said and done taking into account all the miscellaneous stuff we might already have on hand but that was nevertheless paid for at some stage. I'm all for the idea of scrounging parts and coming by freebies, I'll build a bartop, errr when I'm done with the current project :) for 'nothing' from spares that I have including motherboard :blah: in reality I still paid for some of the bits somewhere way back. I dunno it's just my opinion but I think in general (there's that word again) you'd want to allow for around $150 - $200 for a nice/functional cabinet and that includes a moderate ability to scrounge. Super Scroungers and Dumpster Bin Womble Commandos 'DBWCs' are exempt from this estimate. (Ond you're such a lukewarm fence sitter)
BobA:
Just saying it is possible to get an under 50 dollar cab if you want to pinch pennies. I did not say I would use it.... that is why the one I built was given away. I spend more then that on tools and other odds and ends each month. That of course is why my junk box is more like junk shelves and are pretty full.
To be totally realistic.
Useable cab made from old arcade cab 200 to 300
Nicer cab with some artwork and marquee 400 to 500
Custom built from scratch add 250 for MDF and Laminate
Custom built from scratch with Bling the sky is the limit
:D :D
Spelling correction
leapinlew:
--- Quote from: IG-88 on July 10, 2010, 12:07:37 am ---Perhaps I'm over analyzing your post but that kinda pissed me off.
--- End quote ---
I just re-read my post and it does sound more condescending than I intended. For that, I apologize. While the way I was trying to make my point may have not been the most polite, I still stand by what I have said. The OP wanted to get an idea of how much building a cab will cost and to me that means he's new to cab building and probably doesn't have a lot of extra parts. I think BobA's realistic numbers are spot on. If a poll were conducted, I'm sure the amount spent will skew towards >$400.
Obviously it's possible to build a functional cabinet on the cheap. It's also possible to find a Ms.Pacman in an old ladies basement for free on craigslist, but it's not easy. If someone comes to my house and asks me how much it would cost for them to build a cabinet - the answer is "around $500". And the few people who have got the bug and built one? The cost was $500+.
I don't see any reason for this to be a sore spot IG. I think we just disagree on the method to which we build cabinets. We both have fine cabinets, but I do not enjoy being thrifty. I buy parts which speed up the process (encoders, controls, etc.). You sound like you enjoy the hunt to re-use/re-purpose parts, and there is nothing wrong with that. Perhaps that is why there is a disparity between the total costs of our cabinets.
:cheers:
IG-88:
Well said. You described my tastes accurately. I apologize for being over sensitive. ;D