What do you think of my mockup?

[justinjstark]

I am designing my second cabinet.  My first one went ok but I have learned a lot and want to make a better one at some point in the future.

My idea is, instead of using plywood or MDF, to panel a bunch of 1x4's to make the sides.  I will not paint or stain them, but rather leave them a nice light wood color and seal them up.  I'm hoping it gives it a nice earthy feel.

All of the dimensions in the mockup attached below are correct.  It is 88" tall.  The top of the control panel is 37" from the ground (I made my last one 34" and it is too low).  It is 18" deep and 20" wide.  The control panel will be 24" by 12".

What do you guys think?

[mrtuesday42]

are you attaching them to a metal frame in the middle picture??? it seems like it would really frustrating trying to line up like 20 rows of 1x4's...attaching them all to some framework would alleviate that issue at least. another option if you want the paneled look is to make it out of mdf or particle board and then use a veneer over the top. you easily use a maple or pine veneer rather 'lumber' looking wood.

personally i think it looks scary...if you really want the wood feel i would go vertical paneling instead of horizontal. think ski lodge instead of lincoln logs man.

[justinjstark]

are you attaching them to a metal frame in the middle picture??? it seems like it would really frustrating trying to line up like 20 rows of 1x4's...attaching them all to some framework would alleviate that issue at least. another option if you want the paneled look is to make it out of mdf or particle board and then use a veneer over the top. you easily use a maple or pine veneer rather 'lumber' looking wood.

personally i think it looks scary...if you really want the wood feel i would go vertical paneling instead of horizontal. think ski lodge instead of lincoln logs man.

Haha.  Scary?  I'm looking forward to the paneling.  I got the idea from some log cabin type furniture I have seen.  I was never into veneer or particle board...I like real wood.   

There will be a frame inside made of wood so lining up the 1x4s should not be too much of an issue.  I will probably build up the sides first with the framing as they are the main support structure.  Then I will dado the sides to accept the cross-members.  I have a plan, man.   

[mrtuesday42]

as long as you got a plan buddy. good luck! personally not my thing so keep us posted on how it comes out.

[Smeghead]

yeah....er...... kinda wierd
You could always build it in MDF then use panelling ontop afterwards if you REALLY want the ski lodge/Sauna look

[drventure]

It could work, but I think I'd angle the CP slightly for it to be more comfortable
I'd also give the sides (esp at the bottom) some angle to add some visual interest from the side.

The 1x4's could work, but I don't think they'll come out like what you're thinking.

depending on your other decor, what might work is to get some old fence panels, or old siding and use it, leaving it all good and greyed up from the weather.

If you have access, some split half logs with the bark still on could be interesting too.

[justinjstark]

It could work, but I think I'd angle the CP slightly for it to be more comfortable
I'd also give the sides (esp at the bottom) some angle to add some visual interest from the side.

The 1x4's could work, but I don't think they'll come out like what you're thinking.

depending on your other decor, what might work is to get some old fence panels, or old siding and use it, leaving it all good and greyed up from the weather.

If you have access, some split half logs with the bark still on could be interesting too.

Thanks for you input.  I plan on putting together some paneling as a test to see if I like it before I go all out.

I originally considered using 2x4's but I think it would be too heavy; they have a little bit of round which I think would look nice when stacked together.  I found some cedar 1x4s at the local home depot that were pretty rough and could provide a nice weathered look.

The half-split logs are a good idea and something I am considering.  Then it would really look like it belongs in a log cabin.     I'm just not sure how rustic I want to go.  I am trying to balance rustic and modern.

[trevski]

Go with the split logs and make it a Buzzwagon theme! 

[justinjstark]

Go with the split logs and make it a Buzzwagon theme! 

   I'll think about it.

[mrtuesday42]

if you want a modern look go with a lighter wood. also angling the paneling towards the front or something would make it more modern than a level paneling treatment. if you did paneled INLAYS that would look pretty nice vs a whole paneled look.

its definitely not something that has been done before, but to be honest there might be a reason for it.

[jahya]

To be honest it looks pretty uncomfortable.  The cp is quite tall.  I'm curious why you need the cabinet at all if you want it so minimal.  Would not just mouting a flat panel on a wall with a shelf for a joystick be the same thing?

[justinjstark]

if you want a modern look go with a lighter wood. also angling the paneling towards the front or something would make it more modern than a level paneling treatment. if you did paneled INLAYS that would look pretty nice vs a whole paneled look.

its definitely not something that has been done before, but to be honest there might be a reason for it.

I plan on using a lighter wood.  The texture on the mockup is just a pine sample I pulled from google images.

I hadn't thought much of angling the panels but it is something I will consider.  I also thought about inlays but I'm not so sure how I like the idea.

Thank you for your input.  Half the point of this project is to do something unique.  And considering that my first arcade was really curvy, I thought it would be cool to go the opposite and make this one very square.

[justinjstark]

To be honest it looks pretty uncomfortable.  The cp is quite tall.  I'm curious why you need the cabinet at all if you want it so minimal.  Would not just mouting a flat panel on a wall with a shelf for a joystick be the same thing?

It's so much cooler to have an arcade.  Plus then I get to play with my tools.  

I made the cp tall on purpose.  The cp on my first cabinet was 35" and it hurts my wrists because of how my arms slope so far down and then my wrists have to bend way up.  I did some tests and 37"-38" works well for me (most countertops are 36").  Otherwise, why do you think it would be uncomfortable.  I used similar dimensions as my first cabinet which plays nicely except for the wrist fatigue.

Edit: Actually, my kitchen counters here are 38".  It's a pretty comfortable height.

[jimmy2x2x]

I hear ya!

I'm just under 6'6" and my CP top is 39" from the floor, this is great for me and allows me to use a bar stool very comfortably.

"I got the idea from some log cabin type furniture I have seen."

Got any pics of that furniture?

cheers

[justinjstark]

I hear ya!

I'm just under 6'6" and my CP top is 39" from the floor, this is great for me and allows me to use a bar stool very comfortably.

"I got the idea from some log cabin type furniture I have seen."

Got any pics of that furniture?

cheers

I'm only 6'1 but still 37-38" is the very comfortable for me.  And yes, the higher cp makes using bar stools easier.

I don't have any pictures of the furniture but I did find a few things on google image search.  I have attached them.  The night stand next to the bed in the first image is probably the closest example of the style I want to achieve.

Actually, I didn't plan on using posts for the corners like in the pictures...but I am considering it now.  And those barstools...I might have to make me some bar stools like that once this project is complete.  :-)

[jimmy2x2x]

Thats quite a nice look, I think with careful planning this could really work

[bkenobi]

Brutally honest:  I hate the look of the cab as you drew it up.  Sorry, but that's it.

HOWEVER, I really think if you were to build something with the techniques used in the bar picture you posted, it could look really nice!  If you just use simple horizontal boards, it will look like you were too cheap to buy materials and just took apart a section of fencing.  If you build something that has details like that bar does, you will make people jealous!

[severdhed]

i'm all for high control panels.  on my 4 player, my player 1 and 2 sticks are about 38" and on my classics cab, the joystick is at 40" from the floor....very comfortable..and I am 5'10"

[Marsupial]

Brutally honest:  I hate the look of the cab as you drew it up.  Sorry, but that's it.

HOWEVER, I really think if you were to build something with the techniques used in the bar picture you posted, it could look really nice!  If you just use simple horizontal boards, it will look like you were too cheap to buy materials and just took apart a section of fencing.  If you build something that has details like that bar does, you will make people jealous!

just wanted to reiterate what master kenobi said.

what makes those furniture look good is a great quality wood, and the planks confined into rafined structure. That makes a good result and could make a nice looking cabinet.

You should steer away from 2x4, think 2x8 for a good look, otherwise, it'll look like a wooden cabin (which those furnitures don't look like) and like stated before, like you got too cheap and stole someone's fence to make your cabinet.

Now... its your project, so if you want it to look like a trashcan, or some old-style pickup truck, or R2D2... go for it. But being you ask for opinions: the drawing you made sucks, refine the idea before going forward

(really, there's a need to overplanks on the ends, or something)

edit: I made a quick alteration to your mockup, so you might see where this could be going.

[angryred]

[justinjstark]

Hahaha.     I was hoping for some criticism and I got it.

I know some of you aren't the biggest fan but I'm going to try to push forward with this project.  I'll start by mocking some ideas together this weekend and seeing how I like them.  I'd take pictures and post them here but my girlfriend has kidnapped my digital camera.  Maybe my roommate will let me borrow his.

Maybe you guys are right and this won't look good once I start putting things together.  But, I think I can make this work and make it look really cool...even if it is not everybody's favorite style.

I'm not going for the "stolen from my neighbor's fence" look.  I'm going for a more modern and clean look which I think I can accomplish with the right wood.

I'll keep you guys posted.   

[Marsupial]

correctly finished, it could look classy. Just be sure to use proper building techniques. If you cheap-ass it, it will look like a fence-cabin.

I'd suggest you dye the wood, dyed wood is classy.

[leapinlew]

Donkey Kong Timbercade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61235.0

[justinjstark]

Donkey Kong Timbercade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61235.0

Haha...ummmm no.

[justinjstark]

correctly finished, it could look classy. Just be sure to use proper building techniques. If you cheap-ass it, it will look like a fence-cabin.

I'd suggest you dye the wood, dyed wood is classy.

Thanks for the encouragement.  I plan on using this project to help advance my woodworking skills so I am not going to skimp or do things that look unprofessional.  I'm already planning out how to build the proper router jigs to make nice joints and such.  I really want a professional clean looking cabinet in the end, not a rusty log cabin look or a neighbor's fence look.

I'm still not a fan of inlaying the panels (for whomever suggested it) but I will experiment with some different materials to cap off the ends...I will play around, put some things together, and try to get things how I want them to look before I even think about building the cab.

BTW: Can you give me some examples (links or something) of dyed wood?

[Donkey_Kong]

As soon as I seen you post that log furniture I knew I would have to show you timbercade, Lew beat me to it. Thanks Lew.

4 years later and STILL a WIP. I am getting closer, here's how it looks today.



Obviously needs work in the monitor/bezel dept, among many other checklist items.
What you see here is a Sony Vaio all in one pc, which is obviously just temporary. We've been 'waiting' for this thing to be done for 4 years. (haha) Perfection is not a necessity at this point, we just wanna play a few games.



Hand carved and painted pine wood sideart by Meliisa Jones of Nice Carvings.



Hand carved "Timbercade" lettering by Meliisa Jones of Nice Carvings.

[jimmy2x2x]

Very impressive!

[Marsupial]

that timbercade would be a blast for the kids!!! its awesome!

but not really on the classy side. lol.



I think I might have used the wrong terminology... I think it might be called stained. We have a total different interpretation of those words in french, sorry.

here's MDF before and after, on my cab, for an idea.





other ideas:

[jimmy2x2x]

Donkey Kong Timbercade
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61235.0

Haha...ummmm no.

Maybe I'm missing something here, to my eye that cab looks very similar to the furniture examples you posted

What don't you like about it?

[bkenobi]

Other than the monitor being a bit too small for the bezel, I really like the Timbercade!  I'm also at a bit of a loss to understand how this is different than the furniture you posted earlier.  To me, this looks like a really good example of how to implement exactly what you were asking about.   

[drventure]

Looks very similar to me too.

[Donkey_Kong]

If you look at the first shot Lew presented, it's pretty haggard compared to now. This theme could be pulled off with better planning, execution, etc. My cab may not be the best inspiration, there are many things that could be better, the cab just hasn't been on my priority list because of time constraints. It's not done now, it may never be done.

I rushed into this project with no plan what so ever and it shows. Four years later, all I have learned is that if I could do it again I would have built something much more traditional, cleaner. It was actually my wifes idea to do the logs and she still loves it, she hand painted and carved the sideart from pinewood.

OP, I would recommend re-thinking this type of theme if it's something you want to finish in a reasonable amount of time. There are no plans to go by with this build, and you would really be winging it when it comes to logs. If you are completely sold on the idea, then I would say go for it. 

[drventure]

Donkey_kong's cab is more a functional work of art than a traditional arcade cab. Just depends on what you're wanting to end up with, and what you're wanting to get out of the build process itself.

[justinjstark]

As soon as I seen you post that log furniture I knew I would have to show you timbercade, Lew beat me to it. Thanks Lew.

4 years later and STILL a WIP. I am getting closer howevwer. Here is how it looks today.

These more recent pictures make it look very nice.  It looks like you did a great job on it.  I can see why it took you a while to build.

While I am wanting to do something similar, I don't think I will use vertical posts on the corners like you did.  But, merely out of curiousity, where did you get those round posts?

I want something less log cabin and more modern.  For instance, in the picture I have attached, somebody made chairs out of 2x4s (and 1x4s).  It's like a modern take on the rustic look.  It's not exactly the style I'm going for and I definitely won't have any screw heads showing when I am finished but I really like how clean the chairs look and the way the 2x4s stacked together make a nice texture.  That clean style with a crafty look is what I really want in the end.

I guess I'm having a hard time explaining what I want to try to do...partly because I'm still trying to figure it out myself.  Hopefully tomorrow I can start putting some panels together and test out a few different looks.

[justinjstark]

that timbercade would be a blast for the kids!!! its awesome!

but not really on the classy side. lol.



I think I might have used the wrong terminology... I think it might be called stained. We have a total different interpretation of those words in french, sorry.

here's MDF before and after, on my cab, for an idea.

other ideas:

Ah yes, stain.  I am a big fan of stain.  I really dislike when people paint over a nice wood grain with paint (be it an arcade or a kitchen cabinet).  I actually stained my first cab pretty dark.

But I doubt I will stain this one.  I really want a natural wood look.

[bkenobi]

Those chairs remind me of my work bench.  I spent 30 minutes building it and it works well.  I don't think my wife would let me bring the workbench inside.

[justinjstark]

Those chairs remind me of my work bench.  I spent 30 minutes building it and it works well.  I don't think my wife would let me bring the workbench inside.

Lucky for me, I don't have a wife.  And my girlfriend won't care as long as she gets to play it.