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Author Topic: Repurpose furniture at right height for lightweight stand-up MAME machine?  (Read 26428 times)

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snorpmeister

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I've wanted a MAME cab forever. But I've realized that:

1) I'm not going to buy a complete, pre-built cab (don't have the cash, e.g. thousands)
2) I'm not going to refurb an existing cab (don't have the skills)
3) I'm not going to build a cab from scratch (definitely don't have the skills)
4) I'm not going to buy a cab kit (still don't have the skills)

Even if I did have the cash or skills, I may be moving soon. So I don't want something that weighs hundreds of pounds and is hard to move.

What I'd like to do is purchase furniture that's at about the right height for a stand-up cab and repurpose it for MAME. What's the typical ground to joystick height for, say, a Ms Pacman or Galaga cab? Then put an Xarcade or similar pre-built controls-unit atop it. Then mount, or preferably free-stand, an LCD or CRT monitor. Something so simple even *I* can assemble it. "Assemble" being a bit of a stretch. I can put basic particle board furniture together if all it requires is a screwdriver.

Any suggestions for COTS furniture (preferably available in box box U.S. retail stores) that could serve double-duty as a lightweight MAME platform? Maybe some sort of "stand up" computer workstation? Or would those start to cost about as much as a cab kit? Again, I'm looking for something reasonable lightweight but that also has at least some stability to it. But I can't be overly picky about the stability given my budget and weight constraints.

Sure I won't have all the cool artwork, etc. But now I have nothing. And something is better than nothing. Would love to see photos of a project like this if anyone has done something like it.

Donkbaca

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So let me get this straight.  You want a desk so you can rest your arcade on?  How is that a project?

Rando

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To get the games running and looking like they should, you just need a PC and the right software.

To get the games playing like they should, you need to build/buy a control panel for your sticks, buttons, etc.

To get it to feel like it should, you then put those components into a cabinet.


Sounds like you want to stand and play your games, but not have an actual cabinet that everything goes into.  Something like a tall desk/shelf, with the control panel mounted (in some fashion) to it, right?

Seen some folks mount a flatscreen and then have a standing CP that you approach and play on.  PC Components could be on floor right below screen, or in a box/entertainment unit type table.  Might be your simplest option.
Rando - My build thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=107741.msg1142843#msg1142843 (work slowed but still progressing!

robertsig

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Snorp,
Welcome....

Being a BYOAC forum, you need to have at least *some* skills or resources, whether its woodworking, electronics, computers or money.  If you lack maybe one or two of them, you can make it up in other areas (purchase a kit, purchase a PC), but you have to have something to start with.

If you don't have wood skills, no money to buy a kit or anything like that, I suggest you postpone your venture.  Maybe spend a couple weeks reading this forum and others to get an idea of what you want to do before spending ANY money.

Now....that being said, I do have a recommendation.  For someone money challenged, space challenged and woodworking challenged, a bartop kit would be ideal.  You'll have to figure out the wiring basics, buy the joysticks, buttons, IPAC and of course a PC, but its one of the cheapest ways to get a real MAME cabinet as opposed to what you listed. In *any* case, it will be several hundred dollars minimum.
Try here: http://www.mameroom.com/Products_kits.asp

Or just buy a premade arcade control panel, plug it in via USB and be done with it.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2011, 12:05:01 pm by robertsig »

Vigo

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Yeah, using furniture will just look like furniture with a computer on it. That said, you can probably use just a desk like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Keyboard-drawer-Casters-Printer/dp/B002SUC7UG



Then just buy an x-arcade. It could possibly look a bit arcade-ish if you wrapped it in black cloth, but don't expect too much.

Donkbaca

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Yeah just get that, stick a couple of dictionaries or text books under the x-arcade to get it to the right height and you are good to go

snorpmeister

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To get the games running and looking like they should, you just need a PC and the right software.
To get the games playing like they should, you need to build/buy a control panel for your sticks, buttons, etc.
To get it to feel like it should, you then put those components into a cabinet.

Sounds like you want to stand and play your games, but not have an actual cabinet that everything goes into.  Something like a tall desk/shelf, with the control panel mounted (in some fashion) to it, right?

Yes, that's it Rando. Thanks for the suggestion. Would love to see photos of folks who have set-ups like that. If this isn't the correct forum for asking, where else should I check? Thanks also to others who've posted. Will definitely consider it all. Maybe it is best to wait. I've seen a $500 unit, I think on Amazon, that doesn't look too difficult to assemble. But I wonder how easy it would be to disassemble when and if I move cross-country.

Weight and size are important. Otherwise I'd have already bought, for example, a sit-down Crazy Taxi at auction or other driving games. Driving games can often go cheaply. The rub is getting them home and through the doorway if you don't have a garage to place it in.

Snorp
« Last Edit: July 19, 2011, 12:18:09 pm by snorpmeister »

Well Fed Games

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No, you're at the right forum. If weight, size, and cost are an issue (and really, they are for everyone, on some level), consider a "bartop" cabinet. Lots of good examples of those here, and kits are available for that sort of thing as well.

Warning, though... first I made a bartop... now I am making a full-size stand up... and am thinking about a cocktail... it is addictive!

Completed projects: Pac bartop (Plug & Play), 30th Anniversary Pac cab (MAME), Point Blank (PS1), Centipede (arcade hardware- light restore), VS. Super Mario Bros (arcade hardware- light restore) Tetris Cocktail (SNES), Arcade Classics upright (60-in-1, then MAME), Multi-Raiden (arcade hardware). Pac Man vs.(Gamecube),

Working on: Pinball Re-theme, Homebrew arcade arena shooter

robertsig

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I'll help you with question #1, before you even buy a premade control panel (like the X-arcade).

How old are you, or which era of games do you want to play?  What games are important?  Do you want a spinner or trackball?

That'll get you started.

(Note that this question is not as easy as it seems.  You won't be able to play everything you remember.  Driving games may need a steering wheel and gas pedal.  'tis not easy to duplicate on a control panel unless you're a contortionist).

extendedplayarcade

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Actually that is a good frame for a mid sized cab.  Get some wood from home depot or lowes for the sides. Paint it and get some arcade artwork. Slot it for T molding.  Probably could double as a workstation too.  ummm let me know if anyone does something like this.

Arcade type workstation desk.  ummm

 :cheers:


Yeah, using furniture will just look like furniture with a computer on it. That said, you can probably use just a desk like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Keyboard-drawer-Casters-Printer/dp/B002SUC7UG



Then just buy an x-arcade. It could possibly look a bit arcade-ish if you wrapped it in black cloth, but don't expect too much.

alfonzotan

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Before I wound up building my cab from scratch (which was not as difficult as I thought it would be, although it was a lot of work), I had the same thoughts.  Ran across a corner desk in a thrift shop similar to the one below, and picked it up in anticipation of doing what you're talking about here.



If I'd have kept with that plan, I'd have put on panels to cover the front and sides, a marquee on the top (the one I got--for $10--was taller and more "arcade proportioned" than the one in the picture), but you get the basic idea... control panel on the main desk, LCD monitor suspended at eye level behind a bezel, etc.

Would have been an interesting project, but I don't regret passing on it...

« Last Edit: July 19, 2011, 01:03:02 pm by alfonzotan »

alfonzotan

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... stupid "quote" button...

Donkbaca

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Never saw one that didn't look like grabage IMHO.  No matter what you do to it, it would always look like a workstation desk with a bunch of crap stuck to it.  Why would you use one as a "frame" and then put panels on it? Adding 1x2 batting to cut panels is the easiest part of a build

BadMouth

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I thought this one was pretty clever (if you can make it out through the whirling camera):
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=107277.0

He did have to drill holes for the buttons/joysticks and wire them.

Vigo

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My recommendation to the cabinet building skiddish is to find a buddy with some power tools and pay him a case of beer to cut out a simple cabinet design.

stu33

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I was considering this same thing when I did my first cab.  But after reading here for a while, you'll actually learn some stuff.  Lurking here made me confident to find a local cab and gut it for MAME.  I took a broken/incomplete Bad Dudes (for 50 bucks) and repurposed it, and it's WAAAY easier than you think.  Just time-consuming.  Seriously, though, you'll spend so much time working on setting up the PC juuuust the way you want it (and it'll never be truly done) that you'll dwarf the amount of actual hardware work that you'll do.

The forums here are an amazing resource for learning.  Really.  It's worth researching here and doing what you really want.
http://cheeseisalifestyle.blogspot.com

Hey...don't judge me...everyone has a blog nowadays...

Woodshop Flunky

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I've wanted a MAME cab forever. But I've realized that:

1) I'm not going to buy a complete, pre-built cab (don't have the cash, e.g. thousands)
2) I'm not going to refurb an existing cab (don't have the skills)
3) I'm not going to build a cab from scratch (definitely don't have the skills)
4) I'm not going to buy a cab kit (still don't have the skills)

Even if I did have the cash or skills, I may be moving soon. So I don't want something that weighs hundreds of pounds and is hard to move.

...

Any suggestions for COTS furniture (preferably available in box box U.S. retail stores) that could serve double-duty as a lightweight MAME platform?

Option 1... Agreed, this can be very expensive.
Option 2... I do think refurbing requires a unique set of skills (which can be learned of course :)).  For me though, it is easier to build than to fix.
Option 3... This can be difficult for a complete newbee, but there are lots of examples here of folks who's first woodworking project has been a scratch built cab.


Option 4... I've met a lot of people who think they don't have the skills to do this sort of thing, but I've never met anyone who has actually failed trying.  I think you might give this some more thought.  It will get you over a bunch of hurdles, and you can end up with a really slick machine.

If size is an issue, consider a bartop or WeeCade http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111865.0.  Personally, I think the WeeCades are super slick.  They move easily, and they have all kinds of WOW and play value.  You can put them on a shelf on the wall at any height that is comfortable for you, and it will be a guaranteed centerpiece with guests. :)
« Last Edit: July 19, 2011, 01:34:31 pm by Woodshop Flunky »

Complete mini arcade cabinet plans available.

newmanfamilyvlogs

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You could build just a CP box, deep enough to house the computer, and run that to a TV via HDMI?

As for big box products:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/179-9532137-0496418?asin=B000HX517W&AFID=become_df&LNM=|B000HX517W&CPNG=furniture&ci_src=16079562&ci_sku=B000HX517W&ref=tgt_adv_XSE10001


Build the controls into the area the microwave is suppose to go, slap an LCD up on top. Store the computer in the bottom.


alfonzotan

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Option 3... This can be difficult for a complete newbee, but there are lots of examples here of folks who's first woodworking project has been a scratch built cab.


Option 4... I've met a lot of people who think they don't have the skills to do this sort of thing, but I've never met anyone who has actually failed trying.  I think you might give this some more thought.  It will get you over a bunch of hurdles, and you can end up with a really slick machine.


Seriously--a cabinet is really just a wooden box with a slightly-funny shape.  It's really not hugely-complex job (which is not the same thing as saying that building one is easy).

DarthMarino

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One option is to use a projector stand.  You can easily adjust the height and when it's not in use you can just remove the legs and store it somewhere.  I've used one with an X-arcade dual stick and it works great.

One example:
http://www.amazon.com/Project-Stand-Projection-11-25INX19IN-Table/dp/B000298U7Y




Donkbaca

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Yeah, a simple bartop cab can made with a simple $12 piece of MDF, some wood glue and a couple of bits.  Do you people seriously think that other stuff looks good?  Would you seriously want a cheap chipboard microwave shelf?  I say build a cab, or just keep the x-arcade on your desk, anything in between is just half assed and ugly.  Sorry if this sounds negative, but I am just being honest.  I see no reason to fake an arcade set up on a desk/shelf.  Never saw any setup like that and thought, man that is sweet! I want one.

Woodshop Flunky

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...  Do you people seriously think that other stuff looks good?  Would you seriously want a cheap chipboard microwave shelf?

I think that cheap rolling microwave shelf would look awsome if you gutted an old microwave and put a monitor in the door window and MAMEd it.   ;D (kidding of course)

Complete mini arcade cabinet plans available.

Vigo

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...and put it next to your mame'd taxidermied goat.

snorpmeister

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I'll help you with question #1, before you even buy a premade control panel (like the X-arcade).
How old are you, or which era of games do you want to play?  What games are important?  Do you want a spinner or trackball?

That'll get you started.

(Note that this question is not as easy as it seems.  You won't be able to play everything you remember.  Driving games may need a steering wheel and gas pedal.  'tis not easy to duplicate on a control panel unless you're a contortionist).

Thanks everyone (all opinions and posts both above and below). Appreciate the feedback. Looking for strictly 80's game play. Ms Pacman, Jungle King / Hunt, Galaga, Satan's Hollow, Track and Field (button mashing only--don't care for the trackball version or trackball games). Tron was a favorite but I wouldn't hold out for a spinner just for Tron.

I'll do more homework here on the forums. And keep reading here for other thoughts.

It may well turn out that I'll be "wrong" if I continue with my basic idea (e.g. get to game play as easily and cheaply as possible, ASAP, and damn the artistry). A bartop sounds like a great compromise. And I do have a buddy with a workshop. Bit of a drive away and I don't have a truck (hatchback compact car). So again, the bartop and/or weecade could fit the bill in more than one way.

Donkbaca

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Go bartop! Probably build one for the same price as that microwave cart...

leapinlew

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Go bartop! Probably build one for the same price as that microwave cart...


Thats it. Lure him in with how inexpensive it will be and then BAM!

Screws
Glue
Wood
T-molding
Controls
Artwork
Primer
Paint
Wire
Rubber feet
fans
plexiglass
light fixture
power strip
tools

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As much as I Love seeing Donkbaca go ape over someone Elses cabinet choices...

 Realistically, such cabinets and desks are made as cheap as possible, using low quality thin particle board, poorly enforced joints, and they barely hold up to normal use. (which is why you see them on the curbs all the time)

 Rocking the thing with any force, such as when playing a physical game of Robotron, would tear that stuff to shreds in seconds.

 A full cabinet gotten for cheap is a much more viable solution.  You get a coin door, some controls, some wires, possibly a monitor, power cords, speakers, bezels, and existing art... if you dont want to simply paint it black.

 All you might have to do it make a single control panel top change... and that can be done with minimal tools and time.  

 A bartop may seem easier.. but in reality, its only merely the size that throws you off.  Its all the same work, just a little less of it. AND, you have to devote a table to use it.  (unless you make a base for it... which then pretty much makes it a full cab)

 A bartop for example, still usually has T-molding.  Which means you need a router, and an expensive slot cutter.  As well as t-molding itself.  And then theres all the rest of the stuff...

 If you are going to re-claim something for a pedestal style, it had better be some sort of older 'furniture grade' thing.  Not a walmart / ikea  special.  Something with real thick and strong wood.  It will probably look like hell, but re-claiming is cheap. It still doesnt solve woodworking challenges.  But it would give a good introduction and experience.  Any mistakes or wood-working butchery  made on free material is an easily acceptable loss.

 Ive often wondered how well cardboard could be used to make a decently looking project.  With use of ?soaking? some parts in a glue-water mix, several layers, I-beam style struts, and maybe paper bags for a smooth cheap covering... It might actually be passably nice.  (especially for the tool & money challenged)

 Edit:

 As for moving, cabs are not that hard with 2 people and a dolly.   You could make a split-cab... which separates into 2 or 3 parts.  The monitor is usually the thing that weighs the most.  Unless you use or replace it with an LCD.

 A bartop is of course much easier to transport.

 A standup without any weight to it, would rock-n-roll way too much. (unless maybe you put some sandbags in the bottom of it)
« Last Edit: July 20, 2011, 02:49:00 am by Xiaou2 »

snorpmeister

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As much as I Love seeing Donkbaca go ape over someone Elses cabinet choices...

 Realistically, such cabinets and desks are made as cheap as possible, using low quality thin particle board, poorly enforced joints, and they barely hold up to normal use. (which is why you see them on the curbs all the time)

 Rocking the thing with any force, such as when playing a physical game of Robotron, would tear that stuff to shreds in seconds.

 A full cabinet gotten for cheap is a much more viable solution.  You get a coin door, some controls, some wires, possibly a monitor, power cords, speakers, bezels, and existing art... if you dont want to simply paint it black.

 All you might have to do it make a single control panel top change... and that can be done with minimal tools and time.  

 A bartop may seem easier.. but in reality, its only merely the size that throws you off.  Its all the same work, just a little less of it. AND, you have to devote a table to use it.  (unless you make a base for it... which then pretty much makes it a full cab)

 A bartop for example, still usually has T-molding.  Which means you need a router, and an expensive slot cutter.  As well as t-molding itself.  And then theres all the rest of the stuff...

 If you are going to re-claim something for a pedestal style, it had better be some sort of older 'furniture grade' thing.  Not a walmart / ikea  special.  Something with real thick and strong wood.  It will probably look like hell, but re-claiming is cheap. It still doesnt solve woodworking challenges.  But it would give a good introduction and experience.  Any mistakes or wood-working butchery  made on free material is an easily acceptable loss.

 Ive often wondered how well cardboard could be used to make a decently looking project.  With use of ?soaking? some parts in a glue-water mix, several layers, I-beam style struts, and maybe paper bags for a smooth cheap covering... It might actually be passably nice.  (especially for the tool & money challenged)

 Edit:

 As for moving, cabs are not that hard with 2 people and a dolly.   You could make a split-cab... which separates into 2 or 3 parts.  The monitor is usually the thing that weighs the most.  Unless you use or replace it with an LCD.

 A bartop is of course much easier to transport.

 A standup without any weight to it, would rock-n-roll way too much. (unless maybe you put some sandbags in the bottom of it)


Guess I'm back to "want the game play and stand-up orientation only but not the cab" conundrum. I hear you on the cheap furniture. Most stuff now made is crap. I'll keep searching the forums and consider how much of an investment I really want to make right now.

leapinlew

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Guess I'm back to "want the game play and stand-up orientation only but not the cab" conundrum. I hear you on the cheap furniture. Most stuff now made is crap. I'll keep searching the forums and consider how much of an investment I really want to make right now.

Just keep your eye out for a free or almost free gutted cabinet. Start collecting parts. It's how most of us started.

Vigo

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A couple things I'd like to toss in:

1) With something as small as a bartop, there are a number of corners that can be cut, but still kept tasteful. One thing you learn from this forum is that there is always an alternative. For the T-molding, you can round the edges of the wood instead. That will save you the purchase of a slot cutting bit and the t molding itself. You can also use laminate, or you could even buy t-molding and cut the spine off and glue it into place. It has been done with reported success.

You can also cut other corners with a bartop. You can use thinner wood, you can cut both sides at the same time by clamping 2 sheets of wood together, etc. Not to mention that there is a heck of a lot less cutting, painting, fastening etc.


2) If you were going to hunt around for "furniture grade" furniture to modify, you might as well just find a gutted arcade cabinet. Depending on where you live, you can find emptied cabinets for $0-150. Throw in your own LCD screen, don't worry about arcade monitors. If you are lucky, the art is good enough to keep as is. Much less work that buying furniture to modify anyway. If you post the city you live in/near, some people around here might be able to find some options for you. I honestly see this as the easiest method for you to pursue.
« Last Edit: July 20, 2011, 10:04:03 am by Vigo »

robertsig

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I'd like to reiterate.  If you are someone without woodworking skills, which means most likely you don't have the experience NOR the tools, a kit will actually be cheaper and look better.  No slot cutting mechanism required.

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You can build a bartop with a jigsaw, some sanding paper, and a power drill witha  1 1/8inch forstner bit, prett common tools.  A router makes it SO much better and easier, but isn't an absolute deal breaker.

A bartop is far cheaper and easier to build.  For one you are dealing with 2-3 foot pieces of wood instead of 6-7 foot.  You can make it out of 1/2in mdf, a half sheet should be fine, that will only set you back like 15 bucks AT THE MOST.  T-molding is nice, but there are work arounds, just paint the edge, or gut the spine off of t-molding and glue, or use formica, or melamine on it.  You don't NEED plexi, but even if you decide to get it, a sheet big enough to cover your screen and your cp is only 14 bucks. 

It seems, though, that the ideal solution is a kit.  Option 2 would be to build a bar kit.

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Hey Snorp,
Welcome.
At the end of the day, its about what you're happy with. Right now you say you don't have the money or skills and you may be moving. So maybe its not the time to build a full size machine.
If you're happy with a pc, monitor and xarcade stick, then thats the best thing for you.
Any kinda furniture mods will take some sort of skills too so maybe your best bet is just a computer desk with the basic setup.
good luck with your plans

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Guess I'm back to "want the game play and stand-up orientation only but not the cab" conundrum. I hear you on the cheap furniture. Most stuff now made is crap. I'll keep searching the forums and consider how much of an investment I really want to make right now.

Just keep your eye out for a free or almost free gutted cabinet. Start collecting parts. It's how most of us started.

+1. It will effectively be the same sort of project as doing something with furniture, but it will automatically be the right size and height and look a hell of a lot like an arcade machine  ;D  If you are in the US, you should be able to find one really cheap, cheaper than furniture, hopefully in your area. I hear Craigslist is handy.

Oh, and if you happen to pick up a cheap 'classic' cab (like defender or whatever) post a pic here first. Someone here might swap you for a more mame-able cab to save the classic...


ROUGHING UP THE SUSPECT SINCE 1981

JustMichael

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Guess I'm back to "want the game play and stand-up orientation only but not the cab" conundrum. I hear you on the cheap furniture. Most stuff now made is crap. I'll keep searching the forums and consider how much of an investment I really want to make right now.

Just keep your eye out for a free or almost free gutted cabinet. Start collecting parts. It's how most of us started.

+1. It will effectively be the same sort of project as doing something with furniture, but it will automatically be the right size and height and look a hell of a lot like an arcade machine  ;D  If you are in the US, you should be able to find one really cheap, cheaper than furniture, hopefully in your area. I hear Craigslist is handy.

Oh, and if you happen to pick up a cheap 'classic' cab (like defender or whatever) post a pic here first. Someone here might swap you for a more mame-able cab to save the classic...

+1.

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here is my opinion...

don't buy a piece of furniture to set your stuff on, because you will probably not be happy with it for very long.  If you already have something lying around that works, that is one thing, but to put any kind of money into it is a waste. when i first started out with mame, i had an x-arcade that i was using for console gaming, and some old PCs sitting around.  i put a monitor on top of the bar in our basement, and put the pc and controller on an old tv stand that i had sitting in the basement.  it worked fine for testing, but even though i was standing up playing these games with real controls, it just didn't have that same feel as having a cabinet. 

i looked around, made a few phone calls, and picked up an empty cabinet for $20.  and with only a drill, a jigsaw and a dremel, i managed to modify the cabinet to my liking.  over the years, i ended up getting a router and reconfigured the cabinet several times since then.

if you are planning on moving before too long though, you may want to hold off on the fullsize cabinet idea, they are a pain to move.

if you are dead set on doing that, i would pick up a cheap LCD wall mount bracket (www.monoprice.com) and hang an LCD on the wall.  attach a shelf to the wall below it to set your x-arcade on with your PC on the floor or something.

personally, i think the bartop idea is probably the best at this point though.  you can get them in kits that are easy to assemble, (but a little pricey) or you should be able to build one yourself (or with a friend's help) for not too much money or effort.

just don't try to be too cheap about it...you will quickly find that you can plan out a project that doesn't seem to be too expensive, but the little things add up quickly.

Current Projects:      Zak-Man | TMNT Pedestal | SNES Pi | N64 Odroid
Former Projects:     4 Player Showcase | Donkey Kong | iCade

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+10 to stuff posted by the smart guys who said to use an existing cabinet.

That is much easier than anything except putting an XArcade on a desk and can be done on the cheap.
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okay I would say in terms of difficulty and portability:

1 - buy x-arcade use on desk. A lot of people start out this way, had mine for 10 years before I built a cab.  Most portable way to enjoy arcade games in terms of moving around.
2- buy bartop kit - easy to assemble, small, portable.
3- buy junk cab, mame it - Only reason this isn't number 2 is because of the whole transport issue with full size cabs
4- full size kit
5 - make own bartop
6 - make own full size cab
7 - convert furniture into something you can play mame on without it looking like ass.


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My cabinet is designed to look like furniture when not in use, and I can fully attest to it being a 7 as on the above list. I spent probably 6-7 months just planning in cad before we ever cut wood, and even with a fully equipped professional woodshop (and the staff helping with most of the construction) it still took another two months of off and on building to finish/stain/poly it. it's a beast to move, as well. check my sig if you're interested.

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This might suit your needs and is only $300.  You'd pay that for a good computer desk anyway and it should be easier to assemble.

http://www.recroommasters.com/Xtension_Arcade_Pedestal_Arcade_Cabinet_p/rm-xt-ped.htm