Scratch Build - undecided theme -

[grtcdnbvr]

So like everyone else I have been lurking here for a long time and am finally ready to start building.
Documenting the whole process seems to be a good idea to help myself and maybe help someone else who hasn't started yet.

So i have gone back and forth on designs and decided i really like the look of the global arcade classics design built by Martijn and Valiant.
So I've done most the design and planning and will be picking up the wood tonight and cutting over the weekend.

I have a wife, 6 year old, and another due in March so money is tight to say the least.
I will be doing this as inexpensively as i can without sacrificing too much.

I have an old computer i reassembled for the purpose and picked up a used television for 10$
I plan to hack my origional xbox controllers to wire in the joystick and buttons.

I have one question, I was wondering if anyone knows of anywhere in the Hamilton/Toronto area that carries the Slot Cutting Bit.
I have found it online but was hoping to find it locally.

Here are picture of the design modeled up, if all goes well there will be more of the actual build coming soon.

[Unstupid]

That cab does have some nice lines 

[Martijn]

looking good, to go to big on the speaker panel, it seems a little deep. good luck

[grtcdnbvr]

Managed to get most of the cutting done over the weekend. That stuff is not easy to handle by yourself.
And i'm getting some idea of how heavy this thing is going to be.
So next is to add the castors before i get too much further i think.
Some pictures of the set up and parts ready for assembly.

[ronafios]

What thickness MDF did you use?

[grtcdnbvr]

All the MDF so far is 3/4" , the control panel will be 5/8"

[TopJimmyCooks]

Great looking cab.  Man, I thought I was bad A** with sketchup models and kerkythia, but so many posting here have nice chops modeling on real (non-free) modeling software.  Nice textures, shading, shadows.  Excellent work.  I'm going to have to step up my game somehow. 

[gbeef]

looking good so far. That 3d render is pretty cool

[grtcdnbvr]

Thanks guys, the funny thing is I work with Autodesk Inventor and other 3D packages professionally but for the life of me can't get sketch up to do what i want it to.
Anyways i got a few hours to kill some beers in the garage last night and got a little more done.

[grtcdnbvr]

Small update.
So i've cut the wood for around the monitor, added the speakers and jrough cut the control panel top.
Everything is sort of test fit right now. And i'm not looking forward to the day i have to move this thing. And I don't think there is one thing in the garage that's not covered in mdf dust.

Haven't decided on a theme or artwork yet either but going to have to sort out colours soon.

[bluemini17]

it like the shape! very nice indeed. what are your top arcade games? that might help others suggest a theme 

[grtcdnbvr]

oh suggestions would be great, i can't for the life of me think of how to decorate this thing and i hope to start painting soon.

Top games i remeber playing a lot of would be

Area 51
Narc
Snow Bros.
Willow
Street Fighter
Ninja Turtles
Bubble Bobble

There are a lot of little ones that will be playing this so a Narc or Area 51 sort of theme is kind of out of the question.
I spent most of college playing snow bros. but can't seem to find much decent artwork for it anywhere.
So i've thought of just a general arcade theme but i'm not keen on all black, need some lighter colours i think.

Hoping to go and pick up the joysticks and buttons this weekend, i'm excited to get it to a playable state soon.