Author Topic: Mini Mario Bros Arcade - UPDATED 5-25-12 (Read 29052 times)

elkameleon · « **on:** January 27, 2012, 10:09:10 am »

Im far enough along in the design process that I can share this with you guys now. Im building a mario bros arcade replica for my kids at 3/4ths size, which puts this thing at just a touch over 4 feet tall. I should be picking up the MDF today, we'll have to see how things go. Let me know what you think.

right click the image and select "open in new tab" to get the full resolution

smalltownguy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:11:33 am »

Great idea for a build! I'll be watching this closely. Will be using a standard Sanyo 19" monitor?

elkameleon · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:14:39 am »

I havent figured that much out yet. I've got about 16.875" of width in this cabinet. I was thinking about just using a decased pc monitor to keep the cost/complexity down. I have a budget of about 500 bucks for everything, and i'm wholly expecting artwork to claim a good chunk of that...

smalltownguy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:17:45 am »

I've got a de-cased 17" CRT computer monitor for you, if you need it.

elkameleon · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:20:29 am »

I'll keep that in mind if I can't find one here locally soon, thanks!

Well Fed Games · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2012, 10:47:16 am »

Quote from: smalltownguy on January 27, 2012, 10:11:33 am

Great idea for a build! I'll be watching this closely.

+1, this is going to be a very cool project!

elkameleon · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:10:33 am »

Quick question, how should I secure my panels together? I was thinking of just gluing and clamping with some 1 1/2" square pine peices in the corners... any suggestions? I don't really want to screw through the MDF surface if I can at all help it.

eds1275 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:16:00 am »

On mine I used biscuits and backed it with strips of mdf I made from my offcuts, and it's sturdy.

javeryh · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:17:19 am »

Glue is more than enough for MDF with the pine strips - no screws will be necessary for assembly. Trust me. Looks like a neat little project.

How much is "a touch over" 4ft? I only ask because MDF panels are machined 4'x8' and the measurements are usually dead on. If you can resize it so the height is exactly 4 ft. you will get more use out of your MDF... but this may throw off everything since you are going for 3/4 scale.

elkameleon · « **Reply #9 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:31:25 am »

the side panels are a half inch over 4 feet, I thought they sold some MDF an inch over its stated size, so a 4x8 panel is actually 49"x97"... i could be wrong. I wanted to get away with a few 4x4 panels, but if they are 4x4 on the nuts, im screwed going that route

firedance · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2012, 01:44:41 pm »

here the uk MDF is 4x8 feet or 1220mm x 2440mm if you prefer

Johns Uncle · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2012, 02:50:35 pm »

Cool project ! you could use a plinth to pinch a few inches in height !

Louis Tully · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2012, 03:31:01 pm »

05SRT4 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2012, 03:33:00 pm »

This will be a fun project.

eds1275 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2012, 03:40:48 pm »

Where I live the MDF comes in 49x97" sheets, but I think they do that because chances are one or more edges gets bumped/crushed/dented. I personally have never gotten a perfect sheet of anything from anyone so that little extra bit is nice and often not damaged past point of usefulness even if a little worse for wear.

elkameleon · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:56:01 pm »

Well, I made the trip to Menards today after work. I decided to cut my design by half an inch to fit on a 48x48 sheet of MDF, it will be barely noticeable in the end. I picked up 3 sheets at roughly 10 bucks a piece. I also picked up a router and circular saw, two tools I never had before, so thats nice! My wife's face was about like this when we got to the register.

Haha!

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2012, 12:10:13 am »

I love the 3/4 scale!

Glue will hold very well. I used 1/2 ply and screwed through from the outside. It was no problem because I put a layer of laminate on the sides (covering the screw heads). How are you going to finish the sides?

I used a 17" CRT for my son's 3/4 scale cab and it looks really nice. If I was going LCD I could fit a 19".

elkameleon · « **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2012, 12:58:16 am »

As I was laying my panels out on the MDF tonight, the sense of the scale started to hit me, and I realized I was not going to get two players on here comfortably, so I switched my design to the widebody style, gained me 3 very needed inches. Need to go back to town tomorrow and get a few more needed tools... the trick is doing that without the wife finding out I spent even more money.

She'll eventually have to realize its an investment!

Quote from: Woodshop Flunky on January 28, 2012, 12:10:13 am

I love the 3/4 scale!

Glue will hold very well. I used 1/2 ply and screwed through from the outside. It was no problem because I put a layer of laminate on the sides (covering the screw heads). How are you going to finish the sides?

I used a 17" CRT for my son's 3/4 scale cab and it looks really nice. If I was going LCD I could fit a 19".

I'm going to be painting my cab, don't think I can find laminate in that special mario powder blue color.

elkameleon · « **Reply #18 on:** January 28, 2012, 03:53:54 pm »

I was able to get out in the garage today and get one of my side panels cut out, used a lot of tools i've never personally used before, but everything went great! I'll post some photos after I get side 2 cut out.

elkameleon · « **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2012, 07:22:49 pm »

Heres the photos I promised

And one with my 5 year old for scale..

05SRT4 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 29, 2012, 07:37:18 pm »

Man I bet shes way excited.

Le Chuck · « **Reply #21 on:** January 29, 2012, 10:01:00 pm »

Usually when my 4 year old smiles like that he's getting ready to and just did in fact destroy something

Looking good, I'll be watching closely as I'm thinking about something similar. Keep it up

Green Giant · « **Reply #22 on:** January 30, 2012, 10:54:45 am »

They already know what you are building?

Man, now you really do have to finish this ASAP. Nothing like a woman waiting to get you working.

elkameleon · « **Reply #23 on:** January 30, 2012, 11:12:13 am »

Haha! Yeah, I was given about a month to get this thing built and working, so I have my work cut out for me.

elkameleon · « **Reply #24 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:14:48 pm »

Got out in the garage a little tonight, practiced cutting my speaker grill, didn't do too bad figuring I used a paper template and was routing freehand.

On the real thing i'll use a fence to get a nice straight line.

elkameleon · « **Reply #25 on:** January 30, 2012, 11:24:31 pm »

Well, here's the final product, it got a little burned, but it getting painted black so it'll go unnoticed.

05SRT4 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 31, 2012, 12:28:53 am »

speaker cut out looks great good job.

nordemoniac · « **Reply #27 on:** January 31, 2012, 06:42:05 am »

How would you normally make a router-template to cut something like that?

elkameleon · « **Reply #28 on:** January 31, 2012, 09:24:25 am »

Quote from: nordemoniac on January 31, 2012, 06:42:05 am

How would you normally make a router-template to cut something like that?

I printed it out and taped it on, then I had some guide lines for where to put my fence. I used a cad program to do it.

Le Chuck · « **Reply #29 on:** January 31, 2012, 09:43:53 am »

Quote from: nordemoniac on January 31, 2012, 06:42:05 am

How would you normally make a router-template to cut something like that?

I'd do the first one on a blank using a fence, then clamp it down where you want it and use a bit like this. That's only if I wanted to duplicate that feature multiple times. If I was just making two for a one off design I'd just do both by hand.

nordemoniac · « **Reply #30 on:** January 31, 2012, 09:51:58 am »

I see. What exactly do you mean by fence?
I haven't used a router to much. I've done a couple of these by hand, and I was thinking of maybe making some templates if I'm doing a better project in the future.

elkameleon · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2012, 10:28:03 am »

By fence I mean like a guide, a straight edge for your router to run along. Le Chuck, that bit would of been awesome to use, but I used a 3/16" bit specifically for this cab, cause its 3/4ths the size of the original slots.

nordemoniac · « **Reply #32 on:** February 01, 2012, 03:46:05 am »

Exactly. That's what I've done as well. I've only created square vents on a cabinet, but I haven't tried making round ones like this.
It would be SO much easier with a table router. It is so hard to cut small things with that huge router blocking the view.

elkameleon · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2012, 08:15:58 am »

I bought the computer I'm going to use for this cab last night off craigslist, 17" monitor included, all for 50 bucks! It's a modest machine, but good enough for the old school vert games I plan on playing on it! Gonna work on a design to mount my monitor tonight. I'll probably end up stealing ideas from Woodshop Flunky's american ace cab, since its similar in nature.

elkameleon · « **Reply #34 on:** February 03, 2012, 06:30:27 pm »

Well I was able to mount my monitor this afternoon, thanks for the idea, Woodshop Flunky!

My control board didnt have any attachment tabs, so I used some 1x1 angle brackets and some sheet metal screws to attach it.

elkameleon · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2012, 01:11:40 pm »

Well, worked from 10am saturday morning until midnight, had a few mishaps along the way, but this is what I ended up with. Let me know what you think!

Louis Tully · « **Reply #36 on:** February 05, 2012, 01:44:39 pm »

elkameleon · « **Reply #37 on:** February 08, 2012, 12:05:20 pm »

BUMP! I added a poll to the top of this thread, I can't decide what color I want to paint my cab! I'm leaning more towards the orange, but I also like the subdued hue of the blue. Help me decide!

javeryh · « **Reply #38 on:** February 08, 2012, 01:02:12 pm »

Looks great so far. I'd personally go with the blue cab - I just think it is less off-putting in the house. You know, you could always paint it pink since it is for your daughter... I sure love pink arcade cabs.

elkameleon · « **Reply #39 on:** February 08, 2012, 01:04:11 pm »

While pink would be an obvious choice for a girl, I gotta keep it legit, she'll learn to respect old school!

Le Chuck · « **Reply #40 on:** February 08, 2012, 01:11:30 pm »

I voted orange, it's a mini nintendo cab, why would you be concerned about off putting? Light it up with some orange and make that sucker a focal point. Then when people come over they can say things like, "Hey man, nice to see the carpets match the drapes... holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- ! Sweet cab!" That's the reaction you're looking for.

elkameleon · « **Reply #41 on:** February 08, 2012, 01:13:05 pm »

Quote from: Le Chuck on February 08, 2012, 01:11:30 pm

I voted orange, it's a mini nintendo cab, why would you be concerned about off putting? Light it up with some orange and make that sucker a focal point. Then when people come over they can say things like, "Hey man, nice to see the carpets match the drapes... holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- ! Sweet cab!" That's the reaction you're looking for.

OMG yes! You made me bust out laughing at work, now i'm getting funny looks!

javeryh · « **Reply #42 on:** February 08, 2012, 04:30:41 pm »

Quote from: elkameleon on February 08, 2012, 01:04:11 pm

While pink would be an obvious choice for a girl, I gotta keep it legit, she'll learn to respect old school!

I'm sure whatever you decide will look great! I will always have a special place in my heart for mini pink cabinets though...

Vigo · « **Reply #43 on:** February 08, 2012, 05:34:30 pm »

This build is really looking nice!

My vote is for orange if it's going in your kid's room; orange seems a bit more cheerful and vibrant. If it is going in your living room or whatnot, then I might edge more towards blue...but Orange has my vote.

elkameleon · « **Reply #44 on:** February 08, 2012, 05:36:54 pm »

It's going to sit next to my computer desk in the living room, that way I can stare at it longingly from afar... I mean, so I can keep an eye on it, of course.

opt2not · « **Reply #45 on:** February 08, 2012, 05:55:30 pm »

You could always go with a Red Mario Bros. cab. It's closest to pink, without actually being...and red Nintendo cabs do exist as some of them were DK's and Radarscope's.
Just a thought.

Great progress regardless. This is going to be niiiiiiice.

edit: I knew I remember seeing a Mario Bros in red, it was Level42's!!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62884.0
Converted from a Radarscope.

Le Chuck · « **Reply #46 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:16:02 pm »

Quote from: opt2not on February 08, 2012, 05:55:30 pm

You could always go with a Red Mario Bros. cab. It's closest to pink, without actually being...and red Nintendo cabs do exist as some of them were DK's and Radarscope's.
Just a thought.

Great progress regardless. This is going to be niiiiiiice.

edit: I knew I remember seeing a Mario Bros in red, it was Level42's!!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62884.0
Converted from a Radarscope.

+1 to red. I've often thought of revamping the Popeye art to be all soviet and doing a red cab based on that theme. Kinda a working man against that bourgeouise bastard Bluto. Olive Oil already looks like an Eastern block chick but not hot. The whole canned spinach thing really ties in too - a kinda let mass produced government controlled rations fuel us to overthrow this autocracy kinda thing. And those old mamushkas shucking liquor at you... forget about it

Green Giant · « **Reply #47 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:42:44 pm »

Quote from: Le Chuck on February 08, 2012, 06:16:02 pm

Quote from: opt2not on February 08, 2012, 05:55:30 pm
You could always go with a Red Mario Bros. cab. It's closest to pink, without actually being...and red Nintendo cabs do exist as some of them were DK's and Radarscope's.
Just a thought.

Great progress regardless. This is going to be niiiiiiice.

edit: I knew I remember seeing a Mario Bros in red, it was Level42's!!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62884.0
Converted from a Radarscope.

+1 to red. I've often thought of revamping the Popeye art to be all soviet and doing a red cab based on that theme. Kinda a working man against that bourgeouise bastard Bluto. Olive Oil already looks like an Eastern block chick but not hot. The whole canned spinach thing really ties in too - a kinda let mass produced government controlled rations fuel us to overthrow this autocracy kinda thing. And those old mamushkas shucking liquor at you... forget about it

You are going to destroy popeye art?

What is wrong with you. Don't you know popeye cabs restored are worth a ton..... http://houston.craigslist.org/vgm/2815947547.html

Le Chuck · « **Reply #48 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:49:26 pm »

Never you jolly green ---fudgesicle---. I have the imagery for the full cab. Some Raster, most Vector. I was going to start digitally then print it. You didn't think I'd just jump on a popeye with a bunch of red sharpies did you? Did you!

Oh, and don't buy overpriced cabs. $500 seems about right to me, $450 seems even better. Ya know, for that price I may just attack with sharpies. Hmmmm.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #49 on:** February 08, 2012, 08:57:52 pm »

05SRT4 · « **Reply #50 on:** February 08, 2012, 11:47:42 pm »

Cab looks great. voted Orange for sure!

tsukikage · « **Reply #51 on:** February 13, 2012, 01:44:54 pm »

Another vote for orange here. I think it'll pop!

elkameleon · « **Reply #52 on:** February 15, 2012, 01:48:44 pm »

So my special order slot cutter router bit came in at Lowes today, turns out you only get the slot cutter, the arbor is not included, regardless of what the picture shows... The manager agreed that the product description was misleading and gave me 10% off the arbor they had in stock, so that was really cool of them. Anyways, lesson learned - buyer beware!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_369987-10314-822.316.11_0__?productId=3482761&Ntt=slot+cutter+router+bit&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dslot%2Bcutter%2Brouter%2Bbit&facetInfo=

elkameleon · « **Reply #53 on:** February 16, 2012, 09:42:48 am »

So apparently cutting t-molding slots requires you say some magical phrases before any cutting can be done, cause I managed to ---fudgesicle--- it up on both sides, after I did my test cuts to make sure it was centered! When I say I messed it up, it's really only a 1/32 of an inch off center, but that's a 1/32" too far for me!

Maybe I was going too fast... who knows, it'll probalby turn out just fine. Still pisses me off though.

05SRT4 · « **Reply #54 on:** February 16, 2012, 12:28:37 pm »

So did we ever figure out the magical phrase? I may need this for future builds!!

elkameleon · « **Reply #55 on:** February 22, 2012, 09:33:01 am »

Been working on my control panel design, what you guys think?

eds1275 · « **Reply #56 on:** February 22, 2012, 10:35:19 am »

I'd put p2 start in the upper right, or if there's room I prefer mine in the middle. But that's just personal preference. I'm assuming that's what the blue buttons are. If they are admin, keep them together and out of the way - where they are right now is good.

elkameleon · « **Reply #57 on:** February 22, 2012, 10:40:24 am »

Thats my player 1 and player 2 start buttons, this is suppose to resemble a mario bros machine at first glance, with the obvious inclusion of the second button per player. I will probably have some admin buttons hidden somewhere, maybe recessed into the top where the kids can't reach them.

Green Giant · « **Reply #58 on:** February 22, 2012, 12:34:37 pm »

Are these only 4-ways or switchable?

I would recommend squeezing 2 more buttons in per player. The number of games added when going from 2 to 4 buttons is crazy.

elkameleon · « **Reply #59 on:** February 22, 2012, 01:42:06 pm »

Quote from: Green Giant on February 22, 2012, 12:34:37 pm

Are these only 4-ways or switchable?

I would recommend squeezing 2 more buttons in per player. The number of games added when going from 2 to 4 buttons is crazy.

They are original nintendo 8-way sticks. I didn't have time to fully model them, sorry. I've already went from 1 button to 2 buttons, and its a tight ass squeeze, there is no way i'd get any more on there. I already have a mame cabinet anyways thats way more powerful than this thing will be. This is just suppose to play the simple games. I added that second button cause I wanted to open up play for NES games.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #60 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:20:03 pm »

elkameleon · « **Reply #61 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:24:26 pm »

Quote from: Louis Tully on February 22, 2012, 02:20:03 pm

How's the build coming along?

I am nearly finished with the woodwork, I need to do a few touchups here on friday, and I will be ready to fill, sand, prime and paint! I'll post some photos of my progress here this weekend.

Green Giant · « **Reply #62 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:47:54 pm »

Quote from: elkameleon on February 22, 2012, 01:42:06 pm

Quote from: Green Giant on February 22, 2012, 12:34:37 pm
Are these only 4-ways or switchable?

I would recommend squeezing 2 more buttons in per player. The number of games added when going from 2 to 4 buttons is crazy.

They are original nintendo 8-way sticks. I didn't have time to fully model them, sorry. I've already went from 1 button to 2 buttons, and its a tight ass squeeze, there is no way i'd get any more on there. I already have a mame cabinet anyways thats way more powerful than this thing will be. This is just suppose to play the simple games. I added that second button cause I wanted to open up play for NES games.

I guess I am just a big fan of neo-geo games.

elkameleon · « **Reply #63 on:** February 23, 2012, 08:50:16 am »

I was working on the artwork last night, decided to throw it into the model to see how its fitting... lookin' GOOD!

PROTIP: Right click the image and select "open in new tab" to get the full view.

I don't have a decent set of side art in vector(I have some, but they aren't accurate at all), so that's why it's missing.

EDIT: just ordered the coin door for this project, should be here next week.

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #64 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:36:08 pm »

This is looking great.

Can't wait to see the finished product!

elkameleon · « **Reply #65 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:44:04 pm »

Quote from: Woodshop Flunky on February 23, 2012, 05:36:08 pm

This is looking great.

Can't wait to see the finished product!

Thanks! I appreciate your enthusiasm!

racecar · « **Reply #66 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:07:27 pm »

looks great! wish my old man build me a arcade machine

leapinlew · « **Reply #67 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:40:36 pm »

Looks good, is it going to have a base on it?

BobA · « **Reply #68 on:** February 23, 2012, 10:33:31 pm »

Looks like a great little unit. I am amazed by people who can squeeze things into such small cabs.

elkameleon · « **Reply #69 on:** February 24, 2012, 09:15:42 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on February 23, 2012, 09:40:36 pm

Looks good, is it going to have a base on it?

Yeah, there will be a base, I'm cutting the wood for it today, should be done with all the woodwork this afternoon hopefully!

elkameleon · « **Reply #70 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:48:35 pm »

Ok, Here's a progress update, and also a dilemma. I've started my painting, but im getting streaks, and I don't know how to get rid of them. This is the second coat, 2 hours of drying time, no sanding yet. What should I do?

leapinlew · « **Reply #71 on:** March 04, 2012, 11:24:56 pm »

are you rolling?

Honestly, I could never get a great finish with anything but laminate. I get a decent finish with a foam roller. I am never happy with a brush, regardless of oil or latex paint.

elkameleon · « **Reply #72 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:18:33 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on March 04, 2012, 11:24:56 pm

are you rolling?

Honestly, I could never get a great finish with anything but laminate. I get a decent finish with a foam roller. I am never happy with a brush, regardless of oil or latex paint.

I'm using a 4" high density foam roller. I think my problem is i'm not using enough paint maybe, i'm rolling it dry? I don't know.

kahlid74 · « **Reply #73 on:** March 05, 2012, 09:21:20 am »

Nice build so far. I'm not a fan of only two buttons but I get where you're coming from and I think it's a cool concept.

From a paint perspective you've got a few areas to look at:

Paint - Is this a high quality or low quality? Did you make sure to shake it at the store and then when you got it home did you stir it too before use?
Roller - Is this a high quality or low quality? Are you putting a lot of pressure on it?

When I see streak lines with a roller I'm doing one of these things:

Not using enough paint
Pushing too hard
Using a super cheap roller or one that I didn't fully clean after the last use
Using paint that's sat on the counter and not shaking/stirring before use

Just glob a bunch and then smooth out on the wood. Don't use pressure and instead just "roll" it. Let the friction between the wood and roller do the work for you.

elkameleon · « **Reply #74 on:** March 05, 2012, 09:25:28 am »

I'm using Behr paint, so I'd say that not low quality. Yes, I think I may be using too much pressure when rolling. My roller is probably cheap, but I do clean it thoroughly after each coat. I do stir the paint well before each coat as well. So I think i'll try using more paint, and less pressure. I appreciate the input, thanks guys!

opt2not · « **Reply #75 on:** March 05, 2012, 05:12:29 pm »

Quote from: elkameleon on March 05, 2012, 09:25:28 am

I'm using Behr paint, so I'd say that not low quality.

Actually, Behr is a low quality paint. It's the "affordable" brand that Home Depot carries and promotes as their easy-to-use primer+paint combination. I've found it difficult to get a nice clean layer on whenever I use this paint. I would avoid using Behr and go for something a little higher quality.

Glidden and Sherwin Williams, are the two brands I usually use. Though I think Glidden is a Canadian paint, but I know SW is American and all over the USA.

Be sure to apply your paint in a nice thick coat, but not lumpy. You still want the amount of paint to evenly coat the surface, but have enough on there so that it's not "thin". I tend to glob it on, then use my roller to smooth it out. Using a fine roller is good, but you don't need to apply too much pressure to get coverage.
Also, start your sanding passes on your layers early. I usually start sanding in my primer pass, then every pass after that. Apply your coat, let dry for a few hours or until the paint is "tacky", then lightly sand using a high-grit sandpaper, then gradually getting higher towards your last pass. You just want to sand the paint surface till it's smooth in each pass. For me, I put 2 - 3 passes of primer, then 3-5 passes of paint, sanding in each pass.
It's worked out great for me, and I have no complaints of the end results (check out the first page of my Canucks cocktail in my sig, the paint job was done with this method and it looks awesome).

elkameleon · « **Reply #76 on:** March 12, 2012, 09:20:14 am »

I was able to get some work done on my control panel last night, all the cutting and routing went exactly as planned, thank the wood gods! So this is where i'm sitting now. Its going to be in the high 60's this week, so im ready to prime/paint!

Sorry about how blue it is, that's a cell phone camera for ya...

Jasonmm · « **Reply #77 on:** March 14, 2012, 08:53:56 am »

have you ever seen this free vector art file ?

http://www.vectorilla.com/2010/01/super-mario-world-goodie-vector-pack/

might help with your art ...

J

elkameleon · « **Reply #78 on:** March 14, 2012, 10:41:51 am »

I appreciate the help, but none of those images would work with this project

Thanks anyways!

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #79 on:** March 14, 2012, 10:47:03 am »

Wow! That looks so cool!

elkameleon · « **Reply #80 on:** March 14, 2012, 10:50:00 am »

Thanks! I'm home "sick" today from work (I really am sick). I think it would be a waste to have this beautiful weather and not at least put one coat of primer on this bad boy!

elkameleon · « **Reply #81 on:** March 14, 2012, 01:10:50 pm »

Ok, how the hell do you get paint into the tight corners that a roller cant reach?! I have a bunch of foam brushes i'm using, but it looks like ass compared to the rolled on primer... I suppose that's why we sand it... Now when I sand, I do that by hand, right? Any information is greatly appreciated!

wp34 · « **Reply #82 on:** March 14, 2012, 01:54:41 pm »

Great work so far. I don't know how I missed this one. That speaker grill in particular looks awesome.

For the corners you have to trim it out with a brush first and then go back and roll as close as you can. A good quality brush will help. I don't say this from experience because I suck at painting but I've watched my wife paint many times.

I've had good luck using a random orbit sander. Saves a lot of time.

elkameleon · « **Reply #83 on:** March 15, 2012, 08:53:03 am »

I started priming yesterday, the spots where i had filled my screw holes decided to shrink, leaving very noticeable divots...

I ended up stripping the primer from both sides and refilling the holes. Talk about disappointment.

05SRT4 · « **Reply #84 on:** March 15, 2012, 11:34:07 am »

Quote from: elkameleon on March 15, 2012, 08:53:03 am

I started priming yesterday, the spots where i had filled my screw holes decided to shrink, leaving very noticeable divots... I ended up stripping the primer from both sides and refilling the holes. Talk about disappointment.

You mean talk about commitment to perfection! good job, no cutting corners here.

elkameleon · « **Reply #85 on:** March 15, 2012, 11:36:02 am »

Most other people wont ever notice it, but every time I look at the thing, all i'll see is those damn divots!! So yeah, this was the best course of action.

elkameleon · « **Reply #86 on:** April 09, 2012, 08:46:46 am »

Been a while since I updated this post... my cabinet is all primed, still waiting on paint. Thing is, i'm afraid to paint it, cause I know the finish is going to look like ass. The best option that i've tested was good old spray paint, goes on very even. I'm still waiting for a day that at least 70 before I start hitting it with color.

I may just bring it in to work and have it sprayed since we have an industrial paint booth. I'll update this post when i've actually done something other than sit in the garage and stare at it for 20 mins before going back in the house...

leapinlew · « **Reply #87 on:** April 09, 2012, 08:58:28 am »

Quote from: elkameleon on April 09, 2012, 08:46:46 am

Been a while since I updated this post... my cabinet is all primed, still waiting on paint. Thing is, i'm afraid to paint it, cause I know the finish is going to look like ass. The best option that i've tested was good old spray paint, goes on very even. I'm still waiting for a day that at least 70 before I start hitting it with color. I may just bring it in to work and have it sprayed since we have an industrial paint booth. I'll update this post when i've actually done something other than sit in the garage and stare at it for 20 mins before going back in the house...

Painting is always a little more disappointing to me too. I just don't want to put in all the effort required to make it look pristine. When I go black, I often use laminate.

Keep the prize in sight. It's an arcade cabinet. It doesn't have to be picture perfect and after the kids play on it for a year, it'll have some scuffs/scratches on it.

elkameleon · « **Reply #88 on:** April 09, 2012, 09:01:10 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on April 09, 2012, 08:58:28 am

Quote from: elkameleon on April 09, 2012, 08:46:46 am
Been a while since I updated this post... my cabinet is all primed, still waiting on paint. Thing is, i'm afraid to paint it, cause I know the finish is going to look like ass. The best option that i've tested was good old spray paint, goes on very even. I'm still waiting for a day that at least 70 before I start hitting it with color. I may just bring it in to work and have it sprayed since we have an industrial paint booth. I'll update this post when i've actually done something other than sit in the garage and stare at it for 20 mins before going back in the house...

Painting is always a little more disappointing to me too. I just don't want to put in all the effort required to make it look pristine. When I go black, I often use laminate.

Keep the prize in sight. It's an arcade cabinet. It doesn't have to be picture perfect and after the kids play on it for a year, it'll have some scuffs/scratches on it.

This is pretty much the mentality i've come to accept, most people will be paying attention to the game, and not the finish quality of the paint. As long as it doesn't look like someone spray farted all over the damn thing, I think i'm sitting good.

ChrisK · « **Reply #89 on:** April 11, 2012, 11:49:26 am »

Quote from: elkameleon on February 22, 2012, 01:42:06 pm

They are original nintendo 8-way sticks. I didn't have time to fully model them, sorry. I've already went from 1 button to 2 buttons, and its a tight ass squeeze, there is no way i'd get any more on there. I already have a mame cabinet anyways thats way more powerful than this thing will be. This is just suppose to play the simple games. I added that second button cause I wanted to open up play for NES games.

So are the blue buttons Select and Start for Player 1? A lot of NES games use those as part of normal gameplay. Metroid uses Select to change missiles, for example.

Or are you going to do MAME and do PlayChoice-10 games?

Love the button color choices, by the way.

elkameleon · « **Reply #90 on:** April 11, 2012, 11:51:31 am »

Yeah, thats the idea, but I dont really see me playing many NES games on this particular machine. Mostly just mario bros.

Vigo · « **Reply #91 on:** April 11, 2012, 12:44:41 pm »

It's awesome you are keeping focused with the purpose of your cab.

It is so easy to say, "Well, let me just add another couple buttons so it can also do X", I know I would be doing that.

ChrisK · « **Reply #92 on:** April 11, 2012, 01:09:15 pm »

If you're going to pick one game, Mario Bros is a good one. It's great solo and versus.

I'd suffer buttonitis too, so I'm jealous of your restraint. With two I'd jump to four for Neo Geo games, and then it's just a small leap to go to six to play Street Fighter 2, which is one of my all-time favorites. But then the arrangement isn't great for either, so a seventh button would fix that.........

elkameleon · « **Reply #93 on:** April 11, 2012, 01:11:01 pm »

I already have a dedicated mame beast, so that helps keep the buttonitis at bay.

DaOld Man · « **Reply #94 on:** April 11, 2012, 01:23:56 pm »

Good work, man.
I have not tried spray painting a cab yet. May try it on the one Im doing now, but I would have to use spray cans, since I dont have a real paint sprayer. Im afraid I will make a heck of a mess though, I mean how do you know for sure that several cans of paint are all going to match exactly?
I wonder how one of those hand held powered sprayers would do?

elkameleon · « **Reply #95 on:** April 25, 2012, 05:17:45 pm »

This is a really crappy phone pic, but I was forced to "make it work" even though i'm still waiting on paint.

05SRT4 · « **Reply #96 on:** April 25, 2012, 07:06:44 pm »

Still looks great!!!

elkameleon · « **Reply #97 on:** April 25, 2012, 08:04:16 pm »

My son taking it for a spin.

TheShaner · « **Reply #98 on:** April 25, 2012, 10:11:35 pm »

On the topic of painting, I am at the point on mine where I am priming and doing some paint tests. Have you tried using a roller? It gives you a really nice orange peel texture, and definitely looks sharp if you take your time and put enough coats on it.

In my opinion a well painted cab can look just as good, if not better, than a laminated one. What I have painted so far looks really sharp. Why are you concerned about it looking cheap?

elkameleon · « **Reply #99 on:** April 25, 2012, 11:49:12 pm »

Quote from: TheShaner on April 25, 2012, 10:11:35 pm

On the topic of painting, I am at the point on mine where I am priming and doing some paint tests. Have you tried using a roller? It gives you a really nice orange peel texture, and definitely looks sharp if you take your time and put enough coats on it.

In my opinion a well painted cab can look just as good, if not better, than a laminated one. What I have painted so far looks really sharp. Why are you concerned about it looking cheap?

Because I'm a masochist. For real though, i'm going to have a guy who paints professionally hit it up with a spray gun at my place of work, I just need to acquire the paint now...

Louis Tully · « **Reply #100 on:** April 26, 2012, 05:13:38 am »

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #101 on:** April 26, 2012, 11:20:54 am »

It's even more awsome when you see the kids on it!

elkameleon · « **Reply #102 on:** May 10, 2012, 10:15:15 am »

Just a quick update, I brought the arcade into work to be painted, they are gonna spray the first coat this afternoon. I'll update this post with pics once the first coat goes on.

opt2not · « **Reply #103 on:** May 10, 2012, 02:49:19 pm »

I still say you should have went with Red

but I'm happy to read you're getting some colour on this thing!

elkameleon · « **Reply #104 on:** May 10, 2012, 05:48:31 pm »

Ok, so I went out to where this thing was being painted, turns out he went ahead and started painting before I got out there, and was gone for the day. He only did the black, but he looked like he took the hurry up and get it done approach, the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- looks like its pooling. I'm no expert, but isnt this stuff meant to go on in many thin layers and not just sprayed on heavy? I'm kinda peeved cause I spend 60 odd dollars on this paint that I got chewed out about later once the wife found out how much it was.

P-chan · « **Reply #105 on:** May 11, 2012, 12:37:47 am »

I spray painted my pedestal and got really good results. I used rust-oleum primer, sanded, primer again, sanded really well, then once I cleaned up all the dust, hit it with a light coat of rust-oleum red spray paint. Another light coat, then a light sanding on some rough spots, then a final coat. The result looks really good and very even. I'm happy with how it turned out.

wivelden · « **Reply #106 on:** May 11, 2012, 04:13:07 am »

Whats the metal plating called that was shown in the first page of this thread that goes on the bottom of the cabinet?

elkameleon · « **Reply #107 on:** May 11, 2012, 10:27:31 am »

Diamond plate sheet metal?

eds1275 · « **Reply #108 on:** May 11, 2012, 02:35:42 pm »

Sometime known as tread plate, diamond plate, armour plate, diamond armour plate, truck box metal... I had a really hard time finding some when asking for it because everyone uses a different name. Turns out just about every metal store carries it.

elkameleon · « **Reply #109 on:** May 14, 2012, 05:02:56 pm »

Well, its mostly painted now. The orange needs another coat yet, will be done and ready to go home tomorrow. My only gripe is that the orange turned out a little redder than I had hoped. That's the guy at Sherwin Williams fault. Told me the color I wanted wouldn't fit in the quart can. So he went renegade. Looks great for the nobody, but the purist would crap bricks more than likely

I'll post pics tomorrow once I get it home.

Le Chuck · « **Reply #110 on:** May 14, 2012, 05:21:25 pm »

Quote from: elkameleon on May 14, 2012, 05:02:56 pm

Well, its mostly painted now. The orange needs another coat yet, will be done and ready to go home tomorrow. My only gripe is that the orange turned out a little redder than I had hoped. That's the guy at Sherwin Williams fault. Told me the color I wanted wouldn't fit in the quart can. So he went renegade. Looks great for the nobody, but the purist would crap bricks more than likely I'll post pics tomorrow once I get it home.

Install some yellow tinted lighting and it'll pull the red out. Everybody will just get really depressed in that room.

elkameleon · « **Reply #111 on:** May 15, 2012, 08:52:58 am »

Well, its all done (painting)! Here's a pic from out in the shop with my cell phone, so pardon the quality. I'll take another after I get it home and put back together.

Nephasth · « **Reply #112 on:** May 15, 2012, 09:14:02 am »

I just crapped bricks... J/K, looks pretty good. I take it you set your painter straight?

elkameleon · « **Reply #113 on:** May 15, 2012, 09:15:43 am »

Actually, hes the one that was unhappy with it, he won't give up till its perfect, and it looks pretty darn good, so im not complaining!

Woodshop Flunky · « **Reply #114 on:** May 15, 2012, 09:45:57 am »

I think it looks awesome! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Nephasth · « **Reply #115 on:** May 15, 2012, 10:24:30 am »

Quote from: elkameleon on May 15, 2012, 09:15:43 am

Actually, hes the one that was unhappy with it, he won't give up till its perfect, and it looks pretty darn good, so im not complaining!

Nice to hear he takes pride in his work! Looking forward to seeing this one all finished up!

elkameleon · « **Reply #116 on:** May 16, 2012, 08:15:35 am »

Got the cab out in the sun, short story shorter, the finish blows...

Anyways, on with the pics.

The amount of dust found in the shop it was painted in...

Here you can see the overspray on one side, feels like sandpaper...

SteveR · « **Reply #117 on:** May 16, 2012, 10:25:48 am »

Love that shade of orange/red. Who cares if it's not exactly like the original cabs.

elkameleon · « **Reply #118 on:** May 17, 2012, 10:25:05 am »

Wired my cab for power last night, that's all I had time for unfortunately.

sorry for the crappy cellphone pic

elkameleon · « **Reply #119 on:** May 17, 2012, 06:24:38 pm »

Got a little more done today, installed the casters, speaker, the plexi and plexi retainer. Not done tonight yet! Gotta break for dinner.

Louis Tully · « **Reply #120 on:** May 17, 2012, 06:58:06 pm »

elkameleon · « **Reply #121 on:** May 25, 2012, 09:59:04 pm »

Pretty much done other than artwork!

05SRT4 · « **Reply #122 on:** May 25, 2012, 10:04:13 pm »

Very cool!! and the son seems to love it!! its a win win

Santoro · « **Reply #123 on:** May 26, 2012, 08:49:31 am »

Love the colors.. looks good!


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Poll

What color should I paint my cab?

Author Topic: Mini Mario Bros Arcade - UPDATED 5-25-12 (Read 29052 times)