Repurpose furniture at right height for lightweight stand-up MAME machine?

[Donkbaca]

THose things are hideous

[Anpanman]

THose things are hideous

 

[Donkbaca]

To the OP:

Are you married?  If so what will the wife allow?  And before anyone jumps on me, and does one of those "you just do what you want and show her who's boss" please remember that this is 2011 not 1911 and having a pissed off wife is not fun.

If you are not married, are you interested in women?  Having a arcade machine is kind of cool.  An x-arcade you can stash away, having a bootleg stand to pretend its an arcade machine to play bootleg arcade games on....

[mgb]

Its not exactly what I'd want, but I think the xarcade pedistal is a great solution for someone who doesn't feel they can build or modify a cabinet and just wants to enjoy some classic games.

[Donkbaca]

I can think of better things to spend 300 bucks on, like an old EM pinball machine

[mgb]

I would also rather spend $300 on something else. (as a matter of fact I'm also looking for a pinball table) but this thread is about whats best for the guy who started it, not us.

[Lilwolf]

Consider getting skillz....  This forum has been amazing for helping others out.  You will figure out how to refab a cab.  Look around and see if you find one that you like. 

And if you want to build one from scratch, the showcase cabs are the cheapest / easiest since they are basically just the control panel.  But this would also be for finding the right size cabinet or something might do...  But at that point, your not saving much with the prepurchase.  I always wanted to build one with a projector built inside it so you move it up to a white wall and you have a cabinet.  The other is a cocktail table / coffee table.  I saw one a costco last night that would work with easy dual wide screen lcd mounting under the glass.  But the glass was dark, not sure if it was too dark. 

As for furnature.  I always look around, but stability is really the selling point.  you want to be able to move that joystick as fast and hard as you can without moving everything.

But really, consider getting the skillz 

[eds1275]

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

I bet if you bought something like this, cut some hardboard to fit the frame and gave it a paint job, then installed the x-arcade on it securely you would have a pretty nice modern-looking one of a kind cab. It's already got a keyboard tray and the top is begging for a marquee. Hide a computer in the bottom, mount the monitor on a board bolted to those back supports and remove the wheels and replace them with some feet so it doesn't slide around. Sure it wouldn't be arcade authentic but it would be functional and lightweight, and you could build it all with one piece of 1/4" hardboard, a 2x4 for the monitor, some angle iron for the edges and a can of paint.

[Donkbaca]

Looks like a great crap Mame project waiting to happen

[snorpmeister]

Thanks again for the suggestions. My wife is fine with me building a game room. Sorry to all the fellahs whose wives aren't down with that.

Want to get a few pins too some day. Won't do it if I have to move soon though. And that's still up in the air. Guess I would have to pick up a few skills to maintain pins but that's not fun to me. Game play is the goal for me personally. Same with MAME / classic video games.

[leapinlew]

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

I bet if you bought something like this, cut some hardboard to fit the frame and gave it a paint job, then installed the x-arcade on it securely you would have a pretty nice modern-looking one of a kind cab. It's already got a keyboard tray and the top is begging for a marquee. Hide a computer in the bottom, mount the monitor on a board bolted to those back supports and remove the wheels and replace them with some feet so it doesn't slide around. Sure it wouldn't be arcade authentic but it would be functional and lightweight, and you could build it all with one piece of 1/4" hardboard, a 2x4 for the monitor, some angle iron for the edges and a can of paint.

Sounds like more work than building a cab.

[Well Fed Games]

Remember there are no rules for your project except what you yourself determine (at least here, KLOV is a different story).

My wife is fine with me building a game room. Sorry to all the fellahs whose wives aren't down with that.

Amen. When my mame cab gets done? Goes in the living room. Not because I fought for it, but because my wife thinks it is cool.

[snorpmeister]

Remember there are no rules for your project except what you yourself determine (at least here, KLOV is a different story).

My wife is fine with me building a game room. Sorry to all the fellahs whose wives aren't down with that.

Amen. When my mame cab gets done? Goes in the living room. Not because I fought for it, but because my wife thinks it is cool.

Bingo. :-)

[Cory]

I kinda have the same issue.

I'm building a bartop, and since i'm lacking an actual bar in my house I'll eventually need find something to put it on once completed.

[ark_ader]

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

 

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.

That is just plain odd.  Well kinda freaky.

I just got tired of pulling everything apart with the X-Arcade and setting up my projector, so this weekend I snagged a CD tower and fashioned it to my very small cheapo desk I use for all my Terminal/play/etc, and now I got it all installed and bolted down (Robotron & projectors mounted above do not mix) then you showed a pic of what I have been looking for.    This is what I have to put up with now:



I'm in the same boat as the OP.  I was going to buy a Slim Mini from Turnarcades (still thinking) as it would be nice to have everything enclosed, but I am crammed in a box room with a larger desk and a bed with very little space.  The idea of having a small cab Control Panel at keyboard level is now a necessity, but cost and my crap cab building skills is an obstacle.  The OP might want to look at Turnarcades Mini Slim, as it would be at desk height and at 20 inches wide small enough for it to look smart, yet easy to relocate.  Best of all, at chair height you can play for hours.

[snorpmeister]

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.

So has anyone purchased this model? If so, what's the final product look like? Or better, how does it function. Although I love the artistry of cabs, I just want something that functions reasonably well and it portable.

[GibsonRiddler]

I had something similar for a desk. Same basic style, it served it's purpose but doesnt hold up for a long term use.

[snorpmeister]

UPDATE:

I decided to go ahead and purchase a 60-in-1 multicade. Very glad I did. For the price I paid at auction (~$500), it beats anything I personally could have built or set-up myself. Sure would like to add a spinner for Arkanoid... Such a fun game but a lot less so with a cherry ball 4 position joystick--but that stick is amazing for Pacman. Plays just like I remember.

[MTPPC]

I recently installed a 60 in 1 in a cabinet with a 4-way joystick. I'm really enjoying mr. do! right now. While the sound leaves a little to be desired, the gameplay is great for a novice like me.

[wweumina]

Please let this thread go away. Friends don't let friends repurpose furniture into an arcade 'cabinet'.  If u really don't have/don't want to learn the skills then build/buy a control panel and place it on a desk.

[mo1e]

Its actually funny i found this thread. because ive been thinking. do i either

1.- build a control panel for my dreamcast. or 2 revamp my current pc desk and build around it?

Heres an idea of how i will do that

Sorry about the crap illustrations as i used paint for these.

I  have a pc desktop table that looks like this


Heres a side view


Heres what i want inside


Heres a rough idea for the control panel


I will be building around the current pc desk using wood and the sega logo will be illuminated


And heres the side. the circle whole featuring the dreamcast logo will also be illuminated



Here it is complete


Do you guys think im being crazy? I cant really afford to build a cab since im saving to get a mortgage with my girlfriend. and this will be smaller and easier to move out when i finally do.

[Donkbaca]

It won't be cheaper, lighter or easier to move

[mo1e]

It won't be cheaper, lighter or easier to move

Damn now your making me want to build from scratch. and i have minimal woodworking skills to boot.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Lots of fine cabs built here by folks with little to no woodworking experience... don't let that hold you back. 

[mo1e]

Lots of fine cabs built here by folks with little to no woodworking experience... don't let that hold you back. 

haaa, well your username is inspiration alone. But maybe i should just stick to building a control panel then.

[drventure]

haaa, well your username is inspiration alone. But maybe i should just stick to building a control panel then.

That's what I thought I'd do.

Boy, did that not work out 

If you're saving to buy a house, I'd put that front and center.

One possibility is to take an old coffee table or end table and hack it into a simple cocktail cab.

There's a number of very nice examples on the boards here for that.

That's a build that's not too hard, can look reasonably nice in a living room if you're tight on space, still works as a table if you put glass over it, and yet can be perfectly playable for a large number of games.

The rolling cart idea seems great for a projector cart with speakers that you roll out on your lawn to watch movies outside, but not so much for an arcade cab.

[mo1e]

haaa, well your username is inspiration alone. But maybe i should just stick to building a control panel then.

That's what I thought I'd do.

Boy, did that not work out 

If you're saving to buy a house, I'd put that front and center.

One possibility is to take an old coffee table or end table and hack it into a simple cocktail cab.

There's a number of very nice examples on the boards here for that.

That's a build that's not too hard, can look reasonably nice in a living room if you're tight on space, still works as a table if you put glass over it, and yet can be perfectly playable for a large number of games.

The rolling cart idea seems great for a projector cart with speakers that you roll out on your lawn to watch movies outside, but not so much for an arcade cab.

Yeah obviously saving is more important. but i want to start a hobby to help me save. instead of going out all the time. plus i absolutely love my gaming

[drventure]

Yeah obviously saving is more important. but i want to start a hobby to help me save. instead of going out all the time. plus i absolutely love my gaming

No worries

Finally found the link. This thing is awesome!

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112343.msg1210899#msg1210899

[mo1e]

Yeah obviously saving is more important. but i want to start a hobby to help me save. instead of going out all the time. plus i absolutely love my gaming

No worries

Finally found the link. This thing is awesome!

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112343.msg1210899#msg1210899

Now that project has been noted. its beautiful.... Its not too arcadey so the wifes must dig it.    Im seriously considdering going cocktail now. DAMN

[Donkbaca]

just consider a couple things with a cocktail:

1 - you have to run power to it

2- they are not all that comfortable to play on, imagine sitting on the edge of your couch, hunched over your coffee table for your gaming duration

[mo1e]

just consider a couple things with a cocktail:

1 - you have to run power to it

2- they are not all that comfortable to play on, imagine sitting on the edge of your couch, hunched over your coffee table for your gaming duration

Yeah i have thought about that. also because i will be using this to run dreamcast games. both playerswould have to be situated on the same side of the table.

Just searched magazine table on ebay and found this interesting looking victim.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Small-Magazine-Table-Draw-/260996225846?pt=UK_Home_Garden_LivingRoomFurniture_EH&hash=item3cc4965b36

[wweumina]

Whilst that link is actually almost passable you'd need almost as many skills to modify it as to build a cabinet from scratch. It would also be better suited as a classics vertical cocktail than anything else.

[Donkbaca]

Agree, you would need to build additions to the table, hide the electronics, route out an area for the glass and screen, etc.

[Vigo]

That's why a tried and true method is to buy a empty cab off of craigslist for $50.

[mo1e]

That's why a tried and true method is to buy a empty cab off of craigslist for $50.

Yeah thats one of the joys of living in the us. This hobby isnt exactly booming in the uk. i have read the tutorial on how to make a cab just now and to be honest. im going to struggle getting half f what i need.

[Vigo]

That's why a tried and true method is to buy a empty cab off of craigslist for $50.

Yeah thats one of the joys of living in the us. This hobby isnt exactly booming in the uk. i have read the tutorial on how to make a cab just now and to be honest. im going to struggle getting half f what i need.

Oh, I hear you there...didn't think about that aspect.