Author Topic: UK BYOAC'ers (Read 24984 times)

shrunkenmaster · « **on:** January 05, 2013, 05:08:10 pm »

Wondered if we could get a thread going for UK-based members? Just drop a comment here so us poor sods in the UK can find swap suppliers of things like CNC'ers, plastic merchants, laminate, etc.

Please include your location when posting...

PL1 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2013, 05:44:12 pm »

One resource that many overlook is the Wiki entry for Vendors.

Scott

shrunkenmaster · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2013, 06:06:06 pm »

Cheers Scott, but I'm looking at getting a list of UK members, who can also recommend services rather than just suppliers of. I'm sure a lot of members forget to look at the wiki, so thanks for that.

As I said, it's the stuff that we can't do ourselves, like CNC work, plastic cutting and sourcing materials like laminate sheet that all seem to be the obstacles for UK builders.

bluemini17 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2013, 10:35:19 am »

I tend to ramble about the country looking for all things arcade related so I will be sure to post my findings as and when I come across said items, large or small.

David,
Bangor
Northern Ireland

EightBySix · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2013, 03:58:30 pm »

< raises hand, from chesterfield.

robe_uk · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2013, 04:21:34 pm »

Another Northern Ireland hands-up here, up in the northwest Derry/Londonderry lol.
Am fortunate to have built my own cnc router

so able to do the build myself, but that said it would be quicker doing it with hand tools as you have to factor in the CAD time. There are loads of builds on here in which guys show how to do the builds in great detail with hand tools.
The only service I can recommend is Sign Express who printed my marquee and mounted it onto perspex which they supplied all for £20. bargain. (60x15cm) I supplied the artwork drawn up in photoshop.

Rob

ark_ader · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2013, 06:23:41 pm »

The problem with a UK support group is that there are only a handful of places to get our gear.

The rest of it comes from the states.

Other than that the members here have enough knowledge to go around so why isolate it to one country?

dancawar · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2013, 04:23:17 am »

another from chesterfield....

shrunkenmaster · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2013, 09:45:40 am »

Quote from: ark_ader on January 06, 2013, 06:23:41 pm

The problem with a UK support group is that there are only a handful of places to get our gear.
The rest of it comes from the states.
Other than that the members here have enough knowledge to go around so why isolate it to one country?

The fact there's only a handful of places is kind of the point, sir! I'm also talking about the stuff that's impractical to get from abroad, like laminate sheets, and services such as CNC cutting. I was aiming to get some member's names together in one place so we could see who's also in the UK, with the possibility of future group buys to bring down foreign shipping costs, etc.

I've already passed on details of a decent vinyl printer here in Brighton to other members, who've benefitted from this sort of collaborative method. Just trying to help out really.

Jollywest · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2013, 04:02:47 pm »

Based in the UK aswell, North East area.

Cheers for thinking of your fellow UK-ians, it's a good idea for the big stuff.
I find the smaller deliverable items are a lot cheaper from the states though.

Mr Wilson · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2013, 03:32:16 pm »

from the south east coast

now who's gonna tell me where i can get some black laminate from in the UK? lol

Ross

CpCaveman · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2013, 03:53:38 pm »

South Wales here

only built one cab STILL applying vinyl (could make the next one blindfolded and a hell of a lot cheaper now i know what it involves

) well up for a UK section. speaking of in the UK anyone know where i can get a 1/16th slot cutter 1/4" shaft router bit without £30`s worth of postage

only need it for half an hour

been meaning to drive to B&Q for 2 months now, just cant be arsed

and Mr Wilson the answers always eBay, bought everything bar the MDF off it

markc74 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2013, 03:55:54 pm »

Hello from sunny Kent! Also interested in laminate for my next build...

Mr Wilson · « **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:46:17 pm »

Quote from: CpCaveman on March 06, 2013, 03:53:38 pm

South Wales here only built one cab STILL applying vinyl (could make the next one blindfolded and a hell of a lot cheaper now i know what it involves ) well up for a UK section. speaking of in the UK anyone know where i can get a 1/16th slot cutter 1/4" shaft router bit without £30`s worth of postage only need it for half an hour been meaning to drive to B&Q for 2 months now, just cant be arsed

and Mr Wilson the answers always eBay, bought everything bar the MDF off it

yep just got mine from www.wealdentools.com £32 delivered the one on the site is out of stock but just phone up and they've got a different brand they were really helpful just say your making an arcade cabinet and he knew what i wanted 1/4 "arbor 1/16th(1.5mm)slot cutter and bearing and it was here the next day

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-x-1200-Sheet-of-Graphite-Black-Veneer-Formica-Laminate-0-5mm-thick-/261173550362?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item3ccf281d1a

expensive and a small sized sheet

shrunkenmaster · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:48:54 pm »

rutlandsonline.com sell router bits - got mine from there. Not that cheap from what I remember but great quality.

Drnick · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:53:29 pm »

Essex, and a supplier of laminate would be superb, I will not try "The Paint Job" ever again

As for a slot cutter try firing these guys an email. http://www.scosarg.com/
It looks like they have a bunch of different three wing slot cutters, But I couldn't work out what sizes were what on the site.

shrunkenmaster · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:58:50 pm »

For those in the south-east, I found this supplier of laminate in Worthing, West Sussex:

http://www.topclasscarpentry.com/maker/Arpa%20UK

CpCaveman · « **Reply #17 on:** March 08, 2013, 02:12:37 pm »

Thanks for the info on the router bit guys, think its because i have never used a router before that I`m putting it off until the end(ish), but just had a check (again

) and I found a router bit and arbour shipped from the states for about £24 (new excuse as well for not buying it yet, dont know its its trustable, www.groovygamegear.com and its a long way to swim just to punch someone ) so why the hell cant we get them just as cheap here? just more reason for a UK based forum, and supplier support

End of the day i`ll probably just get to the point where theres nothing left to do on the cab and spend whats needed

Drnick · « **Reply #18 on:** March 08, 2013, 04:36:21 pm »

Plenty of people here have used GGG so you should be fine :- )

welshjpc · « **Reply #19 on:** March 08, 2013, 06:45:27 pm »

Living just outside Swindon at the mo (work). Halfway through a Golden Tee 2005 to MAME conversion. Will name all helpers / suppliers when I have finished and create the "Finished Project" thread. If ever

CpCaveman · « **Reply #20 on:** March 08, 2013, 08:01:53 pm »

Quote

Plenty of people here have used GGG so you should be fine :- )

and an endowment mortgage SHOULD pay for the house and give you some extra cash, shoulda woulda and wish i didna

jk btw

and i am not saying in anyway groovygamegear isnt trustworthy its just I personally havent used them before and dont know any "real" (no offence) people who have, and i react the same way to all websites I havent used before, until I do, and if its good then I`m thier No.1 fan and will big them up repeatedly (play.com can ---display unending love for my bottom--- after they got taken over, WORST service EVER, eBay on the other hand can have my firstborn, no seriously take him.... here... HERE!! dammit TAKE HIM HES ANNOYING ME!! ,,,.,., mwhaha MWHAHAHA nuff said

)

---display unending love for my bottom--- <--- now thats awesome and more poetic than I put it

thanks magic overly sensitive editor

PL1 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 09, 2013, 03:53:05 am »

Quote from: CpCaveman on March 08, 2013, 08:01:53 pm

i am not saying in anyway groovygamegear isnt trustworthy its just I personally havent used them before and dont know any "real" (no offence) people who have

RandyT is the owner of GGG.

He is a regular around here and has been for years.

If he didn't provide acceptable customer service, you'd see people warning about him like they do with RAM Controls instead of giving him glowing reviews.

What's more likely?

1. RandyT is creating multiple accounts to make fake positive reviews including many in build threads?

2. RandyT provides great customer service and his customers endorse him whole-heartedly. In the rare instances that there is something wrong with an order -- statistically inevitable given the sheer quantity of orders he handles -- he has fixed it.

My experience, multiple posts by multiple forum members, and occam's razor all point to option 2.

Scott

Franco B · « **Reply #22 on:** March 09, 2013, 11:08:50 am »

UK here - Lincoln.

I bought from Randy/GGG a few times and the service was excellent on every occasion.

There is an old thread I started on UK laminate suppliers etc [here] if it helps.

I offer custom plastics and wiring work to the community. I'm a CNC machinist and should hopefully be able to offer wood/plastic CNC routing services by the end of the year.

flashpc · « **Reply #23 on:** March 09, 2013, 05:36:20 pm »

From not so sunny Surrey. If you are after black laminate. I kinda know a place. Its a company called IDS International Decorative Surfaces. My nearest depot is in Aylesford but they do deliver. The range is called "fundamentals"

I know this because I work for a timber merchant in Surrey called Champions

Good luck
Flash

monkeychunkuk · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2013, 06:17:03 am »

Raise hand, I'm in the south coast ten minutes from Worthing

korbitz · « **Reply #25 on:** March 10, 2013, 03:20:14 pm »

Live just north of Edinburgh, so having additional support/links is always helpfull

philharris · « **Reply #26 on:** March 12, 2013, 10:43:49 am »

London. Anything I cut looks like I've used my feet rather than hands to operate the tools so interested in CNC!

EssexMame · « **Reply #27 on:** March 12, 2013, 01:27:45 pm »

Essex here, a relative newbie with too many questions and not enough building time.

For me, GremlinSolutions (also called Arcade World) were excellent - kept me informed of the order and arrived in a decent time.

Connorsdad · « **Reply #28 on:** March 23, 2013, 02:25:00 am »

Staffordshire here, own a double glazing company so can offer glass services/advice.

opt2not · « **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2013, 03:49:09 am »

Shouts-out to all the arcade blokes across the pond; you're alright mates!

degenatrons · « **Reply #30 on:** March 23, 2013, 08:53:07 pm »

Hey,

East Yorkshire here. You should check out your local hackspace - if you have one. They generally have a bunch of useful tools that can be borrowed (Lathe, soldering, 3d printer, cnc machine maybe, pcb fabrication) and you can learn the skills to use the tools. Those places are full of enthusiastic geeks who want to help you out. My nearest hackspace is Leeds. List of UK hackspaces at : http://hackspace.org.uk/view/Main_Page

Beaker · « **Reply #31 on:** March 23, 2013, 09:54:34 pm »

Hi guys, from snowy Scotland! Good idea setting up a UK specific thread, nice touch!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

stigzler · « **Reply #32 on:** March 24, 2013, 06:39:44 pm »

Near Lincoln here and just embarking on my first build. Well, I say embarking - more messing about with a dedicated PC and drawing up a plan.... then reading about something... then revising my plan... then reading about laminate... then revising my plan.... etc, etc...

Good to know things aint just stateside.

Franco B · « **Reply #33 on:** March 24, 2013, 06:57:34 pm »

Quote from: opt2not on March 23, 2013, 03:49:09 am

Shouts-out to all the arcade blokes across the pond; you're alright mates!

You ain't so bad your self chief

Quote from: stigzler on March 24, 2013, 06:39:44 pm

Near Lincoln here and just embarking on my first build. Well, I say embarking - more messing about with a dedicated PC and drawing up a plan.... then reading about something... then revising my plan... then reading about laminate... then revising my plan.... etc, etc...

Good to know things aint just stateside.

Small world

Where abouts are you? I'm a Bracebridge Heathen.

Worthing Gooners · « **Reply #34 on:** March 25, 2013, 07:05:48 am »

Worthing, West Sussex here.
I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult

:due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.
Can we call it the UK Mame therapy branch!!
I am a noob but desperate to learn and get things right.
Cheers People on Both sides of the pond.
Fantastic Connections on here.
Thanks all

shrunkenmaster · « **Reply #35 on:** March 25, 2013, 09:25:01 am »

Quote from: Worthing Gooners on March 25, 2013, 07:05:48 am

I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult :due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.

Glad the thread has put you at ease! I'm in Brighton, but lived in Worthing through the 80's, spending a lot of time in the Connaught House amusement arcade in its heyday.

jimmer · « **Reply #36 on:** March 25, 2013, 09:38:51 am »

Thanks for the hackspace link, degenatrons. Might be useful. The Bristol group have a 3d printer which is something that I've thought would be useful quite a bit recently.

EightBySix · « **Reply #37 on:** March 25, 2013, 03:20:47 pm »

+1

Was not aware of them. Might find myself wandering over to the Nottingham hacker space one day

Worthing Gooners · « **Reply #38 on:** March 26, 2013, 04:23:37 am »

Quote from: shrunkenmaster on March 25, 2013, 09:25:01 am

Quote from: Worthing Gooners on March 25, 2013, 07:05:48 am
I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult :due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.

Glad the thread has put you at ease! I'm in Brighton, but lived in Worthing through the 80's, spending a lot of time in the Connaught House amusement arcade in its heyday.

Those days never leave you do they, hence why we are here!!

DHTech · « **Reply #39 on:** March 26, 2013, 10:20:00 am »

Hi, My names Jezza from Kent, just deciding on what design I want to use before starting my own Cab

Was going to buy a kit from Turnarcades but they never answered any of my emails or tweets, so unless I hear from them in the next week or so I'll build from scratch


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