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Completely new to this. Thinking about building a MAME cabinet like Koenig
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pman555:

--- Quote from: paigeoliver on February 01, 2013, 07:55:19 pm ---Convert an existing junker cabinet instead of scratchbuilding if you are on a budget. Are you near St. Louis? I have a couple I am willing to let go for way cheaper than it would cost to build one from scratch.


--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 04:35:16 pm ---
--- Quote from: BadMouth on February 01, 2013, 03:56:29 pm ---
--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 03:27:35 pm ---Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

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Just spend $60 every couple weeks indefinitely and try not to think about it.  :D

$200 is pretty tight, but it can be done if your friends already have all the necessary tools.
If not, you'd probably be better off finding a cheap gutted cab to start with.

I'd take the stuff from groovygamegear over the x-arcade stuff.
The x-arcade interface doesn't use a common ground, so it has almost twice as many wires to contend with.
There is also an issue where if you're using the USB connection instead of PS2(keyboard) connection,
it can only handle so many buttons being pressed at one time.
It can get maxed out during fighting games.

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A friend of mine is pretty good with tools and woodworking, so I think he may have all or most of the tools we need.  I may be able to get away with building a full sized cab for around $250 or less.  Just need to figure out the cab materials cost.

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Thanks, but I'm in NJ.
I havent really found any cheap cabinets, unfortunately.  Plus, I feel like it would be a lot cooler to make one than to refurb one.  More sense of accomplishment, maybe.
Yenome:
if you want a guide you can read in your hand buy the book this site is based around project arcade, there is a 2nd edition out, also read these forums till your brain feels like mush then read some more. as far as cab cost for a general cab that could hold a 27in tv gutted check on the price of 3 mdf 4x8 sheets in your area. for me its round 90 bucks. tho you might be able to get by with just two sheets. then add on to that the cost of nailing strips at 10 bucks or so depending on what ya get and nails for round the same. plus glue. yea you could do it for 200 as long as someone you know already has all the tools needed. i would suggest the following tools/items. if you hate the thought of wiring like i did get a xin-mo from groovygamegear comes with all the wiring you need for plug and go. buttons/joysticks either suzo-happ or sanwa. forget the other japanese brand people like.
circular saw.
router. (slot cutter)
drill. (counter sink bit, forsner or paddle bit)
sand paper.
clamps
nails
caster wheels (two fixed position)
tape measure, wood horses
paint.
lots of time.
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