Type of wood

[Richardgregory]

I'm sure this might have been asked before.....

If anyone owns an original arcade cabinet, what typically was the wood that was used?   Is it white/beige colored melamine MDF used then?

[PL1]

Unfortunately, your question is a little broad -- like asking what are house walls are built of.

Some use wood 2x4's, some use metal 2x4's, some use 2x6's, some use drywall, some use paneling . . .

The correct answer to your question depends on which cab you're referring to, but many cabs used laminate over plywood.


Scott

[mgb]

the majority of old school cabs were particle board covered in vinyl.

personally i would advise the use of formica laminate over particle board or even plywood or mdf for a cab construction.

[ChadTower]

Yep, it varies, generally by manufacturer.  You're going to see mostly 3/4" MDF and plywood. 

[twistedsistem]

MDF has been what I have used so far.  Seems to work well.

[mgb]

Yep, it varies, generally by manufacturer.  You're going to see mostly 3/4" MDF and plywood.

What commercial arcade company used  mdf for their cabinets?

[saint]

Of the various wood products I've used, I've been the most happy with MDO. Sometimes known as signboard. I'll never use anything else if I have the option.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,110235.msg1167749.html#msg1167749

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,102064.msg1111716.html#msg1111716

[mgb]

MDO is plywood with a mdf overlay, right?

Seems like it'd be great to use I guess because you get the lighter weight of plywood with the smoothness if mdf.

Isn't it expensive though