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Overwhelmed first timer
AGarv:
If you are someone who can pull off precise construction (read: extremely experienced at woodworking or metalworking) then modular seems pretty attractive.
However, if you are entirely new to this and only rocking a jigsaw and/or circular saw, you will quickly discover that cutting just a control box that fits together without leaving horrible gaps at the joints is a challenge, and that you have about as much chance of re-creating Doc's modular design as splitting the atom in your garage.
PL1:
Quite true.
Trying to build a modular system without a decent table saw or a CNC is more likely than not to result in a 55 gallon drum-load worth of fail.
Protips if you do decide to go modular:
1. Cut everything for height before you cut the different widths.
2. Cut the narrower widths then use them as a gauge for the wider ones.
3. Make a bunch of spare panels for when you make the inevitable mistakes.
Scott
Le Chuck:
I don't own a tablesaw. Go slow, make straight cuts using a guide, measure and know how thick your blade is and what side of the line you need to cut on.
shponglefan:
--- Quote from: felixtibs on May 21, 2013, 08:21:03 pm ---Is there a way to build the arcade and still be able to retro-fit swappable/modular in the future?
--- End quote ---
If you're just talking about swappable panels, then yes; just attach them with non-permanent hardware (whether roller catches or something else). Then you can replace them easily in the future.
felixtibs:
Well I bought the book to start. I will read it through prior to purchasing the wood.
Ive settled on 2 light guns, 1 trackball, and 2 8 way joysticks(the kind that can swap between 4/8) with 7 buttons each. Also maybe some permanent little switches for administrative tasks.
Thank you all for the support. Ill read it through and get to work!