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Author Topic: The Grid....  (Read 181521 times)

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javeryh

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #480 on: January 25, 2020, 02:18:28 pm »
Alright Bobby, here you go:



HOLY $H!T!!!

So how has the laminating process been going?  I know it is easy to do but do you find it tough to then lay out lines and stuff for assembly?
« Last Edit: January 25, 2020, 02:20:16 pm by javeryh »

wp34

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #481 on: January 25, 2020, 06:55:30 pm »
That looks fantastic Arroyo!   :cheers:

SoulInertia must have made some improvements to his materials since I bought mine.  Yours looks much more impressive both lit and unlit.  My outer ring has an almost yellow tinge to it in the daylight.

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #482 on: January 27, 2020, 08:10:10 am »
So how has the laminating process been going?  I know it is easy to do but do you find it tough to then lay out lines and stuff for assembly?

I had a lot of apprehension about the laminate.  I think it was the whole instant bond thing that I was worried about.  After doing it a few times it’s not that bad.  The two pieces of advice I would give to myself again starting over would be:

1.). Make sure that after you cut the PVC pipes (or whatever you are using to separate the wood and laminate before application) that you sand the ends/edges.  The one thing that you do have to be somewhat paranoid about is making sure you have a clean area.  Any debris that gets on the contact cement will be hard to spot but you will be able to feel it under the laminate after application.  This happened to me on the lower half of one of my sides.  Luckily that is buried between that lower half box so you’d never know it.

2.) Don’t be stingy on giving yourself some play room on the cut.  As Szabo’s advice in the video I linked above says, I’d give close to 2 inches all around, especially on big pieces like the sides ( I did 1.5 inches in the small pieces FWIW).  The last thing you want is to get off alignment and then have bare wood poking through.

2.). As for the lines of assembly.  I’m largely avoiding that problem by not laminating the interior.  Saves money and headaches.  I may still have to do it on the marquee area in which case yeah it will be an issue.  If I do I will be sure to post what I did.

Yours looks much more impressive both lit and unlit.  My outer ring has an almost yellow tinge to it in the daylight.

As I’m sure you know the photograph isn’t quite the same as IRL.  The outer ring is white un lit, however when lit the LED’s he sent have almost a blue tint (doesn’t show in the pics).  The inner ring is exactly like the pic, nice neutral white.  I’m going to replace the outer ring LED’s anyway with addressable LED’s and match the color temperature so that it looks like it does in the pic. 

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #483 on: February 13, 2020, 08:58:37 am »
« Last Edit: February 13, 2020, 09:19:17 am by Arroyo »

Mike A

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #484 on: February 13, 2020, 09:02:49 am »
You are making my neck hurt.

When the pic is oriented correctly it looks like a monster.

Big pointy teeth and glowing eyes.

Arroyo managed to pick just about the only theme that I think justifies a bunch of glowing lights.

A Tron themed cab has to glow.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2020, 09:05:23 am by Mike A »

Arroyo

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #485 on: February 13, 2020, 09:19:51 am »

javeryh

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #486 on: February 13, 2020, 10:48:26 am »
Wow.  Awesome.   :applaud:

bperkins01

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #487 on: February 13, 2020, 12:34:03 pm »
Paper shredder - :)
 :notworthy:
My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #488 on: February 13, 2020, 01:04:39 pm »
Paper shredder - :)

Alright, alright I’ll put up the damn backboards. :)

Some more gratuitous shots:





Probably will paint the speaker tweeter cover black so it doesn’t show, but that’s a problem for future me.

Mike A

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #489 on: February 13, 2020, 01:23:30 pm »
I don't envy future me. He has a lot of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- he is going to have to deal with.

wp34

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #490 on: February 13, 2020, 03:04:29 pm »
I smile every time I see a new picture in this thread.

Looking good Arroyo.   :cheers:

javeryh

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #491 on: February 13, 2020, 03:54:13 pm »
I smile every time I see a new picture in this thread.

Seriously.  Just look at those cut lines.  SO FREAKING CLEAN.

wp34

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #492 on: February 13, 2020, 04:01:36 pm »
I smile every time I see a new picture in this thread.

Seriously.  Just look at those cut lines.  SO FREAKING CLEAN.

He is a human CNC.

Arroyo

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #493 on: February 13, 2020, 05:08:43 pm »
Ha, you guys are funny, I’m blushing.  Routers are the best though, they make you look like you are more skilled then you really are
« Last Edit: February 14, 2020, 06:56:52 am by Arroyo »

bperkins01

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #494 on: February 13, 2020, 05:11:33 pm »
My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
Centipede, Joust, Joust Cocktail, Asteroids, Galaga, Ms. Pacman Cabaret, Defender, Space Invaders Cocktail
https://bperkins.wordpress.com/

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #495 on: February 24, 2020, 12:59:34 am »
I’d been avoiding this part for a long time.  My three previous attempts at using Bondo were less then stellar.  I would go through 2 or more sanding pads as they would gum up every time I used them on the Bondo. 

I finally figured it out.  The reason everything was gumming up was that the Bondo wasn't fully cured despite my waiting more than the recommended time.  This was because I wasn’t putting enough hardner in it.  The amount you use always seemed like guys were just eye ballin it when watching them on Youtube.  Turns out it’s ok if you don’t use enough hardening agent, all you need to do is bust out the heat gun and hit the stuff for awhile till it’s nice and hot.  Apparently that’s all that the hardening agent really does anyway.

Before the Bondo would always have a bit of stickiness to it and seem a bit brittle like I could break off pieces.  After getting it right there is no stickiness, and the stuff is rock hard.

My tools (keeping Acetone on hand is critical for cleanup):



First go at smoothing out the surfaces and crevasses:





Took about 3-4 rounds in various places but I finally told myself it was as good as it was going to get:







Time to cut out the Acrylic insert (used the same guide as I had made before):



I always hate cutting this stuff, the cut flakes are statically charged so they fly everywhere and stick to everything.  I always wear a mask, but with this stuff I make double sure, the smell is awful.

Used the Acrylic as a guide to cut out the laminate:



Had my brother-in-law help me by holding a piece of thin cardboard between the laminate and the wood (in lieu of PVC pipes to keep the two surfaces separate).  I was able to get my alignment down and then press at the most important part at the bottom and then he slowly pulled up the cardboard while I rolled the laminate on.

Used the router to flush trim the laminate:



Installed the thin 5mm wide addressable LED strip from Aliexpress:



Drilled a hole in the very corner to get the wiring through.  Tested my soldering work on the Arduino before installing:





Ran out of time to do any more.  Might be able to get something done during the week, but this coming weekend we are out of town so this will just sit in the garage for a bit.  I hate waiting for free weekends.

bperkins01

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #496 on: February 24, 2020, 06:55:50 am »
Mayor Goldie Wilson - Progress is your middle name
Now I see it..
Looks really nice!  :applaud:
My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
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Mike A

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #497 on: February 24, 2020, 07:04:09 am »
Any chance that thing is finished by the time I fly out there at the end of July?

bperkins01

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #498 on: February 24, 2020, 07:05:25 am »
We could start an over under pool...
My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
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Mike A

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #499 on: February 24, 2020, 07:09:57 am »
There won't be any action on the under.

bperkins01

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #500 on: February 24, 2020, 07:11:18 am »
There won't be any action on the under.

ouch...
My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #501 on: February 24, 2020, 08:49:30 am »
There won't be any action on the under.

And here I was about to put out the over/under on a pre-Zapcon finish .

At this point I’ll take finishing by the end of this year.  I think I’m just a poor planner I always get stuck making trips to the hardware store cause I forgot I need a certain screw or something stupid like that.  Bondo dry time sucks, I hate waiting for ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

Mike A

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #502 on: February 24, 2020, 09:08:12 am »
It takes time to build up an inventory of screws, nuts, and bolts.

Ninety percent of the time I just use wood filler. It dries faster, and you don't have to be an alchemist to use it.

I use bondo for the serious screw ups, or I just cut another piece.

Gilrock

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #503 on: February 24, 2020, 09:12:47 am »
I don't comment much but I have been reading all the updates.  Keep up the good work.  I had to search what bondo is I've never seen it.  I thought that was for car body repairs.  I've always used MixWax Wood Filler which is also a 2-part mixture 1:16 and it seems to work great on wood.

javeryh

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #504 on: February 24, 2020, 09:20:00 am »
Nice progress Arroyo - I love that lighting detail.  This thing is really going to pop. 

Don't worry about how long it takes.  I'm guessing you are having more fun now than you will when you get it fully functional.  Besides, if you finish this one, you will just have to start another project anyway...

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #505 on: February 24, 2020, 09:28:29 am »
Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?

I'm guessing you are having more fun now than you will when you get it fully functional.

javeryh

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #506 on: February 24, 2020, 09:43:31 am »
Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?

I'm guessing you are having more fun now than you will when you get it fully functional.

Probably not but I bet you are in the minority.  I don't think about the games and obsess over small details about how to improve when I'm not playing them.  When I'm building something I can't stop thinking about it and it's a lot of fun to me.

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #507 on: February 24, 2020, 09:59:14 am »
Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?

I'm guessing you are having more fun now than you will when you get it fully functional.
BUILD.  Y O A C

There is no play.. 


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My Arcade Cabinet Build and other projects here:
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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #508 on: February 24, 2020, 10:06:48 am »
You have much to learn.

Arroyo

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #509 on: February 24, 2020, 11:28:05 am »
I thought that was for car body repairs.  I've always used MixWax Wood Filler which is also a 2-part mixture 1:16 and it seems to work great on wood.

I generally use Elmers wood filler for small stuff, but anything that requires more structural rigidity I use the Bondo.  You can see if you look closely at the shot I took of one of the corners that the end is pink and it’s all Bondo.  It holds its form better then wood filler in my experience so far.


Besides, if you finish this one, you will just have to start another project anyway...

Already am buddy!  When it’s time I’ll throw up a project thread page.

Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?

I never thought I could build one of these.  Learning how to do all of these things (wood working, LED’s, servos, Arduino’s) has been a hell of a lot of fun.  But it’s for a purpose.  I have a very clear idea of what I want to do and that’s to have as high a quality experience as I can gaming, and with the right controls.  I want a filled out arcade room but to get it I have to build a number of these myself cause you can’t buy it.  Once I’m done I can rest and play but for now I’m really loving building.   :cheers:

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #510 on: February 24, 2020, 11:29:19 am »
Nice update.  Looking forward to seeing those lit up!

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #511 on: February 24, 2020, 11:44:01 am »
I thought that was for car body repairs.  I've always used MixWax Wood Filler which is also a 2-part mixture 1:16 and it seems to work great on wood.

I generally use Elmers wood filler for small stuff, but anything that requires more structural rigidity I use the Bondo.  You can see if you look closely at the shot I took of one of the corners that the end is pink and it’s all Bondo.  It holds its form better then wood filler in my experience so far.


Besides, if you finish this one, you will just have to start another project anyway...

Already am buddy!  When it’s time I’ll throw up a project thread page.

Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?

I never thought I could build one of these.  Learning how to do all of these things (wood working, LED’s, servos, Arduino’s) has been a hell of a lot of fun.  But it’s for a purpose.  I have a very clear idea of what I want to do and that’s to have as high a quality experience as I can gaming, and with the right controls.  I want a filled out arcade room but to get it I have to build a number of these myself cause you can’t buy it.  Once I’m done I can rest and play but for now I’m really loving building.   :cheers:

I can’t tell you how many different things I can now do because of this hobby. Although I don’t really build Arcade-related items anymore, I’m planning on building a TV stand with space for my records - something I couldn’t even conceivably consider prior to getting in to this hobby. Now I know I could confidently do this. :cheers:
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #512 on: February 24, 2020, 11:48:17 am »
I learned how to empty my wallet.


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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #513 on: February 24, 2020, 11:55:35 am »
Nice update.  Looking forward to seeing those lit up!

Was your idea buddy, just trying not to screw it up!

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #514 on: February 24, 2020, 02:01:15 pm »
Already am buddy!  When it’s time I’ll throw up a project thread page.

Oh yeah... can't wait to see it!  Definitely doing it right if you start working on another cabinet before you finish the current one! 

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #515 on: February 24, 2020, 02:15:30 pm »
You guys give me a headache. I blame you for my drinking nonproblem.

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #516 on: March 09, 2020, 10:11:17 pm »
love the progress!!  Keep it up.. looking amazing!

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #517 on: March 10, 2020, 12:15:18 am »
I’d been avoiding this part for a long time.  My three previous attempts at using Bondo were less then stellar.  I would go through 2 or more sanding pads as they would gum up every time I used them on the Bondo. 

I finally figured it out.  The reason everything was gumming up was that the Bondo wasn't fully cured despite my waiting more than the recommended time.  This was because I wasn’t putting enough hardner in it.  The amount you use always seemed like guys were just eye ballin it when watching them on Youtube.  Turns out it’s ok if you don’t use enough hardening agent, all you need to do is bust out the heat gun and hit the stuff for awhile till it’s nice and hot.  Apparently that’s all that the hardening agent really does anyway.
An auto body friend of mine gave me some solid advice about bondo hardener: ‘make your mix pink like p :censored: y, and it’ll be “hard” enough’ :lol

Am I the only one here who likes playing the games more than building them?
Nope. I too enjoy playing games more than building them.  :cheers:

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #518 on: March 11, 2020, 12:44:49 am »
love the progress!!  Keep it up.. looking amazing!

Cheers Scott, good to hear from you :cheers:

An auto body friend of mine gave me some solid advice about bondo hardener: ‘make your mix pink like p :censored: y, and it’ll be “hard” enough’ :lol

Well that one’s seared in the brain for sure!


Got the Acrylic flush cut and screwed down in the back:




Close up of the layers:



That’s wood, Black vertical grade laminate, and 1/4” Acrylic (which is really 0.236”)



Straight edge with a clamp and router to make it nice and straight.



Protected the Acrylic with some painters tape for the laminate treatment.



Laid down the laminate.  First precut the side that meets at the joint at the top with a straight edge.  Used the same technique as before with my brother-in-law’s assistance.  This time used another sheet of laminate as a buffer between this piece and the wood.  Got the corner lined up perfectly and pressed it down, then slowly removed the buffer laminate and glued it down.  Flush trim cut with the router everywhere EXCEPT where the two pieces meet.  As you can see the problem is the router base bumps into the other corner preventing it from cutting all the way.

To get around this I created a bridge:



Cut the angles on the piece of wood so that it could sit flush with the two sides, and used double sided adhesive to keep it in place.  Used this as a platform for the small router to flush trim the rest.



Didn’t quite get it all so I used wire cutters to cut away as much as I could of the laminate, and then sanded down the rest.  Thank God for the painters tape, it really kept me from ruining the Acrylic:





Time to cut out the holes:



Flush trimmed with the three sides, then used the straight edge as a guide for the front laminate.  Turned out good:













Lastly a little bling to keep it going (this was done before the laminate treatment):





And NO, it won’t look like this in the final build, just a lazy demo real of what could be done.
« Last Edit: April 22, 2020, 05:26:07 pm by Arroyo »

wp34

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Re: The Grid....
« Reply #519 on: March 11, 2020, 07:50:56 am »
That really looks great!  You had to be pretty excited when that lit up.