Old user here, just re-joined. Q. regarding 32" TV want to make cocktail cab

[PacManPlus]

Hello all!

I am a member here from a long time ago back in early 2000s (had to re-register)...  I was PacFan then...

Anyway I have a question, which I found on an old thread from about 14 years ago, and it was suggested that I start a new one instead of resurrecting an old one, so here goes:

I have a 32" tube TV that I want to make a cocktail cabinet out of (although I REALLY like the looks of this one: https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,100185.msg1058732.html#msg1058732 )
I've already modified it for RGB/Sync input, BUT:
Wondering if the four 'ears' attached to the metal band on the CRT itself are strong enough to hold the monitor if I screw them into wood vertically.  i.e. have four 2"x2" wood posts, about the height of where I want the monitor to sit facing upward, and screw the four corner 'ears' of the monitor frame into each of the posts.  I'm afraid that eventually the tube itself will fall out of the metal band that surrounds it if mounted this way?  How strong are they?

Thank you in advance!
Bob (PacManPlus)

[Zebidee]

Welcome back!

Some thoughts:

I honestly feel that a cocktail cab is better served with a smaller monitor. 32" CRT is just too big.

You have to also factor in the curved screen - especially the top as it curves away from your line-of-sight when playing from a seated position. Larger screen makes this worse. The angle at which you see the screen is not great.

Another thing - if you are planning on aligning the screen vertically, presumably so you can enjoy all the vertical shmups, 32" is again too big. Fast moving shooter games require your eyes to continuously scan the entire screen for threats, and a 32" screen is *much* more area (2.5 times) to cover than a 20".

32" CRT TVs typically weigh an imperial ---steaming pile of meadow muffin----ton, so you might want to factor in that extra weight too.

IMO, you don't want any CRT larger than a 20-21" in a cocktail cab. That is already larger than most original cocktails. I'd go further and say that you don't need a CRT larger than 29" for *any* cab (this is the size of the CRTs in Japanese Astrocabs/Candy cabs). Bigger isn't always better, smaller cabs/smaller screens are often a better "fit" for the need.

I'd keep the 32" as-is, maybe dedicate it to console gaming in a lounge room setting. Maybe for driving games, or watching anime. Play while seated. You can buy remote arcade control panels too, or make them yourself if you are really keen. Sure, build a cab too, but find a smaller 20" - 29" for it.

As for the metal "ears" - yes they should be strong enough, after all they have already been supporting the TV inside the plastic case. The challenge would be to make the wooden frame strong enough.

[PacManPlus]

Thank you for the reply!
I see what you are saying regarding the size of the CRT and the cocktail table...  and I agree with all of your points.

However, the original case is already gone, so I think I may use it in an upright like the link I posted above...  Speaking of which, @Malenko - how difficult was it to mount that tube in your cabinet?

Regarding the ears, I do get that they've been supporting the TV in the case already, my concern was the angle I was suggesting; tube facing vertical instead of horizontal.
I guess that's moot now though

Thank you again.

[nitrogen_widget]

as soon as i saw 32" CRT i immediately thought of that cabinet Malenko built. you don't see that often.
i had a 32" CRT.
too big to put anywhere in my house.

Gave it away.
easily.

27" is as big as i'll get from people now.
i can carry those on my own still.