Best place to get welding done?

[mmmPeanutButter]

I've got a hacked up metal centipede cp that I would llike to use on my upcoming cabinet.

I've seen a lot of people (including OSCAR) weld stuff to the back, and then fill in holes.  I don't think this will work for me cause it's a real mess.

I was thinking about getting a section of the metal cp cut out (say 6" x 20") and then have a new piece of metal welded in its place.  I think it would be the easiest way to get a blank slate.

Anyways, I was wondering if anybody had any any general tips for getting a good price on some welding (what kind of place to go to).  I'm in Toronto, so if you know of any specific places, that would be great too.

If you're in the area and could do it and are interested, drop me a PM.

For anybody who welds or has got welding done, what do you think I would be looking to spend to do the above and to get 16 holes punched and 10 studs (is that what they're called?)(for back-mounting joysticks) attached?

[Lance]

Unless you can find a friend that knows a welder that will do it for a case of beer it is going to be too expensive if you bring it to a welding shop.  

On my centipede panel I had a friend of a friend do it, it turned out 'okay' but in retrospect I would have just built a new panel out of mdf if I had to do it again.  You might want to take a look at this centipede cabinet to see what can be done with wood panels:

http://www.control-click.com/mame

[mmmPeanutButter]

Unless you can find a friend that knows a welder that will do it for a case of beer it is going to be too expensive if you bring it to a welding shop.  

On my centipede panel I had a friend of a friend do it, it turned out 'okay' but in retrospect I would have just built a new panel out of mdf if I had to do it again.  You might want to take a look at this centipede cabinet to see what can be done with wood panels:

http://www.control-click.com/mame

Yea, I like Justin's cabinet, but I really want to keep the metal (I'm a Taurus).  (Now that you mention the "friend" thing) I may know somebody in Buffalo who can do it for me...  but if he does the welding, and I drill the pilot holes for the buttons, will I be charged an arm and a leg to have somebody come along and use their greenlee punch on it?

[Witchboard]

Try your local vocational school.  A couple near me will take projects all the time for learning experience in class.  Just remember, they're still learning.    If you bring your own materials it may not cost you anything.  You'll have to check.  Better hurry though, schools almost out!

[abrannan]

Unless you can find a friend that knows a welder that will do it for a case of beer it is going to be too expensive if you bring it to a welding shop.  

On my centipede panel I had a friend of a friend do it, it turned out 'okay' but in retrospect I would have just built a new panel out of mdf if I had to do it again.  You might want to take a look at this centipede cabinet to see what can be done with wood panels:

http://www.control-click.com/mame

Yea, I like Justin's cabinet, but I really want to keep the metal (I'm a Taurus).  (Now that you mention the "friend" thing) I may know somebody in Buffalo who can do it for me...  but if he does the welding, and I drill the pilot holes for the buttons, will I be charged an arm and a leg to have somebody come along and use their greenlee punch on it?

Pay to fly me up to Toronto, and I'll bring my punch.  

I got my punch on Ebay and paid about $15 for it.  

[Ken Layton]

Arcadeshop.com has brand new blank Centipede control panels for $45.

[mmmPeanutButter]

Arcadeshop.com has brand new blank Centipede control panels for $45.

I have two panels right now.  One is a non-hacked up centipede (which I will keep) and the other *was* a centipede that became a Growl.  That's the one I want to blank and start over.

[Apollo]

What about taking it to a sheet metal place and saying "here make me a blank one of these". That's what I do. I have a Greenlea punch from Mouser but a bi-metal hole saw will do the job.

[mmmPeanutButter]

What about taking it to a sheet metal place and saying "here make me a blank one of these". That's what I do. I have a Greenlea punch from Mouser but a bi-metal hole saw will do the job.

I think that the integrated hinge might pose a problem and make it a little more complex.

I guess I could go in and say.. "what would be cheaper?"

[Lance]

The hinge is just a normal piano hinge that has been spot welded on.