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Building a list of Canadian suppliers...

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photorock:

          I'd like to start a list of suppliers of arcade parts, materials and hardware in Canada. I know there will still be some things that we would have to get outside the country such as an I-pac, t-moulding, etc. but for the most part, most things can be aquired from within the country.

          My reason for doing this is pretty straight forward, I want to compile this list so those ordering from Canada or living here in Canada know where to get supplies. Those of us living here have to not only deal in US dollars, but pay extra shipping, handling and duty on top of suppliers shipping fees from outside suppliers. This can add another $20 to $50 dollars per order, which is rediculious when there are suppliers here. My CP cost me $670 Canadian to build, I shutter to think how much the cabinet will cost.

           What I would like to see is a comprehensive list of where to buy everything from a joystick to a sheet of MDF to a light for a marquee. I also would like to see their location, address, web address, pricing comparison, shipping method and fees. But most importantly if you have ordered from them, what their product and sevice was like. Any personal coments are welcome.

          I think, well I hope members will add to this list. It will provide a resource for new and existing members living in Canada and outside Canada. For those living in countries with a stronger dollar like the US, this resouce may save you money.

           There may be some that say, everything you need to know is here, and it's true. This is an amazing resource with the best members anywhere, BAR NONE!!! but there are users here that may be able to add something new to this list. When I reserched my CP I read just about everything here including the posts and later found out that I could have gotten somethings from Starburst Coin in Toronto and saved a few dollars.

           Here's an example of what I'm looking for...

Lexan (14" x 34" for CP) - Apple Auto Glass (St. John's, Newfoundland) - $24 precut to fit - great service and product.
NOTE: Maybe a little pricey, compared to what I've read here.

            Debates are welcome, but please don't stray to far off topic. Remember this will benifit us all in the long run, so please help me build this list.

Grauwulf:

If you want stuff from Happ, try

Starburst Coin
717 Kipling Avenue
Toronto, ON
M8Z 5G4
Phone 416.251.2122
Fax 416.251.8823

They can get anything you want from the Happ catalog and lots more too. They seem pretty good to deal with so far, and they can get t-molding too.

RayB:

That's pretty much a one-stop shop for arcade specific parts right there (Starburst). You get Happ parts without the import fees. (Now does Starburst ship??)

Other parts and resources I would mention:

Locks: Arcade game locks are not special. They are just "barrel locks" which you can buy cheap anywhere, even Walmart or the local hardware store.

Plexi sheets for marquee or control panels: Home Depot has a small selection, but you can also find some in some "surplus" type stores. I got mine at "K-W Surplus" in Kitchener, Ontario. "Cambridge Surplus" has some too.

Florescent lighting for marquee: All you need is a long enough lighting fixture and a cheap kitchen one should do just fine. I've read you can get cheap ones at Walmart, and again, I've seen cheap ones at the surplus store.


Other cheap goodies you can find in surplus stores:

 - fans for blowing that hot air out the cabinet
 - chrome metal fan grills
 - quick disconnects (way cheaper than Radio Shack!)
 - fuse holders
 - tools
 - castors
 - probably car speakers too...

Lastly, don't discount the cheapo dollar stores that every city seems to have way too many of. In many of them, in the hardware/electrical section you can find some necessary parts such as:
 - cable ties (gotta keep that mess of wiring under control)
 - cable clamps (the kind that holds cabling and you can screw it to the wood)
 - rubber mallet (way cheaper here than anywhere else)

Lastly, I hate to mention these guys, but sometimes they're the last resort:

Radio Shack: They tend to be overpriced, but it's no different than paying for shipping at a mailorder:
 - Soldering iron
 - quick disconnects (in case you can't find any at a surplus store)
 - fuses and fuse holders
 - ??


~Ray B.



Grauwulf:

I don't know if Starburst ships, but I will ask  when I call tomorrow.

Zakk:

Starburst ships Purolator or Fedex next day delivery.  I've never had a problem with their shipping.

Of course go to Oscar controls Canada for your canuk spinner needs! :)
http://www.mameworld.net/massive/Store/OSCAR/Oscar.htm


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