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Apollo:

I have drilled numerous wood and metal control panels and have used just a normal power drill and steady hand and had absolutely no problems. If you have the drill press already then fine it would be handy but if not there is no need to spend the extra cash.
Jigsaw is essential.
Table saw is really not needed, a skill saw ( circular saw for you yanks ) and straight edge guide is all that is required.
I haven't seen the routing support idea done --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- but it sounds like it would be fine with just glue, the only thing is with constructing like that is you have to bring the sides of the cabinet together to match up all the supports ( hope you see what I mean ). Whereas with the normal method you can construct the main cab and then add in supports etc.
My suggestions are
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Router
Power drill
Battery powered drill


Ghoward:

A table saw can come in handy if you have any angle cuts on your cab. My cabs had lots of them and I couldn't have done it without one. However most of my cuts were made circular saw and a piece of wood to give a straight edge.

Gary


bwest:

1.  The drill press is not needed but, wow do I love mine.  I have a 16" Floor model made by Grizzly.  I think I paid like $275 for it.  However, for arcade cabinet projects it is not needed.  A careful hand and a keen eye can get it done for you for cheap.

2.  I would suggest don't even bother with a table saw unless you go all out with a full size contractors model and a outfeed table behind it (>$750).  I had a small cheapy like discussed above and it just cannot handle medium to large panels.  I upgraded to a Jet contractor's saw with cast iron wings and a 4'x4' outfeed table.  I can now cut 4'x8' sheets by myself very accurately.  
However, you can use a torsion box table, 8' straight edge, and a circular saw with a nice carbide blade and achieve masterful results for little money.  This is how I did it before upgrading saws.  To be honest with you, if it was not for a few specific operations, I would not need my table saw.

3.  A jigsaw or band saw are your only reasonbly efficient ways to get curves cut.  A router can be used with a jig to cut these but a jigsaw and a sander is probably easier and faster.

4.  Cutting dados in your cabinet will definately make it stronger.  If you want to avoid using screws with the joint, just use a brad nailer and shoot from the inside of the joint at an angle and you achieve similar results (assuming you are using glue either way).

Finally, I would suggest investing in real high quality hand tools before getting drill presses and table saws.  A great router or jigsaw is night and day different from the $49 harbor freight special.  I have a Porter Cable 690 router combo kit that includes a fixed base and a plunge base that I could not live without.  I have a $39 circular saw with a $105 carbide blade that cuts as nice as my table saw.  I also have a Freud jig saw that cuts true and straight, and always buy the best blades and bits you can afford.

Good luck

DaveJ-UK:


--- Quote from: Mameotron on August 27, 2004, 03:17:09 am ---Personally I like using Gorilla glue & nails.  I only use screws if I see the need to take it apart somewhere down the road.

--- End quote ---

IMO you should use screws instead of glue/nails wherever possible so that, as you point out, you can take it apart again with little effort and damage. Even if you don't think you will ever need to take it apart, you may find you have to at some point for any number of reasons.

marsmarvin:


--- Quote from: DaveJ-UK on August 27, 2004, 08:56:01 am ---IMO you should use screws instead of glue/nails wherever possible
--- End quote ---

Absolutely.  Woodworking with glue and nails is like working quadratic equations with an ink pen.  You'd better be sure.

I can't tell you how many times with this first cab I'd do something, stand back and decide to change it for one reason or another.  

I guess I like the cheap route.  On purpose I've limited my power tools to a good drill with built in levels, a circular saw (which I consider a must because I get straighter and faster cuts than I can with a jig), a jig saw, a router, and a hand sander).

Not only is this the cheap way to go, but it saves floor space.  Everything can be put away in a tool cabinet and you can reclaim the space for your cars.  

 ;)

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