strange project

[sodapopinski]

I recently intoduced my friend to bulding your own controls, and, of course he wants me make him a cabinet. Although he wants a starnge setup. He wants me to build a playable machine right into his kitchen countertop. Differnt, but i suppose its doable

[SirPeale]

Talk to your friends mom *before* doing any work!

[quarterback]

Talk to your friends mom *before* doing any work!

LOL 

[RayB]

Push him to compromise so it's at least "modular" and removable. Otherwise it's different, but not that smart of an idea.

[SirPeale]

I dunno why, but when I read that the first time I read it as his mom's cabinets.

In this case, consult with the wife. If there is none...go for it.

[RetroJames]

Default Game = Burger Time

[shawnzilla]

Coming from the viewpoint of a realtor, I definitely agree that it needs to be modular. Kitchens are one of the main areas that buyers look at.

[quarterback]

I dunno why, but when I read that the first time I read it as his mom's cabinets.

The fact he didn't say his "mom's cabinets" makes the implication of your initial response much funnier though

[sodapopinski]

its more what the landlord will think.

[SirPeale]

its more what the landlord will think.

In that case, it's definitely a no-go.  Most landlords don't want their places cut up.

Now...making a countertop model FOR the kitchen is a different story.

[Zakk]

Coming from the viewpoint of a realtor, I definitely agree that it needs to be modular. Kitchens are one of the main areas that buyers look at.

Another Realtor in the midst!

[cholin]

Do you mean build the controls into the countertop?  That sounds awesome!  Either way though, select a certain area and buy another piece of counter cut to that size.  Then make it replaceable so you can switch if ever needed.  Sounds sweet.

[Stingray]

Am I the only one here who's kitchen countertops get wet pretty often? I ask only out of curiosity.

-S

[tk_42_1]

I made my CP out of my Kitchen Couter top....of course it is the couter top that was cut out where my sink went so maybe it doesn't count.

 

[sodapopinski]

its an iffy idea, no question about that.

Am I the only one here who's kitchen countertops get wet pretty often? I ask only out of curiosity

that raises even a better point. A waterproof system? Not worth it. I'l offer a normal system, the countertop is a no go.

[spystyle]

Why not just build a bartop and put it on the counter?

http://www.skum.org/bartop/

[cholin]

Thats pretty much what hes doing, right?  Except it's into the counter.  Honestly, its stupid.  Not portable, not waterproof, etc.  Im assuming this guy has a big countertop so he has the room to put it there without being in the way?  Do this:  Build a bartop one and then put a few small holes or square brackets into the bottom so it can be mounted.  If you use square brackets, in the shape of an L, you can place the bottom under the counter, drill it through the counter, and attach it on top to the bartop.

[FractalWalk]

A waterproof system? Not worth it. I'l offer a normal system, the countertop is a no go.

I don't think water would be that much of an issue. Counter sink plexi, seal the edges and put some safety drainage underneath just in case.  It doesn't sound too tough.  It's pretty much the same layout as video poker at casinos and you know those get some abuse.

[mahuti]

This is the dumbest arcade idea I've ever heard of... if it's a normal kitchen anyway. Thinking of ALL of the kitchens I've ever seen though, I can't think of anyone that would ever find it cool or interesting to have an arcade machine built into the countertop of any of them. I can just imagine the ride home "What's with the arcade in the kitchen." "Yeah, that'd be cool if it was anywhere but in the kitchen"

I hate to mock & be a jerk... I almost never post such negative comments, but there needs to be a less friendly voice of reason here... seriously... a kitchen arcade?

[chopps]

dont any of you ever get the urge to bust out a game of pacman when yer making dinner?? i think its an awesome idea....

[Arcadiac]

dont any of you ever get the urge to bust out a game of pacman when yer making dinner?? i think its an awesome idea....

[mahuti]

I thought about having a cocktail cab and covering it with a table cloth to replace my kitchen table... but I think the IN countertop thing is what's throwing me off.

[Gunstar Hero]

It depends on if you follow up by installing games every other possible place in your home....

Bathtub
Toilet
Closets
Patio
Stove
Icebox
Pantry

...ect, ect. 

[mahuti]

Now a fridge cab... that'd be something. You have to beat the current high score to get it opened. That'd be slick.

[sasuke_kun12]

hmm this idea seems a bit cheesy

why don't you make the cab so you can pull it out of the bench? then when you're done you push it back in! who would know you have a arcade cab in your kitchen bench? ok maybe the handle will be a hint....

[GameOver]

Ummmmm cheesse....this sounds like something I would try if I were single w/o kids.  The wife is into arcade too, but just not in the kitchen...me, on the other hand, would have no problem.  Let 'em talk!  It's MY kitchen & I'll play Burger Time & Food Fight in there if I wanna!  Stay outta my kitchen if you got a problem w/it!  Can you smell what I'm cookin'!?   

I think the bartop is a good solution, that way they're not 'destroying' the existing set-up and don't need to replace it later if they move/sell.  I'm not sure many other people would consider a kitchen counter top arcade a strong selling point.  Definately post some pics if this thing takes off!

[Stingray]

It depends on if you follow up by installing games every other possible place in your home....


Toilet

Actually, I'v often thought that a MAME machine built into the wall across from the toiled would be fan-frickin-tastic. Somehow I doubt that Mrs. Stingray would be overly keen on the idea though.

-S

[FractalWalk]

Actually, I'v often thought that a MAME machine built into the wall across from the toiled would be fan-frickin-tastic.

I once saw a house with large two-way mirror in the bathroom and a TV installed behind it. When it was off, it was just a regular mirror, but when the TV was on you could watch the news while shaving.

All you have to do is put your controls in a vanity drawer and you've got a complete unobtrusive bathroom game system.  Or maybe you could make the fixtures a combo faucet/joystick . . .  hmmmm

[sodapopinski]

So I was talking to my friend who wants this counter top system. He wants a complete control centre. A console to surf the net, games, control all the aspects of your house( heating, lights, etc..) Mabey he's confused that I like making arcade systems.

[Trimoor]

I think this is a great idea.  Countersink a sheet of glass into the countertop and seal it.  Put a monitor under it.  In the drawer directly beneath it, put the controls.  Make sure you can easily swap them with a keyboard and trackball.  As for resale value, who wouldn't want a computer built into their countertop?  It's good for displaying recipes...