Best way to srengthen a cab's TV shelf?

[Timstuff]

Today I bought a used 27" Sony Tinitron TV with S-Video in from a friend of my Mom's. It's pretty much perfect for my arcade cab (which sadly has still not started construction), but there's one thing that slightly concerns me... The thing took two able bodied men just to lift into the back of the van, and it was still a heckuva hevy lift! Now, my concern is, what's the best way to make sure that the shelf that it goes on in the arcade cabinet is more than strong enough to support that much weight? I'm not sure if just some screws and some simple braces are enough to support this thing like in the Project Arcade book, because that was an actual mountable monitor, whereas I'll be using a TV which I'm guessing will put alot more weight on the monitor shelf.

So, can anyone else who's used a heavy TV in their cab give me the lowdown on the best way to ensure that the TV will be happy, and not cause the shelf to become un-mounted, crushing my PC and imploding the TV that I just spent 60 bucks on? Thanks!

[nickbuol]

You could attach a couple of 2x4 supports under the display shelf, and then run some 2x4s down the inside of the cabinet sides to create sort of a large "upside-down U" shape to add extra strength.  Total cost would be a couple of 2x4 pieces and some correct-length screws.  (probably less than $12)

[Veinman]

That sounds good. I put 2x8s under my shelf, but nothing running vertically below that. The tv I have installed is 80 pounds, and it's not going anywhere.

[Timstuff]

The upside-down 2x4 "u" shapes sounds like a very good idea. I suppose that the tops of the vertical 2x4s will have to be cut at an angle to accomidate the slanted monitor shelf. It'll be worth it though for the peace of mind that some flimsy shelf braces can't provide, or the raw stability.

[nickbuol]

Yup.  Cut them at the angle you need.  Should be pretty easy to do.  The 2x8 idea may work too, but if this thing is as heavy as you say it is (I am a "capable" guy, and I can manhandle about 120 pounds "accurately", I can lift more than that, but sliding a TV into a hole about 3.5-4 feet off of the ground takes more that just lifting, I figured that if it is taking 2 guys to move this thing, it must weigh more than that) then the vertical bracing is a must or the shelf will bow or worse rip off and drop.

Piece of mind is for $12 plus some cutting.  You'd spend about that much on the 2x8 and mounting materials (not sure how the 2x8 is attached to add any support, so I am only guessing on its capabilities).

Or just rig the whole thing up with my "design" and Veinman's 2x8 pieces and the thing won't ever move.

[DrewKaree]

You don't have to use anything more than a single 2x4 cut into pieces for this.  Where you want the strength is across the underside of the shelf so that it doesn't sag in the middle.  I'll whip up a quick drawing and add it to this post in a second.  I'm guessing your cab is in the 2' width neighborhood, yes?  I'll proceed as if it is anyway, the measurements won't really matter at all anyhoo.

So the cost will be closer to $3 if you still have screws left over that work, otherwise you'll spend $5 if you have to buy a bag of screws.

Picture in a moment.

[DrewKaree]

OK, the first pic (straight on shot) shows the TV on top of the TV shelf (red) with the 2x4 braces (darker blue) under the TV shelf for sagging purposes.  To give those 2x4's no chance to go anywhere, you use your leftover 2x4 to cut 2 cleats for both sides and screw them to the sides of your cab and rest the sag-support pieces on those.  Problem solved, one 8' 2x4, and a rock-solid shelf that won't go anywhere (although it's WAY overbuilt )

The second pic kinda shows it from the top.  The black piece is your TV shelf.  The red pieces are the braces across to prevent sagging.  The green pieces are the side supports to hold/tie everything to the cab.

[CJK]

Drew, I am mesmerized by your avatar.

-- Chris

[DrewKaree]

Drew, I am mesmerized by your avatar.

-- Chris

You are in a deeeeeeep sleeeeeeep......you will send me all of your controls and computer innards.......you will insure the package to make sure it arrives safely or is replaced at full cost........when I reach three, you will awake refreshed and have no memory of this conversation, and you will tell anyone who questions you that I'm the best guy in the world and you owe me for a job and this is your payment........one......two........three!


How do you feel?  Hey, is the post office open right now?