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Mr. Bubblehead:

In reading through the forums I've noticed that the majority of you build your stuff with MDF, as opposed to traditional particle board like most arcade games were traditionally made of.  I'm curious why that is...it has been my experience that particle board holds up a lot better over time, not to mention it's less expensive.  Is it because MDF is easilr to work with and has a smoother finish?

Mark70:

I've never built a cab, and I'm no expert, but I'd say it's all about the finish.  Plastic laminate and laminating paper are difficult/crappy to work with.  You can paint mdf with minimal sanding.

rescue161:

I built mine out of plywood.

My original Pac-Man is made of plywood.  I'm glad too as partical board just wouldn't have withstood the test of time.

It's lighter and holds up better than MDF in my opinion.

webgeek:

Mine will be plywood as well.

Mike

MameJunkie:

Mine is plywood.

Really depends on the quality of plywood and if you plan on painting or using lamanate.  If you use low grade plywood that has rough surfaces, painting it would look like crap.

Think MDF is easier because it is smooth but I believe it is heavier than a equal thickness plywood.

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