Announcing a project I may never do, but have pondered for a while: the $30 cab

[quarterback]

This has been in my head since I first found these forums.   I've held it close to my chest in the hopes that I'd be the first one to do it and I'd impress you all with my ingenuity and cleverness.   The possibility of changing the cab building world was there in my grasp... but... I'm probably never going to find the time to even give this a shot.  Therefore, I'll reveal my concept for all to see, and maybe someoby will take up the mantle and make it a reality.

My idea is "The $30 Wal-Mart cab".   It's a cabinet that's constructed from the parts of a 72" laminated bookshelf unit that can be found at any Wal-Mart, Staples, Office Depot etc.

The charm of this concept is:
(a) The parts can be purchased in any major city
(b) The cost is low
(c) It's already 'laminated'
(d) It wouldn't require T-molding

This would be the cheapskate version of a cabinet kit that places like Slikstik or DreamArcades sells.   It would come with the laminated wood, the cam-lock system, and even a monitor shelf.  The proposed concept would only require basic tools (screwdriver, drill, some kind of saw) and would bring the arcade cabinet to the masses.

One or two of my ideas would require some additional brackets to hold skinny pieces together to make a larger piece, but I never got to the point of actually buying a shelf and cutting wood.

So somebody, with more time & space than I, should take up the challenge.  Do it!  Build a cabaret cab.  Build a full upright.  Build a cocktail.  The parts are there for the taking and you can wipe them clean with a damp cloth.  Wood grain?  You got it.  Black laminate? You got it!  White for a Galaxian cab?  No problem.   

Somebody help me out with this idea by making it a reality.  You'll change the world!!!!!!

[M3talhead]

Have you ever seen a Wal-Mart bookshelf after a few weeks? They lean and wobble like crazy because the particle board used to make them cant support large amounts of weight. How would you expect it to hold a 19" monitor? Besides, who wants a faux wood arcade cab anyway?

[quarterback]

Have you ever seen a Wal-Mart bookshelf after a few weeks? They lean and wobble like crazy because the particle board used to make them cant support large amounts of weight. How would you expect it to hold a 19" monitor? Besides, who wants a faux wood arcade cab anyway?

Bah!  Naysayer!!!!!!!

I think that there are lots of faux wood cabaret cabs out there.  And, as I said, white and black are readily available.

As for the lean & wobble factor, I disagree.  There are thousands upon thousands of Sauder and Bush brand "screw 'em together" bookshelves all over the US and they hold together just fine.   I've got a couple of them and they're holding more weight than a 19" monitor on them.  And with a shortened 'span' (because a cab wouldn't be as wide as a bookshelf) I think they'd hold up just fine.

I think it can be done.  I fully admit that I could be wrong, but as far as I know nobody's tried it yet.   

Prove me wrong oh Metal-headed one!

[M3talhead]

Have you ever seen a Wal-Mart bookshelf after a few weeks? They lean and wobble like crazy because the particle board used to make them cant support large amounts of weight. How would you expect it to hold a 19" monitor? Besides, who wants a faux wood arcade cab anyway?

Bah!  Naysayer!!!!!!!


I think that there are lots of faux wood cabaret cabs out there.  And, as I said, white and black are readily available.

As for the lean & wobble factor, I disagree.  There are thousands upon thousands of Sauder and Bush brand "screw 'em together" bookshelves all over the US and they hold together just fine.   I've got a couple of them and they're holding more weight than a 19" monitor on them.  And with a shortened 'span' (because a cab wouldn't be as wide as a bookshelf) I think they'd hold up just fine.

I think it can be done.  I fully admit that I could be wrong, but as far as I know nobody's tried it yet.   

Prove me wrong oh Metal-headed one!

Oh yeah, well....well....well...your dumb~! 

I duno man, its hard to say what would and wouldnt hold up. I'm just saying that I've never been impressed with particle board anything. Its just not a good material to make long-lasting things out of.

[Mark70]

First I'll assume that you're hoping to become a supplier of knock together arcade cabinets.  Not that you want us to go out and try and scavenge enough twistlock hardware and particle board pieces to make an arcade cabinet.

The problem is that  you're marketing the idea the wrong people.

Offering a knock together particle board arcade cabinet to guys that love video games, woodworking, and craftsmanship is like offering a ketchup sandwich to a french chef.

Guys in here aren't interested in the fastest cheapest solution.  We're interested in the best solution as cheaply as possible, but there's a certain level of craftsmanship that just can't be sacrificed.

If you read threads here, people area appreciating things like the shape of the side panels, the ergonomics of the CP layout, How to get parts wich are closest to the orignal unavailable parts.

The guys in here are not all that far separated from car/boat restorers, or kit car builders (I know I have restored boats).  So, for guys who want to get everyting "just so", or want to tweak a control panel assembly until it plays as universally as possible, or who want to build their own cab to compliment "classic" cab designs....   well particle board just won't do.   

[quarterback]

First I'll assume that you're hoping to become a supplier of knock together arcade cabinets.  Not that you want us to go out and try and scavenge enough twistlock hardware and particle board pieces to make an arcade cabinet.

Nah, I'm not interested in supplying anything.  I would love to see somebody go out and scavenge enough parts to put it together, but moreso, I'd like to see somebody buy a bookshelf "kit" and turn it into a cab "kit".

There are lots of people with minimal tools.  No routers.  No CNC access.  No space for 4x8 pieces of MDF where they can lay them out and cut them up.  No space in their cars for 4x8 pieces of MDF, for that matter.  No interest in ordering t-molding etc etc etc.   

I genuinely think the idea presented is a good one.  And, if not a good one, at the very least it's an interesting prospect.   I'd love to buy a cocktail cab kit, but I don't want to spend $800 on it.  I could build one from scratch for much less, but it would require more work.  This concept is a compromise between those two extremes.   The wood is pre-finished, no painting or laminating required, no T-molding (or cutting slots for T-molding) necessary, it'll fit in your car, no matter how skinny your car is, it comes with screws etc.  and it's butt-ass cheap.   

I'd love to try it.  I honestly believe it would work.   The biggest downside, IMO, is that the shelves aren't deeper, so you'd probably have to attach a couple pieces to each other for the sides, etc.   If I could find an 'entertainment center' kit or something with wider pieces for the same price, I'd probably give it a shot.

[Mark70]

like I said, it's not a bad idea, but you're pitching to the wrong crowd.

I think you're on the right  track with the entertainment center kit.  You'd still have to be smaller than a full size cabinet, and you'd have to give up the idea of the nicely shaped sides that make an arcade cabinet, an arcade cabinet.  Additionally, you'd definately have to drill.  The easy part would be drilling the for the control panel.  The really really hard part for someone who is not tool savvy (your target market) is going to be drilling intersecting holes for those twist lock fasteners, because you'll never find a kit that has holes you can use.  The holes for those fasteners are in locations to build an entertainment cabinet.  You're going to have to relocate at least some.

[quarterback]

like I said, it's not a bad idea, but you're pitching to the wrong crowd.

I think you're on the right  track with the entertainment center kit.

I'm not sure about the wrong crowd thing.  I think you're right on one level in that this crowd probably wants a better looking more well-constructed cabinet   But there are also a lot of DIYers here who might find this interesting.  And really, I don't see myself as pitching it.  It's really more of a 'toss'.  I'm throwing it out there just to put it out there.  I really don't expect folks here to start replacing their Galaga or Defender cabs with these.

Unfortunately I can't find a cheap entertainment center.   And even as I look at ~$100 entertainment centers, I'm not sure they're really the answer.  They don't seem to have significantly wider flat pieces that are big enough to mad a difference.  At least the ones I've seen.

The really really hard part for someone who is not tool savvy (your target market) is going to be drilling intersecting holes for those twist lock fasteners, because you'll never find a kit that has holes you can use.  The holes for those fasteners are in locations to build an entertainment cabinet.  You're going to have to relocate at least some.

Yeah, I was really thinking of those being used pretty much where they already are, which is at the top and bottom (and sometimes middle) as the bracing cross pieces (shelves, in this case)   

If nothing else, this thread has inspired me to waste use my afternoon making paper models and whatnot.   I pulled out a copy of SketchUp and came up with the image below.  The cool part is that there's room for a marquee (if someone so desired) the bad part is that the cab is too low.  Not too short, necessarily, but the CP would be too low. 

What you see in the pic is one side of a 6ft tall bookshelf with the top foot cut off (making it 5 ft tall) and then two shelves "fitted" to made one side of the cab.   Making two of these would leave two more shelves (for the top or base or monitor shelf) plus whatever extra wood there is (two 1-ft sections that were cut from the 6ft tall sides plus whatever else you'd remove from the width of the shelves)

That's a 17" monitor in there that's sticking out the back just a bit, although with a true monitor shape, that might acutually not stick out the back.

[Skadar]

It seems like it would be far more work than cutting and assembling raw sheets of wood.

And to the first reply above about nobody wanting "faux wood cabinets".  Heh... pretty much everyone already has faux wood cabinets.  MDF is not real wood.  Neither is plywood.

[quarterback]

It seems like it would be far more work than cutting and assembling raw sheets of wood.

Bah!  You guys have no sense of adventure!!!!!


The goal would make it less work, which is why I shyed away from my idea of making the cab not quite as deep.  That would involve ripping each of the shelves down the middle making them 2' 2-3/8" by 6" instead of the 2' 2-3/8" by 1" that they are out of the box.

It would provide more wood pieces to work with, but also involve more cutting.

Again, this is just an idea I had kicking around for a while.  I'm just curious if it could be done.  With the design above, the biggest downsides are: that it's too short and there aren't enough shelves to provide a top, bottom, front, monitor shelf and CP.

But beyond those two things, it'd be very simple to make.

No $30-cab supporters out there?!?!?!?!?!?!? 

[Mark70]

I'll play along, as long as I get to suggest some of the rules.

I think, as soon as you're making a cut that involves a rotary saw, you're cooked.  A kit like this would have to have no cutting.  I think as soon as you're making cuts, you're losing your target market.  Which is a problem because ideally, in order to avoid having to make a bezel or install glass, you want the cabinet to be as wide as a monitor.  I suppose a small gap wouldn't be too bad around the monitor, but I thing 1/2" to 3/4" is max.

I think your average person would screw through a couple of pieces of wood, so not using the knock together fasteners isn't a big deal.  Countersinking maybe, but not likely.

The next paradox I see is that you're going to ask someone who doesn't want to put the time and effort into building a cabinet.... to wire one.  The wiring is more daunting to me that the woodwork.  You may have to plan this thing to take an xarcade.

[RetroACTIVE]

I'm confused...

Is it a cabinet or just a cheap bookcase with a monitor in it?

I'll give you points for creativity... look at it this way... it won't (should not by your estimates anyway) cost you anything to try!

[Mark70]

I'm confused...

Is it a cabinet or just a cheap bookcase with a monitor in it?

I'll give you points for creativity... look at it this way... it won't (should not by your estimates anyway) cost you anything to try!

I'd say it's more of a mental puzzle.  It's like a fiesability study really.

The challenge is could you make something that won't look like a homer simpson spice rack, without ramping the cost up.

[RetroACTIVE]

The challenge is could you make something that won't look like a homer simpson spice rack, without ramping the cost up.

hey spice rack theme... redemption!

[Avery]

I've done the minimalist plans for Johny-no-tools before, Quarterback (for another DIY type hobby).  The assumptions I made there were that my target audience had (or could get)access to  a drill, circular saw, jig saw, hammer, square, tape measurer, razor knife and pliers. 

What was interesting was the number of people who had scads of tools, but took my idea and ran with it.

[quarterback]

I'm confused...

Is it a cabinet or just a cheap bookcase with a monitor in it?

I'd say it's more of a mental puzzle.  It's like a fiesability study really.

Exactly!

I probably was, inadvertantly, a little misleading when I said things like "bring the arcade cabinet to the masses" and "changing the cab building world" in my first post.  I don't really expect to  "change the world" or for these to be the cab for non-BYOACers.   

But, that being said, I did originally come up with it when thinking about making a cabaret cab for myself.  I've got some tools, but not a real router.   And a 4x8 sheet of anything won't fit in my car.   And I really don't want to deal with primer-then-sand-then-paint-then-sand-then-paint-then-sand -or- with glue and laminate.    And I'm 'frugal'   I can make simple cuts, measure, mark and drill holes etc. so I tried to think of a way to put together a cabaret cab on-the-cheap-and-easy and came up with this idea.

Frankly, I think my little sketch up above looks pretty okay.  But, as I said, I'm really not sure it'd work out to make a cab out of a single bookshelf kit.... not enough wood and since the whole point was to build a cab for $30, buying more wood (or a 2nd bookshelf, OR a $100 entertainment center) sort of defeats the purpose.

I've done the minimalist plans for Johny-no-tools before, Quarterback (for another DIY type hobby).  The assumptions I made there were that my target audience had (or could get)access to  a drill, circular saw, jig saw, hammer, square, tape measurer, razor knife and pliers. 

What was interesting was the number of people who had scads of tools, but took my idea and ran with it.

I believe it.  If I could pull this off and put together a step-by-step, I bet you'd see people making them....

.... maybe I should try and layout a 'cocktail' version.... hmmmm....

[RetroACTIVE]

.... maybe I should try and layout a 'cocktail' version.... hmmmm....

I tell you what quartback... I think I like your personallity... you crack me up!

[quarterback]

.... maybe I should try and layout a 'cocktail' version.... hmmmm....

I tell you what quartback... I think I like your personallity... you crack me up!

    Thanks!

[DrewKaree]

.... maybe I should try and layout a 'cocktail' version.... hmmmm....

I tell you what quartback... I think I like your personallity... you crack me up!

    Thanks!

Dude, read between the lines.  He "likes your personality".  He just called you fat and ugly.  In the plus column, it means he doesn't want a second date.

[thesmit]

Hi Quater,
I think the CONCEPT of what you are trying to do is great (even though the method may not be the best). Aset of plans to easily convert ready made matterial (that is readily available) into a shell of a cabinet. Great idea!
I have plenty of mates that would love a cab, but don't have the time or want to put in the effort to physically make one. I would happily make them another one if I knew I could easily build a couple of cabinets in a short period of time for minimal outlay.

Anyways, it just seemed that everyone was bagging your idea while not offering any real constructive critisism, so I thought I'd show my support for your idea.

Good Luck,
Smit

[Xiaou2]

 That material will not hold up to arcade abuse.  The heavy handed players will
destroy that material in seconds.. and the monitor will crash and shatter.

 Not only that..  but the  challenge makes little sense.

 If you do not have tools.. how can you drill button holes?

 Most people who want the arcade experience will just try to build a
control panel that sits on a desk.   Its cheaper, and easier.

 Home Depot will cut 8*4  MDF sheets to whatever size pieces you
specify.   My cavalier fits almost 3ft wide pieces, which are well fat enough for
most things Ive needed to build.   My rear seat folds down, so that is the advantage I have with that car - is that I can load like 8 to 13ft long pieces in the
car : )    If you cant do that,  Home depot also has a rental truck.  Or, try a friends truck or car.

 If you are lazy... dont paint it     But, MDF  being so smooth may not need much effort in painting anyway.   If its a little bumpy cause you dont want to sand the paint down.. who cares...   If its black, it hardly matters. 

 If you are Insistent on the cheapie bookshelf,  just make a pedestal cab. (no monitor.  Just place it next to the TV/monitor)    Use double the wood (2 pieces next to each other)  for extra strenght.   

 Only problem is.. cutting.  When you try to cut that cheap bookcase crap.. (esp without a good tablesaw)   it may break appart in nasty ways.  Its nice laminate will be ripped too..  and how will you cover the jagged/chipped/frayed  cut ends? 

 A more interesting challenge might be making a cardboard cabinet.  Maybe by soaking the carboard in glue/water, layering them, and waiting for them to dry.  Not sure if it will work or how strong it would be.

[Mark70]

The real problem here is that MDF is only about $25 a sheet and most building supply stores will make the first cuts for you.  That's how I've done many projects with only a car to haul materials.

So unless you elimnate cutting and measuring, there's almost no point.  On top of that you can buy precut arcade kits already.

[Crowley]

I use particle board alot actually. It holds up pretty sturdily, believe it or not.

[D5A1AC]

I think this is interesting. The sort of thing I'd expect to see on hackaday or other sites like that if anyone was successful. I think the best way to start out would be to get a catalogue from a store and make a whole heap of planes (in a basic CAD program)  the same size as the ones that make up the DIY bookshelf type furniture and then put them all together and see if you can actually make a cabinet up using the least amount of kits (preferably one). The control panel would be best be an X-arcade or something similar as Mark70 suggested, as it is a quicker fix and wouldn't involve woodwork or electronics skill. On the other hand it would no longer be a $30 cab... 

Regardless of whether or not you follow this up much further, I think it is quite an interesting concept!

[subcriminal]

Offering a knock together particle board arcade cabinet to guys that love video games, woodworking, and craftsmanship is like offering a ketchup sandwich to a french chef.

LMAO!! EXACTLY!!

I went down the cheap light route kind of! Ply is much stronger that chipboard and it sucked in a big way...
Back to MDF, Deck Screws, routing, and fine paint finishing
I wouldn't want cab building to be available to the masses. It would devaluate the quality builds that people do on here and wouldn't be such a rare item to have in your home.

[BobA]

If you want ready built but modified a good starting point would be a cheap microwave cab as it already has a good shape to start from.

[xonix_digital]

LOL...


Im sorry but when I first read your idea I thought it was great! And now that everyone seems to hate the idea..That means it even more great. So great in fact that Im stealing it and I am going to make a million dollars!

Thank you...

-=XD=-

pm me for your cut!

[quarterback]

Im sorry but when I first read your idea I thought it was great! And now that everyone seems to hate the idea..That means it even more great. So great in fact that Im stealing it and I am going to make a million dollars!

    

I have to admit, I am surprised at the level of distaste for the idea.   But I still think it's interesting and I'm particularly happy that I 'announced' it before that $300 Target cab showed up on the scene.  One of these days somebody will make it happen and there will be much rejoicing by all the tiny people in my head

[Mark70]

Wow, that microwave stand is remarkable close to the project requirements.

[xonix_digital]

Does anyone have a link to the $300.00 Target cab? I am having trouble finding it.


-=XD=-

[BobA]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=44831.0

I think this is the thread that the target cab is in. 

[quarterback]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=44831.0

I think this is the thread that the target cab is in. 

Yeah, sorry I under-agerrated.  It's actually $500 and not $300.

[captainpotato]

I think that you are all missing the point to what this could be - a challenge to see who of us can make the best looking (and effective) cab using only a cheap bookshelf (entertainment unit/microwave...) kit as the basis. Yes, we all know that it won't be the greatest creation ever, but as a challenge, it would be at least /slightly/ interesting.

Mind you, having said this, I think that they are ugly enough as bookcases, let alone being turned into anything else...

Perhaps a desk kit would be the way to go. A little more expensive perhaps, but there are more pieces of larger sizes - for a coktail cab it would work well...

[Xiaou2]

 I bet theres a way to build a strong structure with carboard.  That means a near free cabinet, as boxes can be found almost anywhere in recycle dumpsters, or ask the stores themselves. 

 Another think can be used are those plastic tube shelving units.

 Just assemble, then place sheets (or tarps, or whatever other material) over the open areas.

 A PVC cab might be fairly cheap.   Its the connectors that are the only expensive part..  and something might be able to be substituted for them.


edit:

- oooh look at this:

 http://www.compagnie-bleuzen.com/indexe.htm