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Quick question - in search of advice on how to start

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MYX:

I decided to go with building my cab. I am finding that I am really enjoying working with wood. Who knew? I say build it. Then it is yours to completely customize. Play PIMP MY CAB.

markrvp:

I've done it both ways.  The nice thing about taking the TMNT cab is that you could see how the monitor was mounted and be up and running faster.

HOTR6:

I say build your own. I have read on here that lots of wifes agree to the cab if you can make it wood grain. I personally wanted a black cab with graphics, it was my husband who wanted wood grain! So maybe wood grain could be something you could appease your wife with, she could even pick what stain she likes best!
There is a lot of satisfaction in building your own cab. There is a bit of woodowrking but if you can get a good guy at Lowes or Home depot (wherever you buy your wood) they can make a lot of the cuts for you. There are a bunch of straight cuts they can do on the big saw that make your life easier! Make sure to account for the blade though!!
I don't know what size the TMNT cab is but what if you don't want that size monitor? How about if you want more or les players on the CP? I know all of these things can be dealt with but if you build your own you decide right off what you are getting and you build accordingly. You could build a smaller one for your wifes sake!
That is my .02

CheffoJeffo:

I had a big, long post written (in my head) debating the position of using the TMNT as a basis for your (presumably MAME) cabinet, but am feeling lazy today.

Most often the "use existing cabinet" option is presented as the "quick and easy" way out (which it is), which sadly comes across as some kind of copout.

Then again, having a single cab run an emulator instead of multiple dedicated cabs running original hardware is pretty much as quick and easy as you can get.

From my personal POV, I would suggest using the TMNT as a basis for your MAME cabinet unless you:

1) want to do something unique with your cabinet design (if you're just going to build another UAII or Lucid clone, don't bother) or go with a woodgrain finish (my original plan)

2) want a woodworking project to involve your kids with (my twins are 11 years younger than yours so aren't ready for power tools, but are happy to clean buttons and playtest)

3) want a woodworking project for your own benefits (including a sense of accomplishment), away from everybody else (I fully understand this one)

If, later, you want to change things up and build a cabinet, you will still have that option ... along with all of the experience and equipment from your first build.

From your posting, it seems as if your have built things with wood before, so perhaps would not get quite the "hit" off of building your cabinet as the first-time woodworker.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Cheers.

rwhip41:

Just my opinion, for what it's worth...

Use the TMNT cab and go nuts on a custom control panel and custom art/nice cosmetics for the cab. Be wary of the monitor size you want to use. If it's a big TV (or monitor), you may be "stuck" with building your own cab.



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