Ummm... is there supposed to be a big hole (space) in the back of the cabinet?

[sofakng]

Seeing as how I'm a totally newbie at this, I'm somewhat confused.

I started assembling the cabinet today and I got to the part where we attach the cabinet back bottom panel.  Well I started putting up various pieces to see how they'd fit and...  I noticed that it looks as if there is an entire panel missing?!

Well upon further examination (and looking through the book over and over) it seems as though it's that way by design...

So... is it true that on the back of the cabinet you will have the "cabinet back bottom" and then a big gap, and then AFTER the gap the "cabinet back top" followed by the "cabinet back angled section" ?

I'm pretty sure the gap is supposed to be there (perhaps for ventilation?) but I just want to make sure...

[SirPeale]

I haven't seen this, but it sounds like the back door.

[GamingGreg]

The book is based off of LuSid's design, and yes it doesn't have a back.  A friend of mine built a cabinet with that design, and it has no back either.  However, when it's turned to a wall or corner, it's not noticeable there isn't one there.   You certainly could add a door on the back.  For some people there is no need for that.  For others, it's possible to add one for "authenticness", "security from the kids", or whatever.

[sofakng]

Well, I was going to leave the hole there, and add hinges to the bottom back panel.  The reason is because if I only have that hole there, it will still be difficult to access to the very bottom inside of the cabinet.

I'm also attaching the cabinet front piece but without any hinges or a coin door.  I plan to later drill out a coin door (hopefully it won't be too difficult).

Do you suggest I do something besides that?  (for the back door hinges and the front door)

[Tahnok]

I believe that gap is for air. If you completely seal the cab then you will have to have a fan somewhere, Which means more noise.

[SirPoonga]

I believe that gap is for air. If you completely seal the cab then you will have to have a fan somewhere, Which means more noise.

That's a good idea, but that's not what it is for.

It doesn't really matter if you put a back on or not.  My double Draogn II cabinet has a back door on.  actual arcade had them on for security, etc.  No back does help keep the computer cooler with air flow throught he cabinet.

[lusid]

There were originally two reasons for the space in the back.

1.  I didn't want to install a fan

2. I didn't want to buy another sheet of wood.  

But with it there I can reach the back panel connectors on my TV if I have to, which is a nice plus.

[paigeoliver]

More than half my real arcade games don't have backs on them. And I wouldn't run a vector game with the back on under any circumstances (you do not want those monitors overheating).

[Howard_Casto]

There were originally two reasons for the space in the back.

1.

[Gunstar Hero]

Yes. Yes there is. 

[MrBond]

Cool, I thought I was somewhat alone in leaving the back of my cab open.  I had no choice though, as the monitor kind of sticks out...the cool think is it has handles, which I can use to dolley around the cab.  I need better castors though; my cab is heavy!

[JONTHEBOMB]

Today, I thought I did something horribly wrong.  In order to see what I had left to put on my cabinet, I laid out the remaining pieces.  I had my Cabinet Back Bottom Section all ready on and noticed that the Cabinet Back Top Section wasn't going to cover the entire back.  I first looked around the woodshop thinking I misplaced a piece.  Then I saw that the plans didn't mention anything about a Cabinet Back Middle Section.  I was going to start a new thread, but I'm glad I found this one.

[Stingray]

More than half my real arcade games don't have backs on them.

I only have two upright cabs, but I leave the back off of both of them. As mentioned, it's just easier if you have to work inside them.

-S