Author Topic: need advice sorta i dont want to look like an idiot...lol lowes cutting the wood (Read 6411 times)

robot8319 · « **on:** October 28, 2006, 12:40:03 am »

i am going to build me a mame cab built around a 21 inch dell monitor now i want to know everything as possible before hand..

i dont have anytools and i called lowes and they said they can cut the wood for me as long as i bring the measurements how would i go about bring the measurements up there??

do i draw my machine on a sheet of paper and mark the conrners of it with measurements or is there someother way i should do it??

i really dont know how to tell them how to cut the plywood...i was thinking of using 1 1/2 inch plywood is that enough??

i am not looking to spend no more than $40 on the whole thing i know i am cheap but i am also broke..lol

please give me some advice on how to give the correct info i need to get my project started..

thanks.

leapinlew · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2006, 01:26:35 am »

Lowes won't do exact cuts... if thats what your hoping for. They can rip a sheet of plywood for you and even then it's an approximation.

$40 is nearly impossible. I would say it's impossible, but I'm sure someone would try to prove me wrong. No tools, no materials and only $40... I would say it's impossible for you.

leapinlew · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2006, 01:28:50 am »

Also... what do you mean by 1 1/2 inch plywood.

Do you mean 1 4x8 sheet of 1/2 inch plywood or plywood thats 1.5 inches thick? Either way, the answer is probably no. Traditionally, people use 3/4 inch. You could probably do 1/2", but you'd need to make sure your t-molding is also 1/2". Since you only have $40, t-molding is out of the question (as is paint, formica or even wood!)

Good luck on your build. This is a fun hobby, but it can also get expensive.

spacies · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2006, 01:36:42 am »

Im with leapinlew on this one.

$40 isn't enough money, sorry.

Your best bet would be to find an existing cabinet for free or REAL cheap and start from there.
Because you have no tools this is going to be the only way you are going to get started.

Now go find one!

robot8319 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2006, 02:46:46 am »

i figured i wasnt going to use t-molding as i can sanddown the corners and as for paint i already have some primer..all i need is matteblack paint right?

and i checked the prices on wood earlier its quiet cheap around $10 a pop i think i can do it.

i already have the following..

pc
21" monitor
arcadestick
2x4's

i am going to opt out on a coinmech for now...

all i need is the sheets of wood cut and i would be good to go.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2006, 04:04:50 am »

Quote from: robot8319 on October 28, 2006, 02:46:46 am

i figured i wasnt going to use t-molding as i can sanddown the corners and as for paint i already have some primer..all i need is matteblack paint right?

and i checked the prices on wood earlier its quiet cheap around $10 a pop i think i can do it.

i already have the following..

pc
21" monitor
arcadestick
2x4's

i am going to opt out on a coinmech for now...

all i need is the sheets of wood cut and i would be good to go.

you going to put it together with flour paste? screws and glue are going to cost SOMETHING...

robot8319 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2006, 06:25:38 am »

i got an unlimited supply of screw dont know why i left that out if not i will do it with hammer and nails..

Encryptor · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2006, 07:36:41 am »

I'm new to this and I don't claim to know a great deal about it. I also don't want to be a rain on your parade but my button and marquee retainer order alone was about $65. I can't possibly see you doing this for $40.

Encryptor

javeryh · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2006, 08:22:18 am »

I'm with leapinlew on this. $40 is impossible even if you just need wood. Also, Lowe's isn't going to cut everything precisely and they definitely aren't going to cut anything that's not straight. I can't count the times I ran to Home Depot to pick up "one last thing I forgot." I also tried to meticulously plan everything to the last penny on an Excel spreadsheet and right now (I'm 90% complete) I'm about $300 over budget on things I didn't think of until I started. Your budget will be blown on your second trip to the store.

I don't want to dampen your spirits but I think you should know what you are getting into. This is an expensive hobby. If things are that tight I'd hunt around for a free gutted cab and start from there. You can fix that up with some bondo, sandpaper and a fresh coat of paint. That's the cheapest way to go I think... Good luck!!

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2006, 08:55:50 am »

I dunno why you guys all think building a cab from scratch for under $40 is impossible ... it is definitely possible ... of course the cab will be the size of a small stool.

Now, robot8319, doing a project like this for under $40 IS possible if you can get a cheap/free donor cabinet (and have the rest of the components on hand). Have a look in the B/S/T board here, on RGVAC, check Craigslist in your area.

You may have to be patient, but free cabs do come up, depending on where you are. So, where are you ?

Cheers

GoPodular.com · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2006, 10:18:56 am »

robot8319, I also agree that it would be best to find a gutted cabinet.

If you *start* with a gutted cabinet, all your cuts are done. You may have the coin mechs, and you may have the glass for covering the monitor.

If you make your own, you can't depend on Lowes to make accurate cuts, so you'll need a saw. Lowes only cuts "approximate" dimensions and only cuts rectangles. That one purchase is anywhere from 25%-100% of your budget.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2006, 10:57:06 am »

i say if you are on the internet, you have enough money! budget tightly, but expect to go over the $40 mark. just get what you can a bit at a time. i wouldnt nail it. to do that you need to drill holes anyway so you might as well use screws

RayB · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2006, 02:57:41 pm »

Matte Black paint will look HORRIBLE. Go with satin or semi-gloss finish.

I too vote for putting that $40 towards an empty old 'real' cabinet. Just be patient, keep fishing around. You'll find one eventually.

torez · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2006, 03:07:24 pm »

Don't forget to submit your project to:
http://www.wickedretarded.com/%7Ecrapmame/

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2006, 03:27:38 pm »

Quote from: torez on October 28, 2006, 03:07:24 pm

Don't forget to submit your project to:
http://www.wickedretarded.com/%7Ecrapmame/

What is with the troll ?

Can we stop posting CrapMAME as if it was something new and cool ?

Cheers.

torez · « **Reply #15 on:** October 28, 2006, 03:38:00 pm »

Quote from: CheffoJeffo on October 28, 2006, 03:27:38 pm

Quote from: torez on October 28, 2006, 03:07:24 pm
Don't forget to submit your project to:
http://www.wickedretarded.com/%7Ecrapmame/

What is with the troll ?

Can we stop posting CrapMAME as if it was something new and cool ?

Cheers.

Someone can't take a joke. Just trying to give a heads up, so he doesn't make some of their mistakes, sheesh

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #16 on:** October 28, 2006, 05:59:49 pm »

Quote from: torez on October 28, 2006, 03:38:00 pm

Someone can't take a joke. Just trying to give a heads up, so he doesn't make some of their mistakes, sheesh

Thanks, Mark. I can take a joke fine, but there is no need to mock a noob because he doesnt have the cash flow to support a multi-thousand dollar build.

If I have been obtuse and somehow missed your gentle constructive criticism, then I apologize. I took your comment to be a smartass crack at a guy trying to put a cab together inside his tight cashflow restrictions.

Folks like Paige and others have been putting together quality MAME builds on the cheap for a long time. I expect my current MAME project to come in at under $50 out of pocket. It won't win any Mamey's, but it will do the job just fine.

Cheers.

EDIT: I do realize that I DID mock the same noob in a prior post, but hopefully the reinforcing I did to the point made by spacies makes it apparent that I really do want to help. If not, I offer my apologies to robot8319.

Glaine · « **Reply #17 on:** October 28, 2006, 10:51:30 pm »

OMG CRAPMAME *CONFETTI* !!111ONEONE

To builder, I would expect it to cost a bit more, but a little bit spent each month doesn't hurt much. It'll be fine. Good luck.

MameJunkie · « **Reply #18 on:** October 30, 2006, 01:28:40 am »

$40 is going to be tight...

Just for example, a sheet of 4'x8' 3/4" plywood is ~$20.
A full size cab will take 2-3 boards ($40-60).

I spent around $300-350 on wood/paint/arcade parts(button/joy/i-pac/coin door). And like most of us here, had a spare PC lying around. If you don't, its even more $$$.

Don't lose hope, but unless you can pick up charity parts or dumpster dive

, it'll go over budget....

AtomSmasher · « **Reply #19 on:** October 30, 2006, 02:25:09 am »

Since he already has a computer, monitor, and control panel, he might be able to do it for $40. You'll probably want to borrow a jigsaw from someone to make the cuts Lowes can't do.

severdhed · « **Reply #20 on:** October 30, 2006, 03:04:21 pm »

like everyone else said, $40 is pushing it. Since you have the pc, monitor, controls, that takes some stuff out of the way, but it adds up fast.

i got an empty cabinet for $20, it came with 3 buttons, trackball, coinmechs, marquee retainer/and plexi,marquee light, monitor glass.
just look around, i did a google search for "amusements" along with the name of the town i live and i found a place locally that repairs arcade games.

but like everyone said, things add up quickly. if you have to buy wood, $40 isnt going to cut it. you won't get lowes to cut it the way you want, so you will need a saw. I dont know what kind of controller you have now, but unless you are leaving it the way it is and just sitting it on your cabinet, you will need a drill, along with a 1 1/8" drill bit.

also, you will need speakers, a marquee, marquee light, monitor glass, paint...and some misc other things you will find that you need as you go along.

as for tools, ask around, you probably know someone who would let you borrow a saw/drill/router/etc...

we are not trying to discourage you, just pointing out that all of us spent way more than what we initially planned on...thats just the way it works. as you go, you realize that there is something else you need...it just never ends.

good luck

ChadTower · « **Reply #21 on:** October 30, 2006, 03:07:42 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on October 28, 2006, 01:26:35 am

No tools, no materials and only $40... I would say it's impossible for you.

ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch

Stingray · « **Reply #22 on:** October 30, 2006, 04:00:10 pm »

I agree with all the guys who told you to find a cheap/ free gutted cab. If you can find one it sounds like you've got everything else to make it work. You can always improve it later when more funds become available.

-S

leapinlew · « **Reply #23 on:** October 30, 2006, 04:10:05 pm »

Maybe I missed it...

But what are you doing for an encoder? I can only assume your hacking a keyboard.

Stingray · « **Reply #24 on:** October 30, 2006, 04:15:15 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on October 30, 2006, 04:10:05 pm

Maybe I missed it...

But what are you doing for an encoder? I can only assume your hacking a keyboard.

I assume that "arcadestick" is some kind of plug & play control panel.

-S

MameJunkie · « **Reply #25 on:** October 30, 2006, 04:23:47 pm »

Wiring and connectors are going to cost some $$$ also.

rdowdy95 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 30, 2006, 05:39:56 pm »

Hey man why don't you plan on using some good strong styrofoam. I think you can do it for under $40 then. Hell I also they you might be able to get it in that 1 1/2" thickness you were talking about.

spacies · « **Reply #27 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:08:50 pm »

1 1/2 thick wood?

Man its going to weigh a ton!
I delivered a machine machine I built yesterday to a very excited owner and lifting that into the back of my wagon was a recipe for a hernia. That was made from 3/4" MDF.

I would flag trying to build a machine for $40 and find an empty cab.
Spend the 40 squid on other things.

ChadTower · « **Reply #28 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:28:49 pm »

Maybe he can make it out of Eggos.

MameJunkie · « **Reply #29 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:40:31 pm »

My guess is that he was talking about ONE (1) - 1/2" thick panel.

daywane · « **Reply #30 on:** October 30, 2006, 08:29:18 pm »

If you live close to KY I have a cab for free.
3/4 inch MDF here is $20.00
I get stuff in the mail from time to time
spend $25.00 at lowes and get $10.00 off

My first cab was cheep (not $40.00) (spent that in gas)
a 21 inch PC monitor will fit. Even a MS Pacman but it will stick out the back
Not real nice looking but will get the job done

danny_galaga · « **Reply #31 on:** October 31, 2006, 04:35:32 am »

Quote from: spacies on October 30, 2006, 06:08:50 pm

1 1/2 thick wood?

Man its going to weigh a ton!

dunno bout nz, but in australia they make styrofoam from polystyrene not wood

spacies · « **Reply #32 on:** October 31, 2006, 04:59:40 am »

Quote from: danny_galaga on October 31, 2006, 04:35:32 am

Quote from: spacies on October 30, 2006, 06:08:50 pm

1 1/2 thick wood?

Man its going to weigh a ton!

dunno bout NZ, but in Australia they make Styrofoam from polystyrene not wood

Nice one Danny, but in the 1st post he mentioned he was thinking of using 1 1/2" Ply. It was also mentioned further down and randy95 was taking this p!ss about the foam. I think, LOL.

So, here in NZ, we read posts before posting ourselves. Well sometimes anyway

'cos when I re-read the post I noticed what he said. Its all kinda irrelevant now because he has $$$$$$$$$$$$

Hey, where in OZ are you?

Nannuu · « **Reply #33 on:** October 31, 2006, 02:12:52 pm »

Robot, depending on where you live you may be able to attend a superauction which will almost certainly be able to get you a free or sub $20 cabinet and controls.
http://www.superauctions.com/
Otherwise look on rgvac or craigslist to see what you can dig up. You can definitely build a cabinet for less than $40 BUT you may be doing a lot of work or getting a lot of favors to do it.

Man, where's Paigeoliver when you need him.

ChadTower · « **Reply #34 on:** October 31, 2006, 02:24:34 pm »

Quote from: Nannuu on October 31, 2006, 02:12:52 pm

Man, where's Paigeoliver when you need him.

Peale is also a BYOAC CheapMaster. Very skilled in the lowest cost methods.

leapinlew · « **Reply #35 on:** October 31, 2006, 03:23:11 pm »

Quote from: Nannuu on October 31, 2006, 02:12:52 pm

Robot, depending on where you live you may be able to attend a superauction which will almost certainly be able to get you a free or sub $20 cabinet and controls.

Not at the last auction I went to... total buyers market. Auctions vary a ton from time to time.

Quote from: Nannuu on October 31, 2006, 02:12:52 pm

You can definitely build a cabinet for less than $40 BUT you may be doing a lot of work or getting a lot of favors to do it.

I don't believe I'm in the minority here when I say thats impossible. If unless by "a lot of favors" you mean people giving you stuff for free - a ton of stuff. This guy had no tools and no material. $40 is a totally unrealistic number.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 31, 2006, 07:20:18 pm »

He could do a "trade up" type of thing. I'll start for him. Okay, who is willing to trade me a Happs trackball for this cherryswitch?

danny_galaga · « **Reply #37 on:** November 01, 2006, 06:50:21 am »

Quote from: spacies on October 31, 2006, 04:59:40 am

Quote from: danny_galaga on October 31, 2006, 04:35:32 am
Quote from: spacies on October 30, 2006, 06:08:50 pm

1 1/2 thick wood?

Man its going to weigh a ton!

dunno bout NZ, but in Australia they make Styrofoam from polystyrene not wood

Nice one Danny, but in the 1st post he mentioned he was thinking of using 1 1/2" Ply. It was also mentioned further down and randy95 was taking this p!ss about the foam. I think, LOL.

So, here in NZ, we read posts before posting ourselves. Well sometimes anyway 'cos when I re-read the post I noticed what he said. Its all kinda irrelevant now because he has $$$$$$$$$$$$

Hey, where in OZ are you?

im in brisbane although you'd think you were in nz what with all the kiwis here

SithMaster · « **Reply #38 on:** November 02, 2006, 03:24:00 pm »

nice going guys you scared him away.

try hitting up construction sites for scrape wood or leftovers.

or if your going to school and they have a wood shop class get wood from there. thats how i got my back door and control panels made for two cabs.
then for another cab i brought in a panel i bought from homedepot myself and used the power tools for another back door.

you mentioned a coin door-means you need locks
keyboard hack i almost free-factor in iron, solder, wire, and time

try freecycle for some stuff (yahoo group)

but get a cab for cheap first. i was going to build my own but two came along and whatever was going to be used to pay to build a cab is going into funding restoration/modification.

someone mentioned it borrow tools. i borrowed a jigsaw from my friends dad and used my shop teachers circular saw (board wouldnt fit on tablesaw so he brought his in).

leapinlew · « **Reply #39 on:** November 02, 2006, 03:54:06 pm »

Quote from: SithMaster on November 02, 2006, 03:24:00 pm

nice going guys you scared him away.

We didn't scare him away. He almost caused, like, a dozen divorces...

If my wife even thought we could've build a cab for $40.


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news