need advice sorta i dont want to look like an idiot...lol lowes cutting the wood

[robot8319]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[CheffoJeffo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

$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]

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]

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]

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

ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch

[Stingray]

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]

Maybe I missed it...

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

[Stingray]

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]

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

[rdowdy95]

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]

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]

Maybe he can make it out of Eggos.

[MameJunkie]

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

[daywane]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Man, where's Paigeoliver when you need him.

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

[leapinlew]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[CheffoJeffo]

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.

Hey he did get 3 cabs for $150 ...

Cheers.

[mccoy178]

That's why I chimed in.  He said one thing and did another.  Not only did he kind of string us out there, he never returned to this thread to straighten things out.

[fiscap]

I agree with the majority here and think that $40 is not enough to build a complete cabinet despite having the parts on-hand that you've already mentioned. There's a lot of unanticipated parts and components that make up a cabinet. I can tell you from first-hand experience (as I'm sure many others can attest), it seems as though I've spent more time running to and from the hardware store or shopping on-line than I have spent actually working in the shop.

Don't be too discouraged though, because while it does take a little money to get started, the majority of us here who have put hundreds or thousands of dollars into our cabinets didn't do it all in one shot. I for one started buying parts and supplies over two years ago, but didn't start physical construction until this past April. While I planned as best as I could and kept thinking that I had everything I needed to complete the cabinet, there was always one more thing that I didn't take into consideration.

Keep your chin up and remember that most of us have put more time than money into our cabinets. Spend a little now to get you going and work on it when you can. Add a little bit here and there as your budget will allow. While it is possible to economically build a cabinet, you want to also have something in the end that you will be very proud of.

[ChadTower]

$40 won't even cover the beer.

[spacies]

Nah,

We didnt scare him away.

He scrored some machines: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59631.0

[leapinlew]

Hey he did get 3 cabs for $150 ...

Cheers.

Exactly! Thats still more than $40

[spacies]

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

Im hearing on that one.
Hardly any kiwis here now, they are all in OZ. We have Asians and Indians to replace the Kiwis. 

I sold a machine to a company here and they just shipped it to a new store in OZ. It went to Sydney though, that why I was asking were you were.

 

[Nannuu]

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.

Yeah it's possible, or was until he wussed out and blew his budget.  But yes, getting a ton of free stuff, using school tools or friends tools etc can get you a really cheap cabinet.  I personally couldn't build a cabinet for that much but is has been done on the board before.  I think I remember Paigeoliver building a cabinet for $20 once (or more acurately, maming an existing cabinet).  But he was always really good at that and was around arcade stuff a lot so he had good connections.
But like I said, I couldn't do it.  I wouldn't even try.  I tend to use any project as an excuse to buy more tools thus bringing the price of anything I make up well above what it could have been.

[leapinlew]

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.

Yeah it's possible, or was until he wussed out and blew his budget.  But yes, getting a ton of free stuff, using school tools or friends tools etc can get you a really cheap cabinet.  I personally couldn't build a cabinet for that much but is has been done on the board before.  I think I remember Paigeoliver building a cabinet for $20 once (or more acurately, maming an existing cabinet).  But he was always really good at that and was around arcade stuff a lot so he had good connections.
But like I said, I couldn't do it.  I wouldn't even try.  I tend to use any project as an excuse to buy more tools thus bringing the price of anything I make up well above what it could have been.

I believe you can do a really cheap cabinet. Just not $40. I spent that in gas picking up materials. If paigeoliver did it for $20, it might have something to do with him having all the parts on hand already...

My parents gave me a car when I turned 16, but I wouldn't suggest to people that cars can be free.

[kelemvor]

http://www.ugiansky.com/trashcade/