Dimension Question

[Hoagie]

I'm currently working on building my first control panel and am trying to figure out the "standard" dimensions for cabs.  I am planning on building a stand initially (and have it spaced some distance from my TV) before I decide to build the full cabinet, but I want to make sure I build a CP that I can easily swap.

I've checked out the dimensions for the Ultimate Arcade Machines (http://www.cybertechdesign.net/mameroom/) and the Defender dimensions at the Arcade Restoration Workshop (http://www.arcaderestoration.com/index.asp?OPT=3&DATA=448&CBT=66).  These seem to be pretty darn close, so I am thinking that most cabs general fall within a general width range?

Thanks for any info!

Hoag

[Birdtales]

I have 4 arcade cabinets.

1. Defender 26 inches wide

2. Hard Drivin 27 Inches wide

3. NARC 27.5 inches wide

4. Jamma Cabinet 31.5 inches wide

None of these are home built. YMMV

[Brad Lee]

Tempest is about 25-1/2" outside to outside (69"tall and about 32" from the back to the frontmost peak)

[Ted_Striker]

as far as dimensions go DON'T measure your cabinet.  Instead measure your doors and hall ways.  Make sure that the cabinet you construct can be moved around your house or apt.  This happened to me(well my nephew in college)... please don't laugh.  After seeing my cabinet he had to have one.  He was in a single 1 bedroom apartment in college.  He did all the research in the world, measured twice etc.  He built his cabinet in a friends garage exactly like his favorite arcade cabinet.  When he took it to his apartment, there were a section of stairs that the cabinet would not physically fit through.  HE COULD NOT GET THE DAMN THING IN HIS DOOR!  Of course his friend was more than happy to keep his cabinet at his house till he moved out (he was a graduating senior in like 3 mos).  

So if you are building from scratch I would use other cabinets as a guideline not a template.  Incorporate the ability to move the cabinet in your design.  

Most cabinets are<30in because of the standard door sizes.  Those that are not have removable control panels.  For the stand you plan to build width should not be an issue.  Because if it is too wide for the door you can always turn it sideways.  Similar to the big showcase cabinets (or whatever they are called)

ok I've rambled enough.  Hopefully I've answered your questions.