LeapinLew: 2 player bartop

[Malenko]

looks amazing!  the ONLY thing I would have done different (other then completely mess it up) is to add a "neo geo" button, like the HotRod SE stick, makes the 6 button capcom fighters and the 4 button SNK games extremely playable. Be too much of a pain now though, since you CPO art is mated so perfectly to the layout you have now.


You should come laminate my cab, lol


seriously though, fantastic job.  Its an inspiration , and I might even bug you for better plans to that so I can duplicate it when I get rid of my full sized cab (if ever)

[BobA]

Really unique bartop.   Looks great.  Very nice considering the limitations of your shop area.

 

[leapinlew]

Awesome job.
I like the way the art wraps around to the front side.
Do you have any plans to paint the aluminum angle?

Just saw this question -

My buddy keeps asking me this also Nite. I know the aluminum looks out of place in those pics, but I was hoping by adding more angle iron I could help provide more protection for the cabinet and tie in the marquee retainers. I think it works.

I've configured all the games on it and now all I need to do is clean it up and take some final shots. I'll have some time in the next week or two to do that.

[BobA]

Ideally how much laminate would you have used to cover your cab? Just working on an estimate for my cab to see what it will cost.    I guess the question is moot if the smallest I can get is a 4 by 8 sheet but I thought I would ask.

[leapinlew]

I used almost every bit of a 4x8 sheet. But, I made 1 mistake and I have a small bit left. I bet I used 28 square feet. The laminate wasn't too expensive. The tools cost about $50. I'd do it again. It's a great finish.

[BobA]

Thanks Lew.  Sounds like at least 1 full sheet.

[javeryh]

Awesome awesome job lew.  It really came out great.   some SFII or MvC or even some KI is going to be a blast on that thing. 

[leapinlew]

Thanks Lew.  Sounds like at least 1 full sheet.

I would guess a full sheet just because you'll want to do the insides of those side panels (which is the biggest piece).

[psychotech]

 

Looks really great! What more can I say..

 

[Jouster]

I didn't notice the T-molding in the fan and speaker holes at first...but that is a really sweet touch.

Jouster

[leapinlew]

Thanks guys - I'm going to attach some of the pictures instead of linking to them. For some reason linking to them doesn't give as good of resolution.

This project is done. I'm moving on to some quicker projects now.

[Kaytrim]

Real nice job there Lew.  IMO you could loose the extra angle iron and it would look better.  I know why you put it on though.  A can of black spray paint would have fixed the issue for the marquee retainers.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[amadama]

Very nice.
I have never considered doing a bartop machine but seeing yours motivates me to make one.
Thanks for posting your machine build.
Alex

[Donkey_Kong]

Go plunk that on the kitchen table for a week or so and she will definitely live up to her name, eh Lew?

Awesome craftsmanship!!...or tricky camera work, one of the two. 

[theCoder]

Great project.  It looks heavy.  That puppy should be able to handle some pretty aggressive play.  How much does it weigh?

[shardian]

Very nice bartop! Those credit buttons Randy did kick ass!

[superbigjay]

Go plunk that on the kitchen table for a week or so and she will definitely live up to her name, eh Lew?

It wouldn't last more than a week 
Jay

[javeryh]

It looks awesome lew.  I'm definitely going to use your lamination method on my next cab (I'm so sick of painting and sanding) and yours really came out great.

How has it been holding up to 2 player action?  Does it move around when people get crazy during some intense Street Fighter matches?

[leapinlew]

It looks awesome lew.  I'm definitely going to use your lamination method on my next cab (I'm so sick of painting and sanding) and yours really came out great.

How has it been holding up to 2 player action?  Does it move around when people get crazy during some intense Street Fighter matches?

@Javery - it's held up pretty good. It weighs about 60lbs with most of the weight being on the bottom where the rubber feet are. I didn't feel the need to add any additional weight.

@sharidian - yeah, these buttons are good. I was going to make some myself, but for less than $10 each - can't go wrong. I made the mistake of hooking them up to the 12V at first. When you see smoke - thats usually a sign something is wrong.

@theCoder - about 60lbs. It would've been much heavier had I used MDF. Overall - I'd use that sandeply again. I like that it's a bit smaller than it's measurements. The added thickness of the formica + the sandeply being about 1/16th an inch smaller than 3/4" worked out perfect for formica that is 1/32" thick.

@Kaytrim - I know what you mean about the angle iron. It has a dual purpose. It's meant to protect as well as look good. I need to find a way to integrate it into the machine better. Perhaps by routing down the edge 1/8" so the trim is flush. Moving the machine around before it had the angle iron in it caused some of the formica on the bottom to chip. Adding this angle iron did a good job of covering up the chipped spot as well as preventing future chips.

The cabinet is a bit funky shaped - being a 2 player bartop. I mean, really all it needs is a longer base and a coin door and it's a full blown stand up. What can I say though, the request was for a 2 player bartop and I really couldn't think of a more elegant way to make a 2 player bartop and have it look good. The few other 2 player bartops I've seen are all 24" x 24" cubes.