Gathering my parts - anyone else starting a new cab?

[GAtekwriter]

This weekend is out, but my Dad and I are planning on cutting out the cabinet the following weekend.  I've been anxious to get this project started.  I'm just curious to know if anyone else is preparing to start on their first cab.  I'm planning on documenting the build with photos and a webpage (as well as here on BYOAC). 

I've still got PLENTY of questions, but I'm just going to jump in and try to make the proper decisions when I need to (well, at least those decisions that can be postponed a bit).

I've been a lurker long enough and am ready to get going... thanks to ALL those here whose discussions and debates and answers have helped me get ready to do this right.

Jim

[Justin Z]

I'm starting a new cab soon too.  I'm in the computer/software phase right now; wood and wiring will come shortly.  I completely agree that having this resource has made things so much clearer and that many of the ideas here are incredible.

Good luck on your cab!

[Hockeyboy]

I'm "there" too -- I've been reading these boards for quite some time, asked a couple people some questions and advice, bought buttons, joysticks, trackball, picked up some wire spools...basically I've got everything I need but the wood and software to run as a front-end (I've even got a computer ready!). I even have the cabinet - it's a TMNT cab that's in okay condition but I might just trace out pieces and cut a whole new cab out of furniture-grade wood (much like Knievel's Woody cabs).

I haven't started yet because in Jan. my very big company announced that my site would be either sold off to another company or closed down  so I'm holding off for right now. Right now our announced last day of work is Aug. 4th - since I still don't know if I'll be moving, it doesn't make sense to start building a cab without knowing where it will end up or if I'll be moving pieces?? 

[unclet]

I would say jumping right in building a cabinet is the most fun way of doing it, however, the only thing I believe you should know prior to cutting anything at the start is what type of monitor/TV you will be using.  I believe knowing the dimensions of the monitor will help with the overall design (height, depth, etc...) of the cabinet.

PS:  Also, make sure your cabinet can still make it through a standard sized doorway (if that is important to you).

Good luck ..... and have fun.

[superbigjay]

Same here,
I've spent last sunday and tonight finishing all the cuts for my uroMAMEstyx.
Now the next part is start the assembly.  This is probably one of the most exciting part of the project, since you can see it taking form rapidly!!!

same advice as unclet for the dimension.  Plan in advance to be able to move the cab through doorway.
Also, if you use a regular TV or crt monitor, make it easy to remove the monitor if you intend to move the cab (especially if the monitor is not secured inside the cab)

Cheers 
Jay

[javeryh]

I'll be starting a new cabinet at the end of June (probably start with building the Knievel-inspired CP).  I After 2 cabinets (cocktail cab and mini vert cab) it's actually going to be the first "proper" MAME cab I build.  I've decided on the controls and layout but I haven't decided on building a "Woody" with an LCD or going for something a little bigger with a 27" arcade monitor.... I'm leaning towardds the arcade monitor though.

I need to finish my other cabs 100% though before I spend even $1 on another one or my wife will kill me.  I can't wait!

[ElKootcho]

I'm planning on starting on 5/7. I've got magstick plus joys, buttons, ipac2 on the way (hopefully soon) from divemaster and plan on buying wood this weekend (building from scratch). I've the entire week off of work and should be able to make lots of progress.

I'll be using a dusty BW G3 along with a 27" Sony which will likely be decased and plan on a stain-finished cab (birch, no t-molding). Pics will be posted as I move along.

[fjl]

I still haven't started my cab except the whole planning out part. I have for the most part, designed the whole cab from every little thing that will be added including power supplies, speakers, openings, drawer stuff, fans and just about everything. I plan to COMPLETELY work all the plans out before I start building anything. I've spent literally months on these forums reading new and old stuff gathering the best decisions for parts, plans, ideas and tips. I have most everything worked out. Although for now, the only thing I've really been doing is buying all the tools. Also researching which tools would be best. Well the best way to put it is all I've really done is A HUGE amount of research on everything.

And it's definitely paid off. I figure I will have one kick-ass cab when its done. The first thing I plan to build is a mock Control panel. Basically to test and feel how it will be on my cabinet. Then set up all the software, frontend, LEDwiz programming and all that good stuff. Setting it up for monitor use and the like. Once I work out all the control panel, hardware and software parts. Then will I finally start building my cab. Hopefully I plan to start in mid july or so. By then I should have enough money to start buying the parts and the wood. And not only that but I plan to do some simple woodworking projects for practice before I get into the nitty gritty of the building the cab.

best part is that I've been enjoying every second. Getting new power tools isn't exactly bad either.