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O'Boyle's Arcade - by the "book"
Spyridon:
First time builder here! I was originally inspired by picking up an original Tron Joystick off of eBay. The plan was to build a Frankenpanel that can play every game imaginable. I've been following the posts in these forums for a few months and picked up Saint's book several weeks ago. Spending time in both of those areas gave me time to rethink the giant panel to the point that I decided to scale down a bit on my first try (and build a rotating panel on my second try ;D).
I continue to be incredibly impressed by the workmanship being displayed out here. I'm also amazed at how helpful everyone has been to my random questions I've posted here and there.
So here we go...
I've been following the plans in the Project Arcade book.
Spyridon:
Now it's time for cutting. Having never really used any power tools, I did what everyone in this forum does...bought myself a whole new set up tools (I better make more than one cabinet to justify that) ;).
After cutting out the first side, I used it as a template for side two. Then I clamped them together and sanded down so they were both equal.
(This cutting thing is not as hard as it looks - all fingers still intact)
I then used a router (Yes, another new toy) to cut out the slot for the t-modling. This part was easy, I'm a little worried on how to use the router when I get to the control panel part.
Spyridon:
Okay, everything is cut except for the control panel. I had a hard time finding 5/8" MDF. I cut one out of the 3/4" MDF as a test panel, but need to find a location to get the 5/8"
I drew out the locations for the support braces on the bottom and glued/screwed it all together.
I had some issues with the 3" casters as I tried using 4 swivel ones. I though I had them in the correct spot, but once I tested it out, some swivelling the wrong way and hitting the braces. I picked up some different casters and went with fixed ones on the back and swivel on the front. Much better.
Spyridon:
Now it's time to start assembling the sides. I used some of the parts I cut to support the top end since the size matched up. Nothing too special here, just trying to keep everything level. Glue and screws for all the connections. Again, I followed the book and tried to limit the amount of screws in the outside of the cabinet. The book said to use 2x2 pieces of wood for the supports, but I accidentaly purchased 1 inch wide pieces. I decided that they would still work and used them.
Spyridon:
Now it's really starting to look like something. I installed the marquee section, back sections and the monitor shelf.
Again, I'd like to point out that I have no woodworking experience prior to this. This just proves that anyone can build one of these if they really try. (Of course, I recommend having the Project Arcade book if it is your first)
The big dillemma I haven't solved yet is what type of monitor to use. TV, PC Monitor, Arcade Monitor ???. I'd like to go with the 27" Vision Pro from Happ, but last time I checked I think is was running aroun $450. Suggestions would be appreciated.
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