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paulscade - First Build - MAME - Blastoff!
paulscade:
SO... after watching a podcast [Systm] of Patrick and David building a MAME cabinet:
http://revision3.com/systm/mamecase
I decided that I could do it too. It's something that I've always wanted to do and watching this "inspired me".
Over the next couple of days or so... I'll post the progress of a cabinet that I started in Mid-March 2008.
The first thing to do was to arm myself with some information. The podcast recommended the Project Arcade book... so that's where I started.
I went to a few local book stores but the book was nowhere to be found. Everyone could order it (but, then, so could I). A little shopping on the Internet and I found one for a good price.
I'd say that I spent a good 3 months reading and researching before I finally decided to begin.
I had picked a "two-part" cabinet for my build because I liked the way that it looked. At first, I didn't know that it (the cabinet style) had an official name. I saw photos on this board and elsewhere but didn't know what it was called. I searched everywhere for plans without luck.
Until... right under my nose... I found plans... on the CD in the back of the very book that I was using as reference.... the cabinet... The Ultimate Arcade II.
I decided to build my cabinet from 5/8" MDF. I was planning on some modifications to the original plans (more on that later) so I wanted the cabinet to be as light as possible while still using MDF (as it's easy to work with).
Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to find 5/8" MDF anywhere. I ended up ordering it from a local lumber store and I had to wait about 3 weeks for delivery.
And so the project started... with my 3 sheets of 5/8" MDF...
paulscade:
The original plans called for the cabinet to sit directly on the ground... no casters. I wanted to be able to move the thing around. I modified the plans a bit to allow for a recessed base that would accommodate nice heavyweight casters. I didn't want to see wheels.
I also did some rough weight calculations.... 5/8" MDF sheets were in the neighborhood of 70 something pounds each. The monitor I chose is 100 pounds. Controls, computer, etc... this was going to be a heavy cabinet.
I didn't think that 5/8 MDF would be good to hold all that weight, so I decided to build the base using a 2x4 frame with a 3/4" Plywood base. I would then mount the casters to the 3/4" plywood.
Time to start cutting:
Many of the parts have been cut, it's time to start building the frame for the base:
leapinlew:
2 things -
First, the 5/8ths material will limit your T-molding options. Assuming your doing T-molding and paint. If you use 1/16" laminate on each side - you'll hit the 3/4" mark that will allow you the most options for T-molding. Even at 5/8ths though - you get a decent selection of colors:
http://www.t-molding.com
Second - on the show they routed for T-molding after the cabinet was assembled. This is much more difficult and dangerous (if you hit a screw). Route your t-molding slot BEFORE assembly.
Good luck - have fun.
paulscade:
Time to put some more of this together... Let's see... Tab A into Slot B...
(up to now... I've got about 16 hours invested in the project)
Time to install that plywood base and the casters:
paulscade:
Hey leapinlew,
I decided not to use laminate as the plan called for. I'm [possibly] going with a custom paint job.... this artist did an excellent job on my neighbors wall... real talent... I'm considering custom art for the sides (I'm still undecided).
... I've already got the 5/8" T-Molding and the slots cut. More on that later.. I just thought that I'd post a quick response.
Tkx! though for the comments!!