help the Noob

[Shieldwolf]

I'm starting to build my own arcade machine and wanted to know from you guys if it was better to buy and remodel or build from scratch? I want something like the 4 player 27 inch here:

http://www.arcadeshopper.com/mame/index.htm

I wanted to know if you guys thought it would be cheaper to just buy it prebuilt or build it myself.

[crashdmj]

Well it depends on your woodworking skills or if you know someone. In my case my Dad is helping me out but for my first cab I felt that remodeling an old one would be better. I paid more for my cab do to my eagerness ($250 at Superauction in WI).

Also you might want to shop around for plans or try to get free plans, then you can better evaluate the situations from there. Keep in mind it also depends on what type of wood you get.
Good Luck
Derek

Try searching the board for plans, you never know.

[IIOIOOIOO]

What game was in the cabinet you bought crash?

[crashdmj]

Dungeons and Dragons: Tower.....

[SNAAAKE]

I'm starting to build my own arcade machine and wanted to know from you guys if it was better to buy and remodel or build from scratch? I want something like the 4 player 27 inch here:

http://www.arcadeshopper.com/mame/index.htm

I wanted to know if you guys thought it would be cheaper to just buy it prebuilt or build it myself.

just so you know..this dude took like 4 grand from someone for a cabinet and still(last he posted) didnt complete the cabinet and stoped replying email(word of caution).
After all none us here wants you to see ripped off by someone .
As for the topic,I would say build own .
You get to design your own way...do it EXACTLY how you want and its fun(okay maybe not too great but still).

[mahuti]

I think refurbing is more fun.. & your cabinet will still have character when your done... I happen to like that, but not everyone does.

[SNAAAKE]

I think refurbing is more fun.. & your cabinet will still have character when your done... I happen to like that, but not everyone does.

Problem is finding a good cabinet in good shape...some cabs are SOOOO beat up that you end up working more on the cab then building a new one from scratch...thats just how I see it and the company build cabs are like tanks..wayyyyyyyy too heavy if you are gonna be moving and stuff(unless its your own house.Then...maybe)

[mahuti]

I like it when they're all super messed up and I spend more time fixing the cabinet than building it from scratch.

Bondo is FUN!!!

[said7]

I was dealing with the same debate when i started.

I decided to build my own and im having a blast doing it.

Ive only spent about 60 bucks so far. Its easy cause I have a garage and woodtools already.

Plus theres a certian satisfaction of know that you made the entire thing.
I can see benefits to both it all depends on how handy you are and what resources you have.

[MrBond]

I happened to be in a very good postion for getting a cab, as my uncle sells arcade machines, pinballs, and jukes.  We made a trade.  I got a nice 4 player teenage mutant ninja turtles cab for a gutted Frogger.  It works very well for me.  Fits the 27" NEC multisync monitor too!

I can also see the advantages of both ways.  It is really up to your needs, space, time, and skills.  You'll have fun either way though!

Good luck with beggining your project!!!

[paigeoliver]

If you want a 19" cabinet, then use a pre-existing one. They are EASY to come by (here is a hint, these boards aren't the place to find them the rec.games.video.arcade.collecting newsgroup and the klov.com boards are). Also, if no one responds to your empty cabinet request, then try asking if anyone has any project games for sale in your area (might be just as cheap as an empty anyway).

Now if you want a 25"+ cabinet. Then build one. A lot of operators still run these things, and a lot of Mamers want them, hence a lot of demand, which means that a good one is pretty hard to find.

 You may also want to consider cabinets for black and white games. They are often in GREAT condition, due to the fact that they went off the arcade floor back in 1980 and never saw the light of day since. There is very little demand for anything black & white other than Space Invaders or Maneater, so the prices are very low. I remember recently a local guy had a real hard time selling a non-working Quadrapong (that was working but blew a cap), finally one of my friends got it from him for $25 (i had already turned it down at that price). The only downside to b&w cabinets is that they usually look a bit different than more modern cabinets and they often don't have marquees (just really tall glass instead).