Help with first time build/concept

[surgeo]

Hi everyone, I've been reading this forum for a long time, drooling at all the awesome creations people make. So I decided I want to make a mame cabinet and a touchscreen jukebox. I've decided to start with the juke cause it seems easier for someone like me.
I've never built anything in my life, I've never even used a saw before, so I need some help.

I'm moving into my first ever apartment today, only 900 sqft, so any type of furniture seems like it takes up space, so I'm trying to think of a crafty way to disguise a juke. I love the end table idea might, do that one, but I had a crazy idea and wanted some experts opinions on the feasibility of this concept.

behold the quick photoshop concept of a juke jewelry armoire.



I figure a decased 8-10 inch touchscreen, some flat panel speakers (custom made?) Vibration issues? Hide a pc in the gutted drawers? Not sure just a crazy idea, is it possible, or even worth my time? I live in an apartment so I can't jam out really loud.

Any help will be appreciated

[Fordman]

Your idea is feasable, but the top that has the screen would have to be at least 3" deep to hold the Touchscreen. because it is at least 2 1/2" deep. Then you would have to have something to hold it up to keep it from crashing down.

The side speakers are very dooable. The hardest part about those would be how to hide the wiring and to make sure the wiring doesnt get pinched when closed.

If you like the end-table idea, then click here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90031.0 or this is where I got my idea from http://www.adisweb.com/jukebox/index.html

The end-table idea is great for not taking up too much space! Plus you can probably find one at a yard sale or second hand shop for less then $20.00 (US)! You just have to make sure someone doesnt set their drinks on it! So far, I've had no one set a drink on mine, but they've all been warned!

I hope this helps, And may I suggest E-Touch for the jukebox software!  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90390.0

Fordman

[unclet]

You would have to use very thin and large speakers to fill the sides of the cabinet as well.

[drventure]

I'd agree with unclet, you'd have to find some peculiar speakers to fill the sides, but, really, you don't need to fill them. You could hide some small cube speakers there, fill the rest with speaker cloth, and put a downfiring sub where the bottom drawer is (and just fix the drawer front in place)

I'd say it's very doable. And it's look pretty sweet too. I see those jewelry chests all the time at tuesday morning cheap. Even bought my wife one. But now.... it may not house jewelry for much longer

[Encryptor]

I like the idea and believe it is very doable. As mentioned above the top would have to be a bit thicker. The speaker idea is doable because they make some very thin speakers now but I can imagine they aren't cheap. The only other thing I would say is that it's a very detailed and pretty ambitious idea for someone that's never even used a saw. Good luck and keep us updated with lots of pics.


Encryptor

[Dermbrian]

Too bad these are discontinued and hard to find.  Maybe Ebay?

http://www.amazon.com/Sonic-Impact-Stick-Speaker-SoundPad/dp/B0001HKVKQ


Foam core board (from a hobby store or a roadside real estate sign) and two of these would go a long way on this project. 

I have a pair of the Sonic Impact cardboard portable speakers that fold up and unfold when needed that have these at their heart and are saving them for some future project if I outlive my wife.


Brian

[Dermbrian]

OK, so another company makes similar transducers now.  Cool.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-375

Brian

[surgeo]

thanks to everyone for the info, now to find a thick enough armoire, I especially like the speaker ideas, thanks for the link Dermbrian.

let's see how much trouble I can get myself into

[rovingmind]

you could also use some shallow depth 2" full range speakers in the sides in a line array, 4 per side along with the downfiring sub.