Need Showcase Arcade Cab Plans

[Goatz18]

I have a 32" behemoth CRT TV that I want need to construct a four player showcase cab around. I have never built a cab before but feel like I have in a prior life. I have done enough research to make my eyes bleed, I want to build. I have the PC and software functioning. I have the money. I can get the wood. I just need plans. If anyone can provide at least a basic layout and plans for a showcase cab that I can start from, I would be forever indebted to you  and I could finally get things rolling.

I have downloaded the Dynamo Showcase from jakobud but its just a blueprint of it already built. I have searched these forums and Google searched but only found scattered tidbits of build info, mostly just pictures of builds. Again, any info or tips from experience about plans for or just getting started on a showcase cab would be huge. Thanks.

Edit: I did find the post "Dimensions for 33" Showcase Cabinet" which would be exactly what I am looking for but again, it's just the dimensions and there is no mention of any plans that resemble the Project Arcade plans with each panel size nicely laid out on each sheet of wood. Plus someone did point out that not all dimensions may have been listed.

[vertygo]

I am doing the same as you, and I don't think you'll come across anything better than schematics with measurements. I think part of the fun of building something is making it your own.

Cheers!

[mwong168]

You can get the plans from here:

http://jakobud.com

I am in the process of building my showcase style cabinet myself, if you want check out my build guys.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=93701.0

I just used the plans from the website as reference only, I was making changes as I was working with the wood to suit my own needs.

[Goatz18]

Ah yes. I was just seeing if there was any easier way to start a showcase without just reverse engineering the jakobud plans. I shall document everything and create a complete "Beginners Guide to Showcasing."

And I did see your post mwong168, looking good so far. Thanks for the reply.

[Turnarcades]

Quite frequently I hear this cry for 'true plans', but the reason so many cabs turn out great is because they are not copied identically from a set scheme, but started from some basic principles and made for 'best fit' as they go along.

I've come up with many original cabinet designs (all the Turnarcades cabinet dimensions and construction methods were designed by me from scratch) and now creating a new design is just done following the same method. Here are my rules for creating your own cabinet plan:

1. Look at a cabinet with a similar shape to what you are after (in your case, a showcase cabinet).

2. Research/test in real life the ideal height for the control panel that you find comfortable (an easy way to do this is to browse it on here, then cut a piece of cardboard amd set it at that height somehow and see if your hands rest comfortably on it).

3. Measure your space requirements in your home first and the minimum space your monitor will need inside the cabinet (remember the monitor should also be at a comfortable level height with your eyes if possible).

4. Sketch these elements on a sheet of squared paper first (graph paper), then just fill the spaces between them with lines and measure those lines - that's pretty much it.

5. Golden rule - do not over-complicate your design if you are not a skilled craftsman. The simplest designs and construction methods usually make the most effective results with least chance of error.

It's with these principles I created these:

[Paladin]

I also made mine based on Jakobud plans, but slightly modified as I went.
Build log:
http://home.comcast.net/~dark.paladin/gauntlet/index.htm

I just bought another pinball machine though, so I've decided it has to go.  The things just too big.  I've only played it for 2 half hour sessions after finally getting the monitor chassis fixed.  I guess I just like the challenge of building more than playing.

[mwong168]

If it helps I can stand next to my podium and show you how mine sits.  I think I nailed the height and angle of the control panel pretty well from a few friends that have stopped by to pretend to play on it   Right now I am in the process of drawing out the plans for the other half of my showcase cabinet and I think I am going to eliminate the angle taper the podium joins the TV part.  As you can see from Paladin's showcase and mine are designed slighting different but can achieve the same effect.

mine


paladin's


I was going to build the angled taper on the TV portion side and have the podium just connect to it but now I think what I am going to do is keep the full width and right now I am trying to decide the gap between the podium and bottom of the TV where my Raiden artwork with LED lights is going to go.  I am debating between 24"-30".

[Dr Zero]

On the originals the angled pieces are part of a separate spacer section.
Mine does not have it and I have had a heck of a time finding one.
I have a lead from the cabinet maker but most of the old stuff they said they pitched when they moved offices.

[GaryMcT]

I also made mine based on Jakobud plans, but slightly modified as I went.
Build log:
http://home.comcast.net/~dark.paladin/gauntlet/index.htm

I just bought another pinball machine though, so I've decided it has to go.  The things just too big.  I've only played it for 2 half hour sessions after finally getting the monitor chassis fixed.  I guess I just like the challenge of building more than playing.

Off topic, but I recognize that Omega Race machine!  Drooooool.

[Avenger257]

How large is the monitor in the Gauntlet Cab?  I am waffling back and forth about using a TV or arcade monitor and I am wondering if the WG 9200 (27") will be enough for a showcase cabinet or if I am going to have to hunt down a 33" (if that is even possible at this point)

[lukensteinz]

It's with these principles I created these:

I'm sorry to dig up an ancient thread, but this image/post I'm quoting came up in a Google image search for inspiration...
These.... Are damned ugly! Crowded bloated sinful ugly things.

Do not ever build cabinets like these.