What tools do I need?

[The cranky hermit]

I just ran into a snag in my CP planning. I was counting on a relative, who does some woodworking, to provide the tools and help me with the woodoworking. Today, I just found out that my relative doesn't actually have any power tools, except for a sander and a hand drill. I'll have to rent from home depot. What do I need to rent?

Nothing fancy here. I'm pretty sure I won't need a router. I won't be using any T-Molding, just 100% MDF. I need tools to cut the wood and make holes for the joysticks and buttons. What do I need?

Also, while I'm at home depot, will I need to buy anything aside from wood and screws?

[REBIRTH]

I guess the cheapest/minimum would be a jigsaw and a drill (with a 1 1/8" hole bit for the bottons, and a regluar bit to pilot hole drill for the screws).  An electric screwdriver is also a very handy thing to have and will save your arms, but not necessary.  Instead of renting you can probably buy cheap versions of these things for the same amount of money.  Home Depot sells some cheap brands, maybe try WalMart or something.  Not that I am for cheap tools - but if you are going to spend $20 to rent a jigsaw you might as well try to find a $20-$30 jigsaw that you'll always have.

Also, another $7 or so well spent when you get to the wiring is a crimping too.  Crimping the quick-connects without a crimping tool is torture.

[BobA]

For just a CP you might be able to get away with just a variable speed, reversible drill and a jigsaw.   I think a router is a very useful tool for many other tasks then just t-molding but you can live without it if required.  Don't forget to borrow that sander from your relative or you will be relegated to hand sanding.

BobA

[eightbit]

If you stick with a simple design can get buy with basically a drill and a some kind of saw. A router has to be the most versatile tool in a wood shop but it does take some practice to get good with it. It can drill, cut, and shape. If you've never used power tools your probably best purchasing a drill and a jig saw. If you don't have a drill you need one anyway. You can get a new rechargeable one for $15. A jig saw is versatile and relatively easy for a newbie and you can get one for around $25.

Also the cabinet restorers will flame for this but have you considered trying to rescue a arcade cabinet? I've gotten several cabinets for free and if your trying to reproduce an arcade game there is nothing more authentic then using an actual cabinet. Many of them get trashed every day. Just don't cut up a cabinet in good condition or one that is rare, leave those for the guys that are going to restore them. Also its a very cheap route to go even if you need to pay money for the cabinet. There is easily $200 in materials to build a cabinet. If you can find an existing one with a coin door and glass for the monitor and marquee you'll be most of the way done compared to building one from scratch.

Other materials you will need from the big orange borg if you build your own is plexiglass for the monitor and marquee. You'll also want a power strip, some glue, and paint and a billion other little things that will make you take countless trips to the store.

edit:
I re-read your post and you asked about just building a CP. Most home depots will cut your wood for you so if your CP is a rectangle you could probably do the rest with just a drill. If you need angles or curved edges then get the jigsaw.

[The cranky hermit]

Also, another $7 or so well spent when you get to the wiring is a crimping too.  Crimping the quick-connects without a crimping tool is torture.

I was going to buy the wiring kit from Ultimarc. Is the crimping tool is comes with any good?

[REBIRTH]

Also, another $7 or so well spent when you get to the wiring is a crimping too.  Crimping the quick-connects without a crimping tool is torture.

I was going to buy the wiring kit from Ultimarc. Is the crimping tool is comes with any good?

I didn't buy his wiring kit but from the picture it pretty much looks like the one I got.  I figured I could use a pair of pliers to do the crimping - wrong!  After 3 or 4 failed attempts in a row to get the connect crimped to the wire I went and bought a crimping tool.  Hard to explain unless you see the connects and how they are supposed to crimp, but you pretty much can't crimp well without the crimping tool.  Ultimarc makes great stuff, so I am sure it is good.  You may need a bit more wire then they have in that kit, but I guess buy it and use it until you run out (if you do) and just buy some more at radio shack.

[hyiu]

I would say the 2 tools you'll need is jigsaw and a drill...

with a scredriver bit, the drill can double as a power screwdriver...

If you're not a wood working person and don't use these tools often, I would say get a corded versions of the tools, but not rechargeables...
(then you don't have to remember recharging the battery the night before everytime you use it !!...)

and I say... don't get the cheapest blades.... you don't need too high end models for the tools as "normal user"... but you should try to get better blades... they last longer, and makes the cut cleaner and easier....

good luck...

[AlanS17]

To avoid any concern over having the right tools:

circular saw
jigsaw
drill
router
dremel
and for the lazy ones (me)... powered screwdriver

If you absolutely positively had to pick 2 tools... jigsaw and drill.

That's for power tools. You still need: hammer, screwdrivers,etc.

[grafixmonkey]

Might consider whether you're going to have plexi or lexan of any kind.  If so look for a circle cutter if you have a trackball, and hole saws if you don't.  (or just hole saws, if you're also getting a router, cuz then you can cut the trackball hole with that.)

If you're going to use a circle cutter or hole saws, you should look for a powerful power drill.   It took quite some effort on my drill's part to get those cut in Lucite Tuf.  (Power you won't get with cordless.  I have a 4 amp corded drill.)

[Amra]

Thats odd...

I have a 18v Cordless Drill, Spade Bit Set, Router, Router Bit Set, Circular Saw, Random Orbital Sander, and Jigsaw...

I was able to do all 22 Holes in my CP on a single Charge (usinga  spade Bit, on MDF), and still have enough to drill the initial holes for my Lucite.  After which I used a router to cut to the right size/shape.

There were the only tools Ive used, and I got them all for less then 200 Bucks.  18v Cordless ~ 40 (New) , Router ~ 30 (Like New, Pawn Shop), Circular Saw ~40 (New @ Pawn Shop), Random Orbital Sander ~ 20 (Like New, Pawn Shop), Jigsaw ~30 (New), Spade Bit Set ~ 10 (New), Router Bit Set ~20 (50% Off, New @ Pawn Shop).

Not sure what else you'll need, but you should have most the rest... Screw Drivers and the such...