Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: ccmathome on August 08, 2012, 05:30:44 pm

Title: Cutting existing cabinet down to size?
Post by: ccmathome on August 08, 2012, 05:30:44 pm

Wondering if it's feasible to cut down a cabinet to make a slim cabinet
Cabinet I'm thinking of doing this to is a capcom big blue

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Title: Re: Cutting existing cabinet down to size?
Post by: compute on August 10, 2012, 03:18:47 pm

Since most cabinets I see have a slope at the top, you're probably going to have to build an entirely new back and bottom plate.  So now you'll need to paint or laminate.

The only thing I would worry about is having balance.  The cab you're chopping may be front-heavy, so having a wider base keeps it from tipping forward.  Aside from that, I really can't think of any issues.  Make sure to install cross-braces before chopping, since much of the not-folding-on-itself comes from it being a square box.

I think I would build from scratch for something like this.  For a "slim" cabinet you may be able to get away with a design that utilizes only one 4x8 sheet of your choice material, and you won't have to deal with water damage or anything like that.