Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: csnow on August 21, 2012, 09:18:06 am

Title: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: csnow on August 21, 2012, 09:18:06 am
I picked up a Ms Pac Man cabinet for $20 to replace my particle board Galaga cabinet.  The Ms Pac Man cabinet is all wood with the exception of the bottom which was particle board that was already crumbling.  I went by Home Depot on the way home and picked up a piece of plywood.  I had them cut the board based on the measurements I took in the parking lot.  Problem is that the length was off by about 3/4 of an inch.  The swelling of the particle board and crud on the bottom apparently threw off my eye on the measurement or the guy at HD cut it wrong.  Either way, I dont want to buy another hardwood board unless I have to.  If I center it, it still hits the little wedge/bracing pieces that the original particle board was glued to.  I was thinking of countersinking some wood screws on the front and back panel to the board and then filling the gap with bondo or caulk.  Since this is on the bottom, it wont be seen.  Which is better for this fill?  Caulk or Bondo?  The bondo will be able to grap onto the screws but I wasnt sure if it would crack.  There isnt alot of weight to the cabinet anymore since the monitor and heavy transformers in the bottom have been removed.  This is a 60-1, LCD, and modern power supply build.
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: Sparkolicious on August 21, 2012, 09:25:05 am
I would buy another piece that is cut correctly.  If I wasn't going to do that, then I would glue and brad nail a strip of wood to each side to make up the difference.
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: Mysterioii on August 21, 2012, 09:39:45 am
Agreed.  If you really think the guy may have cut it wrong, talk to their service desk and they may cut another one for you.  Did you write down the measurements you gave him?  Should be pretty easy to see if he cut it wrong if you remember what you told him.

You can always find a use for a square of plywood...  make a paint platform or something out of it and go get another piece cut.  Save yourself the hassle of trying to patch the other one up.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: yaksplat on August 21, 2012, 09:52:27 am
That kind of thinking qualifies you for building public housing.  Those places are held together by caulk. :)

Just buy a new board.  In the overall scheme of the machine, it's a minor expense.  You'll end up using the old board elsewhere for another project anyways.
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: csnow on August 21, 2012, 10:25:00 am
I figured I would get flamed  :banghead:.  I will buy another piece of wood  :applaud:
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: yaksplat on August 21, 2012, 10:52:35 am
I figured I would get flamed  :banghead:.  I will buy another piece of wood  :applaud:

No flaming, it was guiding and you chose wisely.  :applaud:
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: csnow on August 21, 2012, 11:05:56 am
I thought there my be some other cheap arses like me that might "approve" of some public housing construction methodologies on the bottom of the cabinet ;D  I was wrong.... :cheers:
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: Le Chuck on August 21, 2012, 11:14:09 am
In a pinch you can use white toothpaste to patch small holes.  Just sayin'  ;D
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: yaksplat on August 21, 2012, 01:21:22 pm
In a pinch you can use white toothpaste to patch small holes.  Just sayin'  ;D

Good enough to get a security deposit back.
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: csnow on August 21, 2012, 08:57:47 pm
So I am not tarred and feathered, here is the new base (it fits correctly)  :cheers:

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/cbsnow31/photo-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: Le Chuck on August 21, 2012, 09:10:02 pm
Great!  Now what am I going to do with all this tar?
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: MadMagpie on August 22, 2012, 01:56:16 am
But I have the feathers on back order!
Title: Re: Wrong Measurement - Bondo or Caulk
Post by: Sparkolicious on August 22, 2012, 09:13:33 am
 :applaud: