Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: fantoboy on August 23, 2012, 09:30:57 am
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With a bartop arcade, what would you consider the best material? I see a lot of people dislike MDF. So what are the alternatives? Melamine?
Also- what could I use for a control panel where the front edge is curved down? A rounded edge between the top of the control panel and front rather than a corner.
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I used MDF on my weecade clone (darkade). I also did a downward curve on the CP with MDF. Covered with art and plexi.
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3/4" maple/birch plywood. Face the birch side out for a smoother finish with no visible grain.
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I would consider 1/2" birch ply for everything that doesn't have t mould. use 3/4" for the sides for widest range of T mold compatibility. Of course, you have to buy a sheet of whatever so having two sizes would add $50 or so to your cost.
If I ever build a bartop, I will make 3 -4 sets of wood parts to use up the stock efficiently. if you're making templates anyway, you can fly through the multiples.
There's nothing wrong with MDF either - you're trading less structural strength for easier painting. it weighs more but not a big issue on a bartop.
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I'd use 1/2 inch MDF for the sides. For a small cabinet, 1/2 seems better to me.
For all the battens and center panels, I'd use 3/4 inch plywood. It's strong and takes a screw real well.
For the CP, I'd also use the 1/2 MDF. You can shape it easily, and glue holds MDF just fine.
I think some hardware stores, Home Depot, and maybe Ace sell sheet material cut in smaller sections (2x2 or 4x4). Not 100% sure... it's been a while since I've looked at that sort of thing. Anyhow, it might keep you from having to buy full sheets.