Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: chrisindfw on November 15, 2004, 10:54:49 am

Title: Upper Framework question?
Post by: chrisindfw on November 15, 2004, 10:54:49 am
Greetings,

After numerous months of planning, I finially took the plunge and started my upright cabinet. I am going with MDF on the sides and front. I made a small frame out of 2x4's to support the weight of my removable control panel and tv.

My question is, what about the upper half? Should I make some type of frame from the control panel up? Just something simple for the mdf ro rest on and give some more stability?

Thanks!

Pictures coming soon!

Title: Re:Upper Framework question?
Post by: Minwah on November 15, 2004, 11:26:51 am
Hard to say without seeing what you've done/have in mind but...

You could attach batons to your side/rear panels, rather than a separate frame.  Personally I did this for the whole cabinet (no frame), but I don't see why you couldn't do this for just the top section.
Title: Re:Upper Framework question?
Post by: Santoro on November 15, 2004, 03:43:55 pm
My first cab had a frame, but most everyone here is anti-frame.  Even though I had doubts, on my second cab I took a leap of faith and went frameless.

Turns out everyone was right. It is as solid as my first was, but lighter and easier to build.  Just be sure to have solid glue joints.  

Forr the top of your cab, as long as you have sort of a 5-sided box that is put together tightly you shouldn't need a frame at all.  
Title: Re:Upper Framework question?
Post by: neuromancer on November 15, 2004, 03:46:16 pm
I've made all sorts of things with reinforced panels -- it's easier to attach the lumber to the panel than it is to build a frame and hang the panel from it.

Cut out sheet goods (MDF, plywood, whatever).

Cut lumber (1x2, 2x2, whatever)

Screw (and/or Glue and Screw) the lumber to the edges of the panels). Screw the reinforced panels together.

If I make a box, there is only one reinforcement stick per corner.

Hope that makes sense.

Bob