Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Artwork => Topic started by: BUCKETHEAD on February 16, 2005, 07:58:30 pm

Title: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: BUCKETHEAD on February 16, 2005, 07:58:30 pm

Before i build my first MAME Cabinet i have been sitting and wondering what to do?

Paint it ?  Laminate it?

I really like the cabinets that i have seen with Laminate on them?

But if i go this route? What is the best kind of Laminate to use?

Can you get the stuff in ROLLS? Or do you have to buy like big sheets of it?

And where is the best place to get Laminate?

And what is the best thing to build a cabinet out of?

MDF or PLYWOOD?

The PLYWOOD to me seems like it would be tougher and Stronger ?

But what do i know?

Any suggestions please!

Thanks! :)

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: itismejs on February 16, 2005, 08:16:20 pm

Please pry off your caps lock key.

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: BUCKETHEAD on February 16, 2005, 08:34:49 pm

Ok i pryed them off.

Geeeez!

How bout some suggestions now?

I wasn't shouting Plywood while i was typing.     :o

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: mahuti on February 16, 2005, 11:56:49 pm

It's OK, I do that too... for emphasis and clarity. I'm too lazy to use the italics. I have no suggestions for laminate, though.

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: RayB on February 17, 2005, 12:27:52 am

I thought someone would have posted it by now, since it's been discussed a few times, but I'll oblige:

www.partsexpress.com

Sells it in rolls.

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: Wade on February 17, 2005, 04:43:51 pm

I've used formica laminate for several projects and I've been real happy with it.  It takes a lot to scratch it and it's pretty easy to apply if you have the right tools.

Wade

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: BUCKETHEAD on February 17, 2005, 07:32:42 pm

Is the formica laminate expensive?

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: SNAAKE on February 18, 2005, 03:07:21 am

Quote from: BUCKETHEAD on February 17, 2005, 07:32:42 pm

Is the formica laminate expensive?

Yes but worth every penny 8)

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: Crazy Cooter on February 18, 2005, 09:43:02 pm

You can also get "color core" laminate where it isn't that ugly black/brown color under the "real" color.

The big sheets can be rolled up.  Use twine to hold it and stand back when you cut it (or wear gloves and let it unroll slowly).

Wilsonart, formica, whatever... it's all good.  Just stay away from the wallpaper/contact paper stuff.  It won't last as long.  Go look at home depot/menards.

Title: Re: LAMINATE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Post by: fredster on February 19, 2005, 11:45:23 pm

If you want cheap, go gloss black with a roller.  Looks okay, real sturdy, kinda gothic.

Contact paper is for shelves. Nothing else. And it doesn't do good on those. I had a cab that was covered in it I got at the auction. Greenish marble color, ugh.

If you want color, go laminate. Go to home depot, Lowes, whatever and walk to the area they have paneling.  It's there. You can buy it in sheets of 8'x4' as well as rolls.

You need a laminate bit for a router, and a glue brush with the right glue.