Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Havok on June 24, 2005, 12:01:46 pm
-
I'm starting to build a cab, and I am leaning towards the real stuff. I have some MDF cabinets\furniture that doesn't make it sometimes when moved.
Just wondering what is out there. I'm sure MDF is the prevalent choice, but just interested in what the rest of the community is doing...
*edit* - I am definitely referring to veneered plywood...
-
I assume you are talking about oak- or birch-veneered plywood, rather than "the real stuff" (solid hardwood).
My cabinet (currently under construction) is MDF for the main panels, 3/4" birch plywood for the base, and hardwood (red oak) for selected parts (mainly the monitor frame/support).
-- Chris
-
MDF if heavier and more prone to water damage. However, it's easier to cut, cheaper, and requires less prep work for finishing. It comes down to personal preference.
There's no reason NOT to go with MDF for the control panel, but you'll have a lighter, sturdier machine if you use plywood for the sides.
-
I went with birch plywood for cab #2 main because I hate the dust from MDF. My woodshop is in my basement and the idea of routing on MDF isn't too appealing. Given all the other costs I had buying all the parts, a few bucks on the sheet goods was minor.
-
I guess the $20,000 question is what are you trying to accomplish?
If you want to make a standard arcade looking cabinet and you're going to paint it and put artwork on the sides and just don't want it to go into solution if it's feet get wet, then I'd recomend A/C grade pine plywood.
If, on the other hand, you want it to look like real live honest to God furniture, well, pretty much any of the woods you listed would do the trick.
I'm going to put some cards on the table here and reveal my weird little plans....
I am currently restoring an arts and crafts house that has suffered many years of neglect. When I'm done the machine that I'm currently building in the hull of an old gutted Berzerk cab will stick out like a sore thumb. What I want to build next (there's a phrase to make the wife shudder) is something that looks like a colaberation between Nolan Bushnell and the Greene brothers. That one will probably made of quarter sawn white oak and ebony with very little plywood involved.
(For those of you wondering, there's a good Greene and Greene inspired desk here: http://www.furnituremaker.com/)
-
I guess the $20,000 question is what are you trying to accomplish?
If you want to make a standard arcade looking cabinet and you're going to paint it and put artwork on the sides and just don't want it to go into solution if it's feet get wet, then I'd recomend A/C grade pine plywood.
That's the thing: I have a small office\computer room where this thing just won't fit. So, since I don't have a basement (sigh...) It's going in the garage. So, moisture is definitely an issue. I get the feeling that plywood will also be stronger: I've ripped screws out of MDF panels when moving before. It seems to me that MDF is basically cardboard on steroids.
-
That's because most people don't use the right kind of screws with MDF. MDF doesn't hold the typical fasteners you find in Home Depot particularly well, so a fastener designed for MDF is advisable. Here's an example:
http://www.mcfeelys.com/multiple.asp?productID=7050-CSP
If you can do without mechanical fasteners, so much the better. Dowels or biscuits and glue will make a joint which is stronger than plain screws anyway.
That said, there is a lot to be said for plywood over MDF as a cabinet material. If you don't have much woodworking experience or haven't worked with MDF much, you'll find plywood much friendlier (and not just because of the dust, though as mentioned above, that is a big issue with MDF!). However, I'd use MDF on the control panel because it machines much more easily than plywood, especially for things like routing out recesses on the CP.
-- Chris
-
I am currently restoring an arts and crafts house that has suffered many years of neglect. When I'm done the machine that I'm currently building in the hull of an old gutted Berzerk cab will stick out like a sore thumb. What I want to build next (there's a phrase to make the wife shudder) is something that looks like a colaberation between Nolan Bushnell and the Greene brothers. That one will probably made of quarter sawn white oak and ebony with very little plywood involved.
(For those of you wondering, there's a good Greene and Greene inspired desk here: http://www.furnituremaker.com/)
I'm getting visions of a Frank Lloyd Wright-ish cabinet. ;)
What games would look right being played on it? Maybe Shanghai. Or Tetris.
Be cool with mother of pearl inlayed and a stained-glass marquee.
- pmc
-
What games would look right being played on it? Maybe Shanghai. Or Tetris.
I don't know that any games are REALLY going to look right on it, but that paradox is part of the fun as far as I' concerened.
I'd thought about the stained glass marquee, but not the inlay. Thanks for the idea.