Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: shmokes on March 14, 2003, 07:41:31 pm
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What is melamine edging used for? My first thought is that it would cover the edge of a cabinet. I think I'll use Melamine for my cabinet, but do I need any edging if I'm going to be covering the edges with T-molding. I have a sneaking suspicion that I am WAY off target here and am making a total fool of myself :P
p.s. (I'm shameless) revisit my Spyhunter Van Light post from a couple days ago...somebody out there with more brains than me can surely help . I am amazed at the work I've seen here and the customizations. I'm sure I can think of some way to return the favor if someone can make this thing work!
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If you are using T-molding then you will not need the edging. Using both would be like wearing a belt and suspenders.
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One is no better than the other -- they both have different purposes.
I would recommend using t-molding on the outer edges of your side panels, and melamine edging on the edges of any access doors or interior shelves (rear door, front access door etc) since t-molding would not be appropriate as it adds thickness to the edges. Think about cabinet doors -- they're always laminated on the ends, not t-molded. I used melamine edging on many parts of my cab, but always used t-molding on any outside edges where humans come into contact.
Melamine edging is also a good way to line the insides of any handle holes, routed vents or speaker openings, to give a nice finish and to keep the edges from crumbling with repeated contact. It's also much easier to apply (using only a hot iron) than t-molding, which requires cutting a slot in any surface where you want to apply it.
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Perfect! Thanks for the tip. I can already think of at least five places on my cabinet where I will be using this stuff. Every night when I since this project became a reality I find myself with slight insomnia. As soon as I lay down I start working through the construction process in my head. I do my best designing there (I just always hope I remember my breakthroughs when I get up the next morning). I was woried about the T-molding adding thickness to various parts of my cabinet where I didn't want to leave bare wood (such as the spaces between doors, etc.).
I've got to say, 1UP, within a year or two I am sure that your cabinet will be the defacto standard that all others are measured against. It is an absolute feat. Even with all the help you have provided and the fact that I have MUCH less "from-scratch" designing to do (since you've already done the bulk of the work), I do not have the experience or talent to "1-up" your Pac-Mamea with my project. Everything from the build quality to the artwork to the revolutionary control scheme on your cabinet screams not only professionalism but uncanny creativity and engineering skills. My hat is off to you.