Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: erictrumpet on July 31, 2008, 01:37:59 am
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I decided to put casters on my cab. I got some nice rubber-tire 2-1/2 inch swivel casters with locking levers for all four corners. I didn't want anything larger than 2-1/2 inch because I didn't want to raise the height of the cab any more than I had to. These fit great and screwed right into the threaded mounting plates that came on my cab from the factory (the cab was NBA Jam Extreme, 1996) so installation was an utter no-brainer. The casters are rated at 80lbs each. That should be fine, right? Does a fully loaded cab with a 21-inch CRT weigh more than 320lbs? By the way, the monitor I am using is an Apple 21-inch Studio Display CRT, the specs say it weighs in at 77lbs and my back would completely agree :)
Eric.
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We use sets rated at 80kg per corner, or 360kg per set (792lbs), which I've found is more than adequate for our machines at 80-90kg (around 180-200lbs). Ideally each corner should be able to bear (or close to) the total weight of the cabinet, to allow for uneven weight distribution if the cabinet is wheeled around on uneven surfaces when the centre of gravity changes.
However, we build smaller cabinets with minimal internal weight for the UK market; larger American cabinets or 4-player machines like NBA Jam may require more, Your set at 320lbs is half what we use, so it may be ok at standing, but move it and you may find it buckles. If you're concerned about the height of the machine you may have to consider re-flooring the base of the machine to have the bottom panel sit just inside the machine, as we do; something like this:
(http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8669/castorsrt3.jpg)
We also use timber 'scuff bars' at the front and rear, which elevate the sides of the cab sightly protecting the painted surfaces and corners, and concealing the castors from view. The whole effect is barely visible from head height, as you may see on any of our cabinet pictures on this site.
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Not exactly an answer to your question, but this illustrates my biggest peeve with MAME cabinets. TOO DAMN HEAVY! Hell, the monitor is usually 85+Lbs alone. When I find an affordable LCD that performs even half as well as a CRT, I'll go for it, but for now, it's sacrificing too much quality for the weight.
Sorry to go off topic.
I have 120lb home depot generic casters on my cab. (had to lift it up to look). No issues after 3 years or so.
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Thanks for the replies.
I didn't want to have to raise the "floor" of my cab in order to recess the wheels, because that would entail essentially rebuilding the whole thing. But, I like your design for this, Turnarcades. I had a similar design when I was planning to scratch-build, before I found this donor cab.
And thanks for the tip about moving/tilting. I do believe the casters I have are perfectly adequate for the weight of the machine, but not necessarily if I am moving it in a way that puts a majority of its weight on one wheel. I'll take care not to do this.
Eric.