Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: shredso on December 29, 2008, 09:50:35 pm
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My cab is in it's final stages. One of the finishing touches I've been putting off is cutting slots for the speakers. I've come up with 2 solutions and I'm hoping for some input. The first is oval slots like in the classic machines. It's a series of maybe 6 or 7 slots that start small and gradually increase in size then decrease to make a circle. This might be difficult to do because the cab is assembled. I do have a router but I think it will be difficult to get it in place and I don't know how to make those exact cuts. My second much simpler idea is just to drill a series of maybe 1/2" holes that create a circle. Like a grill but in the wood. I've seen people mount an actual grill on the outside but I want it to look a little more classic. Thanks.
Ed.
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Why not go with the first option but use a jigsaw? They tend to have a smaller footprint then routers (you may have to sand/file to get the curves perfect). If you can't fit the router or have the experience with it then I a well done option #2 will look and work great as well. Good luck!
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you can pick up a trim router at harbor freight for about $25, they are much smaller than a regular router and may get into that tight space better.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44914
i just got one of these from my wife for Christmas...havent had a chance to use it yet though. (i learned my lesson...never use a router indoors, unless you want to be cleaning sawdust off of everything for the next 6 months)
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If your speaker shelf is already in place then doing either may be very difficult. I'd personally just cut out a square and fill it with a mesh grill.
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I can hear the speakers fine with no holes cut, I may just leave it that way.
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Shredso, I'm in a similar situation. Due to my faulty design I didn't leave much room for speakers. I was planning to mount them in the marquis and drill small holes in the plexiglass but I'm not the best at drilling plexiglass. I might try not drilling holes now. I'll practice on a spare piece and go from there. But I'll make sure it makes a difference. I'm assuming it would be better to have holes, but I've left part of the back open, so I doubt I'll get too much distortion.
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I cant picture drilling holes through the marquee. If you had a lit marquee I think light would show through and it might look funny. I also have the back open and I'm 99% sure I'm gonna settle for no speaker holes because it sounds fine. My marquee is back from printing Tuesday and if I can just figure out a way to mount my bezel I'm 100%!!