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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: ghettodish on March 27, 2009, 07:08:07 pm

Title: How much would you pay/charge for a new scratch-built basic empty cabinet?
Post by: ghettodish on March 27, 2009, 07:08:07 pm

I've had a few people ask me what I would charge to make an empty cabinet.

Specs would be like for a Defender cab: 6' high, 24" interior width, monitor shelf, CP without holes, and the edges routed for t-molding.

made from 3/4 MDF

What would you charge to build one? or pay to buy one?

Title: Re: How much would you pay/charge for a new scratch-built basic empty cabinet?
Post by: xtravbx on March 28, 2009, 11:19:14 am

Check mameroom.com - they offer the same service you're wondering about, with very competitive prices.

Title: Re: How much would you pay/charge for a new scratch-built basic empty cabinet?
Post by: Ginsu Victim on March 28, 2009, 12:58:35 pm

Also check out www.arcadeshop.com and look at their cabinets.
http://www.arcadeshop.com/cabinets/cabinets.htm

Title: Re: How much would you pay/charge for a new scratch-built basic empty cabinet?
Post by: Chadwick on March 28, 2009, 01:34:26 pm

Probably around $250-$300

Mats are going to run you at least $100, most likely more than that.

I think 3/4" MDF is somewhere around $25 a sheet and you'll need 3 sheets.
Add your fasteners (glue, brads, screws, etc.)
Add your furring strips (that's how I do mine)
Add any hardware you're going to include (such as a piano hinge for the CP, etc.)

How many hours do you think you'd have into cutout+construction?

I'd guess I could probably do it in 15-20 hours of labor, but I don't have a CNC router.  The cabs sold above are all cut on a CNC routers in a matter of a few minutes.

Edit: Looking at the Arcade Shop prices, I think I'm pretty close on price.  They have the empty for $365 but that is not bare wood and there is a light fixture in it.  If that is paint, then that is a pretty good deal.  If it is melamine, not so much.  If I had to put a finish on the wood (prime/sand/paint/sand/paint/sand/paint/lacquer x 6 I would charge at least $150 more because it is so labor intensive.  If they wanted it laminated instead?  Well, that's $100 in laminate and probably another $100 for my labor to laminate the cab.

Now if this was for a REALLY good friend or relative, I'd most likely just charge them for mats... but then it gets done at my convenience  ;D

Title: Re: How much would you pay/charge for a new scratch-built basic empty cabinet?
Post by: ghettodish on March 28, 2009, 03:42:55 pm

I was thinking somewhere in the $250 range for a 24" wide cab, $300 for a +25" cab.

No lights, cp, holes, doors, etc....just a basic cab that the new owner can finish.