Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Quixand on August 17, 2009, 10:10:38 am

Title: Wood question
Post by: Quixand on August 17, 2009, 10:10:38 am

So I went to Lowes this weekend to scout out their MDF selection...and all they had was 3/4 inch MDF. I was actually looking for something...lighter. Much lighter. MDF weighs too damn much LOL.

So...I kept looking, and found some finish grade plywood. It was white, and smooth as silk. Was only a dollar more than the MDF per sheet, and looked amazing. I got to thinking. Not only could I cut out a hundred pounds or better off my cab, but then I wouldn't have to deal with paint soak, and poor finishes.

Has anyone else gone this route? Can I still route plywood?

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: Octo on August 17, 2009, 10:26:48 am

That's furniture grade (AA or AB) plywood. AA if both sides look perfectly smooth, AB if on side has a few knots and texture to it. You can use it, but you might not get the smooth edges like MDF.

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: Quixand on August 17, 2009, 10:40:58 am

Yeah...that's what I was just thinking....

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: Chadwick on August 17, 2009, 01:25:15 pm

The MDF vs. plywood debate bubbles up ever few months.  The bottom line is there are pros and cons to each.  Do a search in this forum and you should find the relevant threads.  Here's some of the main differences:

MDF
- Better for painting
- Less inclined to chip when cutting
- Heavier
- Dulls cutting tools much faster due to density

Plywood
- Lighter
- Easier to cut and work with
- Good if laminating
- More inclined to chip when cutting (use of good, sharp cutting tools will mitigate this to a non-issue).

Routing plywood is easier than routing MDF because it is much softer and less dense.  It is also easier on your cutting tools. (sawblades, drills, router bits).

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: miles2912 on August 17, 2009, 02:33:22 pm

I am a proponent of the heavy MDF.  If you are into the fighting games and have a couple of big boys working the controllers hard, you will be glad the cab is heavy.  Heavy arcade games don't move and as far as I am concerned that is a good thing.

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: bungy on August 17, 2009, 03:16:42 pm

I agree with using 3/4 MDF, you will want the extra weight and stability when the cabinet is done.  Have you ever seen a non-enthusiast play Pac-Man?  It's like they're trying to fly an F-14.

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: Octo on August 17, 2009, 03:42:37 pm

Quote from: bungy on August 17, 2009, 03:16:42 pm

Have you ever seen a non-enthusiast (AND KIDS) play Pac-Man?  It's like they're trying to fly an F-14.

fix'd

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: severdhed on August 18, 2009, 05:04:21 pm

Quote from: Octo on August 17, 2009, 03:42:37 pm

Quote from: bungy on August 17, 2009, 03:16:42 pm

Have you ever seen a non-enthusiast (AND KIDS) play Pac-Man?  It's like they're trying to fly an F-14.

fix'd

lol agreed.  i am afraid to let my wife play pacman on my cabinet any more for fear she is going to completely destroy my U360s.  she is over there playing and the whole damn cabinet is moving around...i dont understand it.

Title: Re: Wood question
Post by: Epyx on August 20, 2009, 02:48:15 pm

Also, you don't have to use MDF for the entire cabinet...just use 3/4" for the sides and CP top...use 5/8" and even 1/2" for the other areas.