Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)

[Zathras]

I did try searching but couldn't find the answers so here goes.

I am planning to build my first cabinet based off the Ultimate Arcade I plans with a few modifications (modular control panel and an inch wider for a bigger tv) and I have been wavering back and forth on how to finish it,  first I was going to paint it, then decided to laminate, then decided to do the Happs vinyl that is on sale, then decided on a laminate side/vinyl font combo (and even went ahead and ordered some vinyl since I was ordering some other parts), but the more I think about that I don't know how much I would like the two tone black look so I may just end up going the full laminate route (well maybe using the vinyl for top/back).

But my question is this - In the UA1 (and many other cabs) the front/back panels are recessed about an inch or so.  What do you do to that inner lip portion?  Just paint it or cut little strips of laminate or  . . . ?  

Ok second question - In planning the modular panels - so far I've decided on the generic 2 person 6 buttons per with a trackball in the middle, a single joystick old school panel with a variety of buttons,  and a trackball panel.    But when laying these out in my head I realized that I would have to have a joystick on the trackball panel to select games won't I?  (mamewah will be my front end)  I may have to switch to a tron/trackball panel if that is the case.  Guess I'll have to order another spinner  My wife is really going to regret telling me to go ahead and buy the stuff you need for it.

I would say now that I've got about 90% of the stuff purchased so it won't be too long till I can get started.


Thanks!

[Stingray]

I realized that I would have to have a joystick on the trackball panel to select games won't I?

Just a thought, but you could have a couple of buttons assigned to up arrow & down arrow.

-S

[Zathras]

Just a thought, but you could have a couple of buttons assigned to up arrow & down arrow.

-S

I think that would make too much sense and not cost enough money  

Thanks I may do that - sometimes you don't see the obvious.

[Stingray]

Glad to help. I've got a cab in the early stages of development myself at the moment. I find myself spending more and more time contemplating CP layouts (usually when I should be doing something else).

-S

[cj1]

But my question is this - In the UA1 (and many other cabs) the front/back panels are recessed about an inch or so.  What do you do to that inner lip portion?  Just paint it or cut little strips of laminate or  . . . ?  

I had the same question when I started my cab (which remains unfinished - curse you, cold weather! CUUUUURRRSSEE YOOOUUU!!). Anyway, I used strips. The "inside" part - that is, the part the faces the back of the cab- would be hidden by the thickness of the front panels, so I just rough cut that to shape with some tin snips. The front facing part was trimmed with a router as usual. This can be seen in my incredibly crude graphic.

I'm pleased with the results, and saved a lot of laminate by not doing the entire inside of the cab. Also, this gave me a chance to work with the laminate on a small scale which helped me get used to the whole process.

[Zathras]

Ah that explains it well - cool thanks.