My Third Bartop (Updated Pics 9/20/07)

[BobA]

I usually measure, cut and fit until I have a bartop.  This time I did some drawings in alot more detail.  Thought I would run it past you all to see what comments pop up before I commit to cutting the wood.

Based on a cab that I have seen.  Really big for a bartop but to accomodate either 2 player or 1 player joy with spinner and trackball.  Had trouble getting the snap to go less then 1 inch so the sides show as 1 inch but measurements are given for 0.75 inch.  CP size is 22.5 x 9.5

I could probably decrease the width to 20 inches but it might crowd the CP if I go 2 player or interchangeable CPs.

Thanks
BobA

[ChadTower]

That's pretty wide, definitely.

[BobA]

I think you are right Chad.   I'll redraw at 20 inches wide which gives me a 18.5 x 9.5 CP.

[leapinlew]

Trackball and spinner? Whew! This ought to be fun to watch.

Good luck. I'll be watching. 

[BobA]

Updated plans to 20 inches wide 24 inches tall 24 inches deep.   Scale now set so that sides are .75 inch.

Thanks Lew.  Need a few watching so that I get this one going. Been taking it easy too long.

[leapinlew]

Where do you plan on putting speakers?

[BobA]

Speakers will be side mounted. 1 round speaker grill per side.

Uploaded proposed CP layout for smaller size 18.5 x 9.5

Also flipper buttons on sides of cab,

Placed 2 GGG CDR buttons on front of cab.

edit: Spelling

[leapinlew]

Will there be enough room for the speakers?

The more I look at those drawings - the more I like them. Is it taito inspired?

[Kaytrim]

Looks to be room for the speakers.  Looks like he is using an LCD monitor.  If he was using a CRT then there would be a space issue.

[BobA]

Will there be enough room for the speakers?

The more I look at those drawings - the more I like them. Is it taito inspired?

Lots of room inside as I am using a 19 inch LCD.

Inspired by pic below.

[BobA]

Cutting finally completed.  Using 3/4 ply instead of MDF to keep the bartop lighter.  Slot cutting bit and t-molding on order since plywood edges will have to be covered.  Burnt out a blade on the last bit of side cutting but had to keep going.  will be using a Kreg pocket hole jig and screws to assemble the unit wherever possible instead of the 1x1 and 1x2 that I usually uses for support.

[patrickl]

That's a really sexy bartop. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

The birch ply makes sense. That should keep it lighter.

Isn't the joystick going to a bit too far to the left?

[BobA]

You are probably right.  Will have to move the buttons a bit more to the right.  I was saving space for mouse buttons but may not have room with the space that the trackball mounting plate takes up.

[leapinlew]

I say... ditch the mounting plate.

[Kaytrim]

I say... ditch the mounting plate.

If you are using a Betsons/Imperial then that is an option.  Happ is not so easy to do that with.

[stuckpixel]

No, but you could always recess the plate and cover the cp so you don't have to stare at the ugly thing. 

[BobA]

It's a Happs so no easy way.  The plate will be recessed so that it can be covered with artwork if I come up with a theme.  No artwork has been worked on yet as I have only concentrated on makeing the physical cab.

[GadgetGeek]

I was saving space for mouse buttons but may not have room with the space that the trackball mounting plate takes up.

Can't you remap a couple of the "regular" buttons to be mouse buttons too.  I know that is what my buddy did on his cab.  (he is on these forums as Zaphod and has documented most of his trials and tribulations on arcadecab.com)

[BobA]

I think you can.  There was a discussion re that just recently.  Will free up the space on the CP if they are not needed.

[BobA]

Got a bit side tracked this summer but had to get going before the snow flies.  The 3/4 ply was tacked together using a Kreg pocket hole jig.  This allows the cab to be assembled without screws or nails passing thru to the outside.  The main body of the bartop is assembled with the CP and back hinged for easy access. Now the fitting of components and finishing can be done inside and no worries about snow on my outside cutting table.

[leapinlew]

 

GO MAN GO! Calling for Snow in October this year, you better hurry.

[BobA]

Additional Pics

[BobA]

We already had snow in Calgary and I am in Edmonton 300 Km north.

[leapinlew]

Love it! Is that sandeply? Thats good stuff. It sort of has a galaga'esque lines by the CP. Speaking of the CP - maybe you should put just a bit of a slope on it? Maybe an inch from front to back?

[leapinlew]

Also... instead of the speakers on the side, perhaps you can put them under the CP? Pic attached.

[BobA]

Thanks Lew.
It already has about and inch front to back slope.  I guess the pics don't show it.  If you look at the pic with the CP open you can see the line scribed on the inside of the cab with the slope.

[BobA]

I could probably put them on the front but was hoping to use the sides so I could use bigger speakers.  Will play it by ear. 

It is regular 3/4 inch Birch plywood.

[leapinlew]

I could probably put them on the front but was hoping to use the sides so I could use bigger speakers.  Will play it by ear. 

It is regular 3/4 inch Birch plywood.

Those speakers that GGG sells sound real good and are really small once you take them apart.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=193

[spacies]

Go the bartops!

Thats a great place for the speakers if they fit Leapinlew.

Bob, won't they fit were speakers usually go in an arcade machine, behind the Marquee?

[BobA]

I will take my PC speakers apart and will see where they fit best.  The marquee area and the front are both possibilities.

[Kangum]

i love the way this is turning out. i cant wait to see this all done up and finished.

[unclet]

Great job so far ......

I vote for putting the speakers in the front bottom as well, but route out some circular holes in the sides to display some cool art.   Similar to Knieval's Neon arcade cabinet, but just not as big since you are building a bartop