NES Console Folding Bartop

[WhereEaglesDare]

Okay, I decided what I'm making.  I am going to design and build a scaled replica of a Nintendo Entertainment System where the top flips open and has a LCD in it.  It will be larger than the NES, but will be scaled.  Power and ethernet connections on the rear, USB connection on the front (where the controllers would traditionally connect).  I have some drawings I have made, I think it would look great.

I saw the Bender-Rama and love the idea and I want to make one, but its gotta be original.  The Control Panel will sit under the screen and be hidden when the top is closed, just like in Benders cab.  Anyone see something like this before?  Any good ideas popping into your head? 

What type of wood should I use for this, I'm thinking 5/8 MDF for the exterior and thinner plywood or something similar for the insides (bezel and Control Panel).

Here is a couple of rough sketches, please forgive the crudeness, Rembrandt died a long time ago.


Yea I know I drew the top part backwards, but you get the idea.


Thanks.

[javeryh]

Reminds me of this thing... sort of but not really.



or this:

[BobA]

Do you really know where you are going?

Multiple posts and multiple projects show a bartop or a nintendo clone.

[WhereEaglesDare]

I'm toying with different ideas man, com'n give me a break... A buddy of mine wants to help me out with the Nintendo one...  I am totally new to the hobby, but I'm excited about making something...

My main problem with the bartop, even though it would be sweet to have, its not original.

[Ginsu Victim]

So, first question is:

Where will the joystick go when the unit is closed?

[WhereEaglesDare]

great question....

I got the idea from Bender's folding bartop

As seen in Bender's plans:


If I cant the screen back when it is closed the joystick will be fine.  Obviously I will need to use a short stick, but if it sits low on the CP and the monitor is leaning back there should be clearance for the top to close.

BY THE WAY, I appreciate your question, if you have any advice I'd gladly take it.

[IG-88]

Great project!! This  is one on my short list to get done.

I can't see the pics thru my cell but I'm thinking 5/8 may be a little thick. Have you considered maybe a 1/2 ply that's finished on one side? My lumber yard sells 24"x24" pieces really cheap.

Which leads me to my next question, how do you plan on decorating it? Would be tough to find laminate the right shade of gray I think. So that leaves painting. Is it also going to have the nintendo "stripe" logo?

[Bender]

If it Folds up.....
Build it!
I love It 

[BobA]

I'm toying with different ideas man, com'n give me a break... A buddy of mine wants to help me out with the Nintendo one...  I am totally new to the hobby, but I'm excited about making something...

My main problem with the bartop, even though it would be sweet to have, its not original.

No problem.   It is the rush of enthusiasm that gets ideas spinning around in your head.   

[WhereEaglesDare]

I did some math and here is what I got, to make it to where atleast the front of it is SCALED to the original it will have to be about 8.25 in tall and 27 in wide at the base and 31.5 in wide at the top.... 

Maybe Scaled exactly wont work out...  The bottom portion has to be atleast 3 inches tall to hold the motherboard, PSU and fan...

I can still make it look close, it will have to be not as wide, though...  The joystick can sit in a void over the motherboard.



Here is a picture of what the footprint of the bottom would be.

18 in Wide x 17.5 in Deep x 3.5 in High



Here is the monitor I plan on using, I'm removing the base, of course, the speakers will go under it.
The top portion will be wider than the bottom due to the angles that exist on the bottom.

I decided to make the whole top portion fold up instead of leaving part of it down because that would add quite a bit to the width of the thing.

I'm getting wood tomorrow for it, and I'm starting to build it.  Harbor Freight is having a huge sale this weekend BTW, got a nice jigsaw today.

Any suggestions on the design or materials?