New 4-player MK based build

[tylervalo]

So this is my 3rd build, my first was nothing more than a failed attempt, my second was decent but I failed in some parts such as squaring up the frame and factoring in the width of the MDF on some parts.  For this cab I decided since I couldn't find a Mortal Kombat cabinet (I just missed out on a stripped MK2 cab for $50) I'd build one, modifying it slightly to better fit my doorways (basically just cut around 4" off the total length) and to accommodate all my friends for The Simpsons and NBA Jam.  For this one I'm taking my time more slowly, using a guide when I make cuts and making sure everything is square and reinforced.

Day 1: Got 3 sheets of MDF from Lowes, had them cut one of the sheets 25"x8', that way I can cut all the interior pieces and not worry about the width.  I also had them make several other cuts such as the total length of the machine and the control panel top.


Day 2:  Built the control box and cut the 2x4's to make a frame, had the hardest time getting it all square.


Day 3:  Cut all the inner supports for the top, speaker panel and monitor bezel.  The front panel and others are just mounted temporarily


I know I've got a long way to go, not looking forward to painting and sanding ANOTHER cab, but oh well, building is almost as fun as playing!

Here is my previous cab:

[Turnarcades]

Looking good so far, but 2 pieces of advice. Firstly, don't forget to rotate your pics!

Seriously though, I'd recommend you trace a radius onto every internal/external corner and route them into rounded corners. Getting T-moulding to fit nicely into squared corners is tricky and can look pants.

[rablack97]

Looks good so far.....

I can't tell by your 2nd build if you used t-molding or just painted the edges.  You can get around buying the expensive t-molding corner tool by just cutting a V shaped slot into the barb at the corners.  This how old school did it before the newer generation started the curves trend.

So if you are too far into the build and like the straight lines, you can still get the t-molding in and have it look good.  If you want the curves, get ready to eyeball, sand and shape.  Curves take hella patience..........

I hope you used 5/8 mdf for that CP top if you planned on using plexi and t-molding.......

[tylervalo]

Thanks for the tips all.  Late last night I got out my dremel and rounded off some of the sharp corners, I had forgotten abou them until i was searching for pics of real MK cabs and noticed it.  My other build did not use t-moulding since i didn't have a router, for this one I borrowed my dads but he didn't have the correct bit, I'm not sure if I should buy the bit or just get some stick on moulding instead.  As for the CP, I just planned on using an overlay, instead of buying a whole sheet of 5/8" mdf for 1 part.

[rablack97]

Buy the bit set, should be able to get one for about 20 bucks.

make sure you get the 1/16 slot bit if you decide to go this route

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html#430

Stick on? your just asking for "ugly trouble" in due time.  

True on the mdf, thing is you start to think about weight on these things.  I take it you've built the whole thing out 3/4?  If so, this bad boy is gonna be HEAVVVYYY.  I bought one piece of 5/8 and got my top, back, CP, and monitor shelf out of it.  Helps with overall weight and you cant beat that plexi overlay on a kicka** graphic on your CP.  Plus it protects it from spills and such.

If this is your 3rd build, I doubt it will be your last, and you'll get more innovative.  So picking up a few tools here and there wont hurt ya, so you can free your mind.....Keeps you from building the same thing over and over again.........

[tylervalo]

Thanks for the link, I found the bit today locally for around $20 but it didn't include the shank.  It shouldn't be that heavy, as it don't have a monitor shelf (using an LCD) and probably won't put a back on.  This will be another cab I play for awhile then sell on craigslist, I got $120 for my last one, maybe I'll get $200 from this one, then build a little better or buy a real MK machine if one come 'round!  Thanks for all the advice!!

[rablack97]

Oh so your flipping them.......well, cheaper the better.......

[tylervalo]

I didn't really plan too, I just wasn't satisfied with the previous one and need the space and cash for more supplies     My girlfriend could see I was stressed trying to perfect the flaws in the old one so she gave me permission to start this one 

[rablack97]

Well keep it up, im a MK junkie too, so lookin forward to seeing your progress...

[Malenko]

is this where I ask for more pix of the GF? lol

Im emailing you the marquee you wanted. Did you want the control panel art as well?

[rablack97]

is this where I ask for more pix of the GF? lol

That's just wrong    But I guess what do you expect when you post pics of a woman in a 98% male site. The 2% is for any ladies out ther who have an interest in this hobby...

[opt2not]

is this where I ask for more pix of the GF? lol

That's just wrong    But I guess what do you expect when you post pics of a woman in a 98% male site. The 2% is for any ladies out ther who have an interest in this hobby...

Well especially when you post a back-end shot of her in tight pants...
Probably not the most wisest of moves IMO.

What are you planning for the finish? Paint? Printed vinyl?

[tylervalo]

Hahaha!  Thanks, she is a cutie.  I plan to paint it with a interior latex in semi-gloss black.  BTW, malenko, have you emailed me those files yet?? I've not seen anything in my email 

[Turnarcades]

I can't tell by your 2nd build if you used t-molding or just painted the edges.  You can get around buying the expensive t-molding corner tool by just cutting a V shaped slot into the barb at the corners.  This how old school did it before the newer generation started the curves trend.

New school? I don't think so. Experienced builder with nearly 150 hand-built machines behind him, yes.

We're not talking about dinner-plate sized curves; adding a mild curve of even just a few mm radius makes for a better fit with the T-moulding as you will not get perfect right-angle inside or outside corners without stress marks on the surface of the moulding. Small inside radius' and rounding-off of outer corners does not compromise shape and helps kill that 'all I've got is a circular saw' look you get with sharp, angular corners.

[rablack97]

I can't tell by your 2nd build if you used t-molding or just painted the edges.  You can get around buying the expensive t-molding corner tool by just cutting a V shaped slot into the barb at the corners.  This how old school did it before the newer generation started the curves trend.

New school? I don't think so. Experienced builder with nearly 150 hand-built machines behind him, yes.

We're not talking about dinner-plate sized curves; adding a mild curve of even just a few mm radius makes for a better fit with the T-moulding as you will not get perfect right-angle inside or outside corners without stress marks on the surface of the moulding. Small inside radius' and rounding-off of outer corners does not compromise shape and helps kill that 'all I've got is a circular saw' look you get with sharp, angular corners.

i am

[Turnarcades]

No worries.

To the o.p. - When building a control panel box, you should really build it with the side panels aligned against the sides of the base, rather than on top of it. The base rarely has to bear much weight and as long as your fixing methods are sound (enough screws and/or bonding), this will make for a neater box finish without the visible MDF edges showing at the base. Plus, always, always use proper T-moulded sides to your cabinet to avoid moisture absorbtion, shock and scuff damage and for that proper arcade look, obviously.

[tylervalo]

I hadn't even though of that!  My box may be getting redesigned anyways, I'm not liking what I see so far.

[Malenko]

Hahaha!  Thanks, she is a cutie.  I plan to paint it with a interior latex in semi-gloss black.  BTW, malenko, have you emailed me those files yet?? I've not seen anything in my email 

they are sent, I had to find the darn CD!

they are PSD files, just FYI

[WhereEaglesDare]

I'd recommend you trace a radius onto every internal/external corner and route them into rounded corners.

What would you use to make a Radius?  a compass?  String, Nail, and a Pen?

[Turnarcades]

What would you use to make a Radius?  a compass?  String, Nail, and a Pen?

Just pure eye judgment - it's only gotta be small so as long as both sides are laid together to get a matching radius either side, you can round it off by hand as you go with the router. It's not rocket science or that precise; the rounding off needed will vary in size depending on your cabinet angles and panel alignment near the corners.

[tylervalo]

I've got the radius's cut, I'm just having a  time building the control panel.  I'm on my 3rd attempt now and starting to get frustrated. 

[Turnarcades]

What's the problem?

[tylervalo]

That's what I'm trying to figure out.  When someone pointed out that putting my sides on top of my bottom piece showed an edge, I tried redesigning the sides to sit flush against the bottom.  What I did was lay my top out, trace it, then cut 3/4" back from my trace.  One side ended up being right while the other was over and 1 1/2" off, twice.  Sunday I got a new piece and tried again, it ended up one side being 3/8" in while the other was perfect.  I was able to fix it now were both side of the top have a 3/8" overhang.

[Malenko]

you ever get the pix?

[tylervalo]

Yea, got them a few days ago.  I've not had time to do much work on it with softball game and practices the last few days.  Thanks again though, I love the Mortal Kabinet marquee.  If I wanted to make it say Mame Kabinet how would I do that though? 

[Malenko]

Yea, got them a few days ago.  I've not had time to do much work on it with softball game and practices the last few days.  Thanks again though, I love the Mortal Kabinet marquee.  If I wanted to make it say Mame Kabinet how would I do that though?  

I photoshopped it to say Kabinet changing MORTAL to MAME would pretty easy, since the letters MAME are in MortAl kabinEt



so basically just cut the letters for MAME, and try to black out the original letters (should be very easy since its almost all black behind "mortal" anyway), it may end up looking a little out of balance with 4 letters on one side and 7 on the other though.

[tylervalo]

Got paint on tonight, FINALLY got the cp built too.  It's far from my expectations but over-all it could be alot worse at this point.







I still have no idea why the pic is rotated, it's rotated right on my computer.  I guess it's an imageshack problem 

[tylervalo]

Well, I got her all put together and moved in the house today.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, I'm skipping tmoulding and artwork for now, cp overlay will come soon:

[WhereEaglesDare]

Youl have to take the whole CP apart to add artwork wont you?

[tylervalo]

Artwork to the cp yes.  I'll have to remove the joysticks and buttons to add the overlay, but it's not really that big an issue.  I didn't solder anything, just used quick disconnects.