My Bartop Arcade Cabinet

[aqualyricist]

Well first of all I have been a long time visitor of these forums and this is my first time posting because I finally got the motivation of how well my project has been coming along and also the inspiration that I got from people like you all to get this project in gear.
First of all I'll give you a little background story on this long but very insightful and thought provoking journey. In the summer of 2010 right before I was ready to start graduate school I was hospitalized from May to September from a very complicated and major spinal surgery that left my fine motor skills compromised and a very long road to recovery as well. Since I missed the boat for grad school and had to apply my focus toward rehab, I backburned any educational intentions and prioritized recreational goals that would aid in recovering my ability to handle small tools, write, paint, etc... I also had a $500 tax return check to burn that I didnt use so thats where the idea of building a Mame cabinet derived.
As something I wanted to do for so long and felt so passionately about I just didnt know where to begin. So after months o camping out in the forums, watching various youtube videos, looking at peoples plans, getting tips and hints rom other peoples questions, and seeing the many ailed attempts at rushing a scratch build, I decided to start my own. This feeling couldn't have come at a worse time because it was the middle of January...here in the mid east it's really cold btw and I wanted to do something that involved working countless hours outside. But I made it through the winter and 8 months later I milestoned at about 75% complete. I initially thought this project was gonna be a 2 monther'. 3 months max! But what I realized in the process is that satisfaction comes with a price of patience. When I rushed through a section the end result was unsatisactory ie sanding once vs "Going through the grits".
I haven't scratch built anything since my Popsicle stick bridge in 6th grade tech ed so I honestly forgot how great it feels to let you imagination run wild and to see your dreams in a physical form. So now is my pre-pre unveiling of a project thats 3/4ths done and so far costed me over $500 in just materials. Its not in public shape right now but I am taking progress pics along the way. Sometime next month I'll post some pics but until the, I'd love to thank everyone here for your inspiration. Its a community like this that epitomizes the DIY'r in all of us and supports the ability to know anything is possible

[Well Fed Games]

Welcome! I'm on the 3rd or 4th month on my project as well.. or 5th... or 6th... but it is a lot of fun, and certainly combines several creative disciplines. 

[dandare]

Welcome, Looking forward to seeing your cab.

patience is the key, I realised after reading your post that i've charged ahead in a couple of areas of my new cab.

Time to slow down a wee bit.

Good luck with the recovery, hope the build and the forum helps.