Extra Small Weecade **Almost Done** - Tons of Photos!

[JdotFite]

Very long time lurker here.  I started my first MAME cabinet build back in 2001, I was 17 at the time.  I have built a full size cabinet, cocktail table and a bartop.  This time around, I wanted to go even smaller.  I really liked Rasmus's Weecade design and decided to go that route.  I will include some photos of my past projects here as well. 

The build was based around an HP DVXXXX series laptop.  It had the dreaded GPU overheating issue.  I used the "bake it in the oven" reflow trick to bring it back to life.  I don't have a proper work space, so I was forced to use my kitchen and deck and it was a huge PITA  !  I am happy with the end result.  I decided to keep it clean and minimalistic.  My last bartop had bright busy graphics and I wanted to go the opposite direction this time around.

I will updated with some additional finished photos when I get the chance. 

Here is how it looks today:




Progress Photos:

Initial rough mock-ups:



Notebook tear down:


MDF screen bezel made:


Routered Edges:


Maximus Test:


Front and Control Panel cut and test fit:


Profile shot at this point:


Marquee Test:


Top Cut:



Aluminum L and Acrylic Channel cut for marquee:


Real life photoshop: Bondo:


Primer:




1st coat of paint:


2nd coat of paint:



Screen metal bezel paint:


Speaker area cut:



Testing notebook:


Perforated Metal, outlet and switch added:


Coming together:



L channel painted:


Starting Speaker grill area:


The holes were not allowing enough sound through, so I cut one long rectangle and rounded it with my router:


Grill nailed on:


USB Speaker bar ready to be attached:







Testing hardware one last time:


Control panel coming together:



Today:

[pinballjim]

I've always criticized the Wee-Cade for looking like a laptop in a box and then you have to go and put an actual laptop in the box.

That looks really nice, one of the cleaner examples of this design for sure.

[CoryBee]

I really like this, thanks for sharing! 

[emphatic]

Looks good, does it weigh "enough" to play on?

[koolmoecraig]

Looks good, does it weigh "enough" to play on?

Nice clean job.  Like Reveen said, is it heavy enough to play without moving around?

[fighterfanatic]

Wow. So fresh and so clean. 

[emphatic]

Like Reveen said