Take No Quarter - Whoops....

[Monkeyvoodoo]

So I've been lurking around for about a month, reading whatever I can. I've learned so much in that time. And I'm hooked. (I also discovered the joy of Dr Who at the same time. Nothing like late evenings browsing the forum while watching Netflix)

Without further ado, my WIP cabinet mockup: Take No Quarter

Based on an existing Zback with some modifications:

• New kickplate design (I have a second idea I want to try out as well)
• Lit portholes in the sidewalls
• Custom CP. (the one in the mockup is not the final CP. It's just a place holder.) Nothing over the top. Just need more real estate for a trackball/spinner
• Bit of extra lighting here and there. I have a set of ground effects from my idiot years that will work nicely if recessed
• Custom Marquee, Side Art and CP Art (Been having fun designing those)
• Considering going with a rotating display. Not going with the original 25" monitor gives me a bit of room
• A few other upgrades while I refurbish the cabinet

I really would like to get my hands on a 25" arcade monitor but my searches prove fruitless so I'll most likely go with a 21" lcd. At least until I can afford a 26" wide
Decided on a 21" Dell LCD. And attempting a rotation rig, so no 26" wide. For this cabinet...

I'm really hoping for a Summer 2014 completion date but we all know how project timelines get extended. Funny thing is that I'm already thinking of ideas for a full custom cabinet to start after this one is done.

Of course I will gladly accept any criticisms or advice

Updated with current concept 2013-06-02

[kahlid74]

My only concern would be the CP.  The design pictured doesn't lend itself well to a custom CP.  I would want to see your sketchup/mock-up with the Custom CP to see how you envision it working.

[PL1]

Also consider which dedicated admin buttons you want to include.

Probably P1/P2 Start, Exit, and Pause.

Maybe Menu? (Depends on who's using the cab and how much you like to fiddle with settings)


Scott

[yotsuya]

Just a shoutout for Doctor Who. I've started watching it this year as well. 

[Drnick]

Just a shoutout for Doctor Who. I've started watching it this year as well. 

Original DrWho or the new 2000's series?  You gotta watch them all. Even the truly awful movies.  Well all those that are available anyway as there are a few episodes that are now lost to history forever    I've watched everything since 1980 and seen a fair few of those that were shown before I was old enough to appreciate it.   There are some superb stories in there, but the special effects etc may take a bit of getting used to 

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I'm still working out ideas for the CP. I'm thinking of extending it out towards the players a bit more so that I can get enough real estate for admin buttons and shoulder room for player two.
I'll be rigging the coin returns as coin buttons so that's a few buttons off the CP.
I'm also contemplating having admin buttons tucked away in a hidden spot in the marquee. Similar to CRT TV controls.
Currently playing with cardboard mockup a on the cab itself.

As for Dr Who, I just finished off season six last night so I have to find something new to watch.

[yotsuya]

Just a shoutout for Doctor Who. I've started watching it this year as well. 

Original DrWho or the new 2000's series?  You gotta watch them all. Even the truly awful movies.  Well all those that are available anyway as there are a few episodes that are now lost to history forever    I've watched everything since 1980 and seen a fair few of those that were shown before I was old enough to appreciate it.   There are some superb stories in there, but the special effects etc may take a bit of getting used to 

My daughter and I are watching the new series, but we've watched some of the old ones as well. I remember catching an episode or two on PBS BITD, but I've really enjoyed the new stuff. Nice to see the BBC spend some cash on effects.

[sabreerbasAlpha]

Firstly Welcome to the forums my friend. Got to say I love That design. Nice flowing shape that looks really nice.
I have some questions. The mock up pictures you have posted seem to show the front coming out so it is going to be a curved front with a coin door incorporated into it?. Also the control panel seems to be a bit shallow to me, Remember you want it to be comfy when playing and it doesn't look like much room is available to rest your palms on when playing. Id consider giving yourself a bit more room by setting the CP back 3-4 inches or so. Other than that I do like the design and the name is great, Ill be watching this one to see how you go. Also there are some exceptionally talented people on these boards with years of experience of building and designing. Don't forget to shout when you need some help. Good luck my friend and remember to enjoy it.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Firstly Welcome to the forums my friend. Got to say I love That design. Nice flowing shape that looks really nice.

Thanks for welcoming. I wish I could take credit for the design but I'm starting from an actual cabinet that I got my hands on. It is a nice design I agree though

I have some questions. The mock up pictures you have posted seem to show the front coming out so it is going to be a curved front with a coin door incorporated into it?.

Not exactly a curved front. I'll be attaching a facade on to the original kickplate extending a portion about 2" giving enough clearance to put in some recessed neon/cathode tubes. Here's a different angle:

Also the control panel seems to be a bit shallow to me, Remember you want it to be comfy when playing and it doesn't look like much room is available to rest your palms on when playing. Id consider giving yourself a bit more room by setting the CP back 3-4 inches or so.

The current CP is the one that came with the original cabinet. I'm not a big fan of it myself. I'll be using it as a base to make a larger one that fits in with the shape of the cabinet. And one that has more comfort and play space!

Other than that I do like the design and the name is great, Ill be watching this one to see how you go.

Thanks again, I like the name as well. It was one of those "wake up with an epiphany" moments.

Also there are some exceptionally talented people on these boards with years of experience of building and designing. Don't forget to shout when you need some help. Good luck my friend and remember to enjoy it.

Oh I know, I've spent quite some time perusing the project pages. I'm going to be standing on the shoulders of giants.

[Unstupid]

looks like a pretty steep angle on that CP... Looks about 20 degrees.  Not sure how comfortable that's going to be to play on.   

[Monkeyvoodoo]

It's not. I remember playing on this type of cabinet when I was younger. All the other Z-backs that I've seen have had a Dynamo CP installed into them.

This one will be fully custom when it's done.

[Ond]

That decorative facade looks kinda familiar... anyway nice design.

[Unstupid]

Yea, looks like a Neo-Geo 4-25 ver 2, but reversed:

[Ond]

Yea, looks like a Neo-Geo 4-25 ver 2, but reversed:

Ah ha, yes that's  it.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Spent a bit of time trying out an idea i had for the sideart. I'm a bit rusty on my illustrator so it's not quite what I envisioned. I think I may commission the final work to be done.



Any critiques? Better ideas?

[Unstupid]

It says "Take No Quarter" on the side, but then you have a coin door in front... You going to put mech's in there that take Pesos?   

[dgame]

Take Mo' Quarters

[sabreerbasAlpha]

It says "Take No Quarter" on the side, but then you have a coin door in front... You going to put mech's in there that take Pesos?   

 

[Le Chuck]

Looks pretty slick, keep it coming

[Seith]

I agree with Le Chuck, that sideart is pretty fantastic if you ask me.

[mcseforsale]

Love the shape.  subscibed..

AJ

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Tiny update:

I still haven't got much work done on this as Real Life^TM is still getting in the way. SO right now I have an empty cabinet staring at me just begging for a tear down and rebuild.

But I did get my laminate samples in the mail.

I got a lot more than I was expecting actually. Within the samples were wood grain which gave me an idea but need some input. I'm thinking of going with a truly retro look with:

Black laminate (I swear it's black, really)


Wood Grain

When I saw the wood grain, all I could think of was my old Atari (and pretty much every other consumer electronic) from my childhood.

Like this

So what I'm now considering is putting the black on the sides of the cabinet and on the CP while using the wood grain on the center pieces. Although I could reverse that and have the wood grain on the sides, etc. I still need to think this out a bit more.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

It says "Take No Quarter" on the side, but then you have a coin door in front... You going to put mech's in there that take Pesos?   

 
I'll most likely be going with the NovaGemCDR as a replacement.

[Le Chuck]

I'd say less is more on the wood grain. Incorporate it into the art.

[Dawgz Rule]

     Too much wood grain and it will be like a bad episode of House Hunters.

[mgb]

This project here
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,123455.0.html
Used wood grain laminate and it is drop dead gorgeous. But it's also a more retro looking cabinet so I think it fits.

I think your plans looks great. I love the side art and I love z backs.
When I think z back, I think red, blue or black.
Most times I see one, they are red. I think they look awesome in blue.

I see a couple if people are telling you the control panel is too steep or short but correct if I'm wrong but aren't you using the regular cp that would be on a dynamo z back?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

This project here
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,123455.0.html
Used wood grain laminate and it is drop dead gorgeous. But it's also a more retro looking cabinet so I think it fits.

This is very similar to the look that's evolved in my mind

I think your plans looks great. I love the side art and I love z backs.
When I think z back, I think red, blue or black.
Most times I see one, they are red. I think they look awesome in blue.

I remember Zbacks from my teens, usually in red. As nice as they look I want mine to stand out a bit.

I see a couple if people are telling you the control panel is too steep or short but correct if I'm wrong but aren't you using the regular cp that would be on a dynamo z back?

The first rendering had the regular cp in it as a stand in. I'm kicking around designs to give me a bit more real estate for a trackball or spinner.

[Dawgz Rule]

You ultimately have to go with what makes you happy.  Afterall, it is your cab.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

So last night I had an idea. One of those ideas that show up as you drift off to sleep. It involved a bit of a redesign of my cabinet (which actually helps be avoid trying to repair some of the damage it has)

Ignore the rendering issues

I feel that it changes it's look just enough while still having the character of the original. And there's chrome!

[Ond]

I think you're on to something there, it looks better.  Just some thoughts,  consider using real timber veneer over laminate for the wood panels.  OR lose the wood grain finish altogether and go for a 2 tone laminate look on the cab and (maybe)with side art similar to what you posted before.  The chrome looks slick and could work with solid colors as well.  If you're not adverse to sharing your 3D file (doesn't matter what format it's in) I can show you (I just can't be bothered drawing it from scratch)  I may have missed it, but is the Galaxian marquee a place holder or are you going with that?

[mgb]

Very nice.
  Looks more like an Ultimate Arcade 2 than a Z back though.

Personally I think the Formica wood grain has a cool look to it.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Look what came in the mail today!


Sent from where ever I happen to be.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Due to my current work overload, I still haven't been able to get into the actual physical construction yet. But I've found time to do other things like organize my rom collection and come up with some ideas for the art.





I feel like I'm on the right track but I don't think I've found the exact look that I want. Any suggestions?

[Brian74]

I wish I had design skills like that, looking sweet!

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[mgb]

Man, that is perfect.
I love the whole art concept and the cp layout is perfectly simple.
The modern cab shape and chrome t molding really mixes nice with the retro like graphics and wood grain.

I look forward to the build

[Le Chuck]

Great design. Wonderful retro feel with some really nice touches. I'm excited to see this go further!

[Yvan256]

Okay, now that looks amazing! 

And I really like the idea of the cabinet artwork flowing into the frontend.

For the CP artwork, I would put the joystick arrows up/down/left/right in the middle and the outer arrows in the diagonals or just remove them.

And for the artwork in general, maybe try to replace the orange with something else. As far as I recall, almost everything was faux wood, chrome, black and white in the 70's. Can you make another render, replacing the orange with white, including white balltops?

[mgb]

White ball tops would look nice on there

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I tried the white ball tops, and I have to say I like them. I was sticking with red originally because in my rose tinted memories, all cabinets had red ball tops


A lot better

Changing the orange to another colour would be alot of work. I would have to redo every ai file. And I feel that the orange works for it. Complements the wood well.

I'm glad people are liking the front end/bezel co-ordination. I think it looks neat but it will be difficult to do a rotating monitor setup with it. I know I don't really need a rotating monitor but I do like my shooters and it would be nice to have.

[PL1]

As far as I recall, almost everything was faux wood, chrome, black and white in the 70's.

If you REALLY want to give it that 70's look, you need avocado green and burnt orange.      

 


Scott

[Monkeyvoodoo]

As far as I recall, almost everything was faux wood, chrome, black and white in the 70's.

If you REALLY want to give it that 70's look, you need avocado green and burnt orange.      

 


Scott

I'm pretty sure that's my childhood home


Sent from where ever I happen to be.

[mgb]

I tried the white ball tops, and I have to say I like them. I was sticking with red originally because in my rose tinted memories, all cabinets had red ball tops


A lot better

Changing the orange to another colour would be alot of work. I would have to redo every ai file. And I feel that the orange works for it. Complements the wood well.

I'm glad people are liking the front end/bezel co-ordination. I think it looks neat but it will be difficult to do a rotating monitor setup with it. I know I don't really need a rotating monitor but I do like my shooters and it would be nice to have.

That right there is freakin sexy.
If that were my cab, I'd be like "that's the look, no changes"

[Monkeyvoodoo]

A quick question for the more experienced builders. I've been thinking of my buttons and was contemplating using GGG's Electric Ice buttons. I would keep them unlit until a game is selected and the active buttons would light up. Does anyone know how these buttons actually look when unlit? Do they look translucent or do they pass as opaque?

[Le Chuck]

You can check out the pics in the RGB Pushbutton Showdown

Button #4
Groovy Game Gear
Electric Ice 2 Pushbutton


This is a concave pushbutton with a custom printed circuit board with an LED and resistors.  This is also a custom pushbutton with an added switch mount that is capable of not only regular micro-switches but leaf and micro-leaf switches. The circuit board has a small ribbon cable for connection to a controller.    Extra attention may be needed in smaller panels to account for the leaf attachment arm. 
Assembly was straightforward and only took about a minute.  Its a simple twist on mount for the switch.

[mgb]

A quick question for the more experienced builders. I've been thinking of my buttons and was contemplating using GGG's Electric Ice buttons. I would keep them unlit until a game is selected and the active buttons would light up. Does anyone know how these buttons actually look when unlit? Do they look translucent or do they pass as opaque?

I have the electric ice buttons and I like them a lot.
  When not lit, they are opaque. Kind of a creamy white.
  When I built my machine, I was going for kind of a blacked out with white trim look and these buttons totally fit the bill.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Due to my current work overload, I still haven't been able to get into the actual physical construction yet. But I've found time to do other things like organize my rom collection and come up with some ideas for the art.





I feel like I'm on the right track but I don't think I've found the exact look that I want. Any suggestions?

WOW!  I really love your design here.  It's hard for me to imagine liking wood grain so much, but it looks great here.  And the t-molding really sets it off.

Great design job! 

[mgb]

Have you thought about using the GGG Iceball also

[mcseforsale]

EI2s are very cool.  As stated before when unlit, they are a dull white, but when lit, they are very cool.  You get different effects (with the same color) depending on room lighting.



Here's a good shot with half the panel in brighter room lighting.



AJ

A quick question for the more experienced builders. I've been thinking of my buttons and was contemplating using GGG's Electric Ice buttons. I would keep them unlit until a game is selected and the active buttons would light up. Does anyone know how these buttons actually look when unlit? Do they look translucent or do they pass as opaque?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Have you thought about using the GGG Iceball also

It's sitting in my shopping cart waiting for the money to be available. Shame the White RGB buttons are out of stock right now

[mgb]

Here's another example of what the EI2s look like unlit. I like them unlit.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

They look great in the second picture. Can't even tell they light up. First picture they you can see the translucence. Maybe I'll just grab a few to look in person then make the final decision.

Awesome Cabinet by the way.

[mgb]

Yeah pics are sometimes hard to tell.
The best way I can describe them is, they're like a creamy white. But they're not exactly translucent.

[mcseforsale]

What are those balltops?  They almost match perfectly. 

Man, I need the EI trackball kit, too.  Santa was a stingy bastard last year.

AJ

Yeah pics are sometimes hard to tell.
The best way I can describe them is, they're like a creamy white. But they're not exactly translucent.

[mgb]

The sticks are Sanwa Jlws.
The ball tops are Sanwa white mesh balls.
If you'd like to spend $12 (each) for a ball (standard balls are $2) that has a pattern that is only viewable by sticking it in your eye, then I highly recommend them.
  Seriously though, the mesh balls are nice, it's just the pattern is not very visible on the white ones. Standard white tops would probably be just as nice except they would have the mold line on them.
 Boy, that was a long answer to a simple question.

[Rick]

Thoroughly enjoying this build! Can't wait to see some sawdust!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

No sawdust yet. But very soon. I just completed my Board at work Yay! which gives me more rank, more money and best of all, more time.

And to help with making sawdust I now have these:

I love Father Day tool sales at Canadian Tire. 

[eds1275]

I like it! The only concern I have would be the spinner placement directly over the trackball. There's some broken fingers right there if you ever want to play some Golden Tee. But it looks great! The symmetry, the simplicity of controls, the colours - very nice.

[rockyrocket]

Now this is exactly my taste, love the whole aesthetic really well done!.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Tiny update. Received the first delivery of parts from ultimarc, now just need my order from grooveygamergear. Should be finally making some sawdust this weekend if I can get past this headcold.

There will be pictures...


Sent from a pineapple under the sea

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Small update:

Progress is being made albeit slowly. Currently tearing down and repairing the original cabinet. Old damaged vinyl is off and the cabinet is partially disassembled. I'm not enjoying the 20 year old glue and staples though. It is slow going.

[eds1275]

Just power through it and get the rough stuff over with!

[Seith]

Keep it up, this will look glorious when it's done, I am sure of it!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Got at her a bit this afternoon. Feel really good about the progress that was made. Lot of bad wood and particleboard removed. I have a feeling there might only be maybe 30% of the original cabinet left when I'm done.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I've been doing some fine tuning to the control panel design. I'm aiming to have it something I can build without too much difficulty. But now I'm not sure where to go style-wise.

Here are two renderings:



I'm not sure which looks better; the wood and chrome or the all black edges.

As usual, all advice or critique is welcome

[mcseforsale]

Black on the sides of the CP.

Nice!

AJ

[Le Chuck]

Black on the sides but run the orange detail around the inside about 1" thick and .5" from the edge so it continues off the cab side

[mgb]

I like the black sides.
Keep pushing through because I've got to see this cabinet done.

Sorry but I have no room or money for building a second cab so I must live through you here and I love z backs:)

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Spent the afternoon making some sawdust. Unfortunately it's from tearing original cabinet completely apart. I even melted part of the rug (goodbye security deposit  ) But now I can finally start on repairing what I can and rebuilding what needs to be replaced.





This cabinet has been through some rough times and some haphazard repairs over the years. I kept finding more damage and replaced wood as i tore her down. Not to mention some of the particle board crumbled just by looking at it.

With some luck I can get some cuts done tomorrow and maybe a bit of bondo work as well.

[EMDB]

I see a "Build from Scratch" project starting.   You already have the tools and a full set of measurements / mounting example. Why don't you completely re-create the panels yourself? It's probably more easy than bondo-ing and repairing what you have right now...

[Unstupid]

I want to see what you did to the carpet! 

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I see a "Build from Scratch" project starting.   You already have the tools and a full set of measurements / mounting example. Why don't you completely re-create the panels yourself? It's probably more easy than bondo-ing and repairing what you have right now...

Would anyone be interested in the measurements for a Z-back?

[mcseforsale]

Yes, actually.  I was just thinking about this a couple of days ago.

Thanks!
AJ

I see a "Build from Scratch" project starting.   You already have the tools and a full set of measurements / mounting example. Why don't you completely re-create the panels yourself? It's probably more easy than bondo-ing and repairing what you have right now...

Would anyone be interested in the measurements for a Z-back?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I want to see what you did to the carpet! 

Of course it's in the center of the room

[Le Chuck]

I see a "Build from Scratch" project starting.   You already have the tools and a full set of measurements / mounting example. Why don't you completely re-create the panels yourself? It's probably more easy than bondo-ing and repairing what you have right now...

Would anyone be interested in the measurements for a Z-back?

Yes.  Totally. 

[Dawgz Rule]

I've patched carpet before but that style is kind of tough.  Might work though if you pull a piece out of a closet area.  Just need to match the lay of the carpet properly. 

[eds1275]

That looks like a tiny piece of carpet. I'd just brush the hell out of it to try to pull off some of the charred bits. It might just be one of those things that only you see.

[Martijn]

I want to see what you did to the carpet! 

Of course it's in the center of the room

Are those pictures from the NASA Curiosity ?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

With all the recent rainy weather on the island I have gotten much done. I got the coin door refinished and made up some new inserts that follow what I remember from my childhood.




Also finally made some sawdust right before the rain.



Just waiting on clear skies and my groove cutter before I continue on

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I'm a little frustrated.

On closer inspection on the original side I'm finding more swelling in the particleboard. Right around the cp area.

I'm tempted to try to sand it level again but on the other hand I almost want to just create whole new sides from fresh plywood.

What do you guys think?

[nordemoniac]

I would go with a new one! Definitely!
I know some of the charm is to keep the original material, but a lot of these weren't build good enough too last. They didn't use enough treatment on the wood to prevent swelling etc.

The CP will be the part which will take most of the beating. And will also be one of the first thing you look at, so it should look nice!

If it was up to me, I wouldn't keep anything of the old cab, I would disassemble and use a trim flush bit on a router to create a new cab

[mgb]

Depending on how bad it is, I think I would just sand down the swelled part, use some wood hardner (minwax) on it and bondo if needed.
  In the end, you will be laminating, right?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Depending on how bad it is, I think I would just sand down the swelled part, use some wood hardner (minwax) on it and bondo if needed.
  In the end, you will be laminating, right?

The swelling varies across the edges, some places its a couple mm's thicker than others. I plan on laminating but only the outside (more of a cost issue than a design issue. I'm looking at about 400 bucks as it is)

I'm most likely going to copy the panels. Maybe keep the old ones for a second cabinet.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Currently cutting and making sawdust. Will post pics later

[FrEtBuRnEr89]

Hey guys, long time lurker and new poster... 

Just wanted to say that the design of this cab is pretty sweet, and good luck with the actual build. 

Fret \m/

[Monkeyvoodoo]

As promised:



 Spent the afternoon recreating the upper side panels. I'm pretty happy with the results. I would have got more done but my day was eaten up by traveling to a work area, a few tool trips for forgotten things and forgotten Sunday dinner ingredients. Tomorrow I'll be getting back into it while cooking the turkey. (it's Canadian Thanksgiving)

I'll post more as I get more done.

[AlienInferno]

Nice job so far. Love your artwork design. Looks great with the laminate. 

About a month ago you asked if anyone would want dimensions. If that offer is still on the table I wouldn't mind getting those measurements.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Nice job so far. Love your artwork design. Looks great with the laminate. 

About a month ago you asked if anyone would want dimensions. If that offer is still on the table I wouldn't mind getting those measurements.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

I'm still willing to take measurements. I have the general ones now but I'll get the more difficult ones next written down and draw up some plans.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Got some major work done this weekend (finally). As I posted before I got the reproduction sides cut. And while basting the turkey I got some other pieces done.

First the top speaker plate cut down and routed out:


My McGuyver'd Jig


The finished piece


And the mistake that happened on the second to last cut. At least it's on the back of the piece so I can fix it.


The front panel with the coin door opening.


The second panel with the coin door opening.


The two panels, finished. I'll be putting a spacer in between them and maybe put some lighting in there.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Been productive this weekend as well. Have about 85% of my panels cut. I would keep going tonight but I'm running out of light.


This is a mix of my raw wood, finished panels and tucked in the back is the original side.

Today was a fun day as last night I realized I was about 2.5 inches short of using the wood on hand. Had to go out today to Home Depot to get another sheet only to find their saw was broken (Home Depot is about 20 minutes out of town). Plus side is that with the extra left overs I should have more than enough for the control panel and any interior mountings.

Tomorrow I should be done all my cutting and will do a rough assembly after I haul everything back to my own place.

Also here's the sawdust I promised:


And as an appeasement, here is something that I work on when I'm not butchering wood.

[eds1275]

It's getting there! You guys doing this in apartments... crazy.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

It's getting there! You guys doing this in apartments... crazy.

You guys with space, envious!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Just a quick update:

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Finally got around to posting the rest of the weekends progress:





Please excuse the mess in the background.

I'm starting to get really excited about this now that I see it coming together.

Also I got my fan intake back from the cutters:



Can anyone guess the design?

[sabreerbasAlpha]

That fan cover is beautiful 

[eds1275]

The Shining? ...lovely party!

[mgb]

progress is looking great

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I think I'm just going to scrap the cabinet and live with this:



Kidding of course. Trying to get a feel for the button layout. I find it spaced out a bit too much for my comfort. I will have to play with it a bit, maybe tighten up the spacing.

Picking up the needed laminate either Friday or Monday and applying it the following weekend.

I also discovered a choice in material mistake. I made all the panels out 5/8 ply (original cabinet was 3/4.) It's not an issue structurally but I'm having difficulty finding 5/8 chrome t-molding. I've googled it and can only find it through happ suzo but I'm not a big fan of their shipping charges. Has anyone found said t-molding before?

I've thought about abandoning the chrome completely but I can't think of a replacement colour aside from black and black has no pop.

One last thing with regards to providing zback measurements: I have them finally but what would be preferred; sketchup, autocad or illustrator?

[PL1]

I think I'm just going to scrap the cabinet and live with this:

I'm having difficulty finding 5/8 chrome t-molding. I've googled it and can only find it through happ suzo but I'm not a big fan of their shipping charges. Has anyone found said t-molding before?

I've thought about abandoning the chrome completely but I can't think of a replacement colour aside from black and black has no pop.

Divemaster127 has 5/8" chrome here in 25 foot lengths.

T-Molding.com carries 5/8" white here and 5/8" black + chrome here.

 

Have you considered 3/4" orange trimmed to 5/8" using an edge trimmer?

ArcadeWorldUK has 15mm chrome molding here and 15mm red here. (5/8" = 15.875mm)


Scott

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I've hit the wall with my cabinet. Not sure when I'll be returning to it. At the moment I'm torn between junking it or forcing my way through to a finish and just selling it off.

[mgb]

What? Why?

I know sometimes things can go wrong and make you wanna
quit but if that's the case, sleep on it for a little while and come back fresh
in a month or two.
Some obstacles seem real high and then out of the blue, the solution can hit you.

I was building my cab with what I thought was a great design. I hit
a wall and I was like oh well I'm dropping out of it and gave it a while.
I remember being at the drug store with my wife and there was this add for lipstick.
The great looking model with pink lipstick, she was beautiful but all I could think of was
a joystick ball top. I'm not sure why but anyway that put me right back in with a completely
new game plan and I'm happy how it turned out.

[mcseforsale]

Yeah.  At this point there always seems to be an unsurmountable list of crap to finish.  My advice is to finish the shell completely, along with cutting the CP.  Then it'll stare at you with catholic guilt until you finish it.  Oh, and if you want real motivation, let your friends see it in its current state.

AJ

[eds1275]

I've hit the wall with my cabinet. Not sure when I'll be returning to it. At the moment I'm torn between junking it or forcing my way through to a finish and just selling it off.

You gotta do what you gotta do. But if you need a hand, maybe I can go down there one day and help you out for a day or two.

[Dawgz Rule]

The name alone begs for completion.   

[yotsuya]

The name alone begs for completion.

The name might be self-fulfilling. If he doesn't finish it, it takes no quarters. 

Take a break, my friend, or push though, as long as you can. If there are other circumstances preventing you from finishing, take care of those first.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. I took the holidays off (and then some) from the project and it has really helped. I will finish this! Mostly because i have more ideas to build and new techniques to try.

This weekend I did a quick test assemble to check out the general form:



I've found a few issues though:

• There has been some minor lifting in two laminate pieces. Easy to fix with the heatgun and a lesson learned (don't place fresh laminated wood by the space heater).
• Use proper wood for attaching. I tried to be fancy and attach wood strips to the small pieces before I laminated. i should have done it the same way everyone else does it  After you laminate! And to the sidepanels
• When downsizing from 3/4 wood to 5/8, remember to adjust for the new size. I have to cut a few new pieces now once the weather is better

Overall I'm happy in the direction its going. My mistakes should be unnoticeable to everyone but me.

[rockyrocket]

Congrats for powering through!.
I am really pleased you decided to keep going as I really want to see this finished both for you and myself - good job!.

[mgb]

Excellent.
Glad to hear you're back on it. This cab is gonna look great.

[jdbailey1206]

I'm glad you didn't give up on this project.  It was one of my favorite concept cabs when I saw the mock up.  Sometimes its good to walk away.  Keep at it.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Bit of a small update.

I'm still working away on this. I moved in with the girlfriend recently which meant I had to break down what I had assembled so I could transport it.

This was a good thing, it gave me a chance to fix this:



This is why you shouldn't apply laminate in the early winter 

I was able to heat it up, pull it off and reapply. Looks so much better now, I'll have to go out an get a few shots of it. I also was able to add a better support structure for an easier time in assembling.

I do have to remake one of the panels. I wasn't happy with one of the cuts i messed up while trimming the laminate. After I measured the old panel I found it wasn't square and was actually off by an eighth of an inch on on side. So that's fixed now.

Now that I made this:



I should be able to work a bit cleaner now as well.

I am going to try to document a little bit better from this point as well.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

It's been awhile. I've been making slow progress between child, work and now: wedding planning!

I've started the final assembly process:



Making sure I have all the hard to reach wiring done before I close up the bottom portion of the cabinet.



Wiring all complete and tested. I'm not too impressed with the lighting in the front. It's not spreading out as well as I would have liked. I may add some hidden tinfoil to reflect more light out.

I'm really hoping to get this upright within the week and into the house so that I can move on to the next part of the project. Rotating monitor!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Did another big push tonight. I think I may be able to get it into the house this weekend. I'm a tad excited. Too tired to write about what I accomplished so here's some pictures of a cabinet on its side.





Just a little bit of wiring and light blocking to do and it gets moved to the living room for the winter.

[mgb]

Looking good.
Its nice to see this project getting back on track

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Annnnnnnnnnd it fell when moving it into an upright position. Damage to the laminate, crushed a corner of the plywood, blew out one of the back panels and created a ripple in another portion of laminate.

Also crushed a metal sawhorse as well.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone! 

[Slippyblade]

Better the saw horse than you!  Are you ok?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Just a bit of a whack in the leg, but no worse than running into the coffee table.

[bfauska]

I may never have noticed this cabinet if it weren't for the get-rich-quick-group-sex Russian spam post. Seems like it's been dormant long enough for a bump and inquiry. You still working on this thing? The design looks amazing.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Russian spam?

The cabinet still exists. It's currently sitting in the front hall awaiting repairs. Which are awaiting a break in my sailing schedule and the rainy season to switch to raining half the time.

The momentum died a little after it's fall, but it will get going again.

[bfauska]

Russian spam?

Yeah, this morning there were a bunch of posts all over the board on a really wide assortment of topics that were Russian (I think) and after google translate they looked like either an add for escorts/prostitutes/brides or some kind of get rich quick scheme.

Anyway, good to hear the project is still alive, the design is really unique and visually it really looks like something that could have existed back in the day.