Overwhelmed and looking for assistance!

[Jinx911]

Ok, I've been looking to have an upright MAME set up for the longest time.  I currently own an X-Arcade Dual Stick and originally planned to purchase an Xtension Pedestal Cab and call it a day.  After reading up more about creating my own cab I realize that it would be the most satisfying route to go. 

My two main issues with getting started on this project are as follows...my woodworking skills are at a novice level at best and every time I think I'm ready to start I see more suggestions and features I want to add to my cab. 

Here's what I've decided and here's what I'm stuck on:

2 Player Control Panel, custom built.  7 button layout with an additional dedicated 4 way controller with 2 dedicated buttons and a trackable in the center (spinner optional) - Any link or idea on how I can best create this panel would be great. 

For the cabinet, I'm looking to have an upright cab, with a side by side coin slot.

I keep changing my mind because, I cannot determine if I should use an old tv, lcd, or CRT thus affecting the width of the cab. 

Also, in regards to the cabinet plans, since I do not have the greatest woodworking skills (I'm willing to try though) I am looking for best plans and best way to get the job done.  Does anyone suggest any specific plans for this project, is there a way I can print the sidepanels full size to use as templates (is it recommended) and since I live in jersey would it be more cost effective to find a Machine shop to cut the pieces for me (what would I give them as plans to go off of). 

Like I said lots of questions, any help would be great. 

[Sshado]

When I first started, I looked for a design that I liked. Then I contacted the person to see if they had dimensions. Then I built it Don't worry too much about your skills, they get better as you build (yes there will be some costly mistakes) - but it is rewarding doing it yourself.

My biggest mistake though was not planning enough - I kind of built it as I went. This was over 10 years ago. So much has evolved since then, that there are soooo many ideas on how to error proof your build...

[mcseforsale]

Welcome to the fold!  The best way to get started is to look at build threads around here.  I've built 2 cabs...one full size and one Kneivel slim cab.  I used the Kneivel control panel on both my cabs.

First things first, though.  You'll need some decent tools.  I cut my cabs completely with a skilsaw, router, and jigsaw.  Check my build threads...I tried to include as much detail as possible.

As for the CP, I have the Kneivel 7-button CP plans in PDF.  You can just bring that down to fedex and have it printed full size and get started with that.  It's a 2 player with trackball and third dedicated 4 way joystick.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117977.0.html
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122362.0.html

Here's the original inspiration...the Kneivel Evolution:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,70519.0.html

AJ

Ok, I've been looking to have an upright MAME set up for the longest time.  I currently own an X-Arcade Dual Stick and originally planned to purchase an Xtension Pedestal Cab and call it a day.  After reading up more about creating my own cab I realize that it would be the most satisfying route to go. 

My two main issues with getting started on this project are as follows...my woodworking skills are at a novice level at best and every time I think I'm ready to start I see more suggestions and features I want to add to my cab. 

Here's what I've decided and here's what I'm stuck on:

2 Player Control Panel, custom built.  7 button layout with an additional dedicated 4 way controller with 2 dedicated buttons - Any link or idea on how I can best create this panel would be great. 

For the cabinet, I'm looking to have an upright cab, with a side by side coin slot.

I keep changing my mind because, I cannot determine if I should use an old tv, lcd, or CRT thus affecting the width of the cab. 

Also, in regards to the cabinet plans, since I do not have the greatest woodworking skills (I'm willing to try though) I am looking for best plans and best way to get the job done.  Does anyone suggest any specific plans for this project, is there a way I can print the sidepanels full size to use as templates (is it recommended) and since I live in jersey would it be more cost effective to find a Machine shop to cut the pieces for me (what would I give them as plans to go off of). 

Like I said lots of questions, any help would be great.

[Jinx911]

So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim.  I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great.  I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout. 

I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them.  To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great. 

[mcseforsale]

The basic plans for the woody are in my build thread.  I just took out the angled cuts and rounded the edges with things like an old DVD and the outer edges are a tire pressure gauge.  PM me your email address and I'll shoot the CP plans over to you tonight.

AJ

So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that I may want to go that route.  Can you direct me where I can get his slim cab plans?  How big of a monitor can I fit in there btw?  I tend to be that guy who buys a 46 inch tv and ends up staring at it everyday wishing he got a 55" haha.

[Jinx911]

So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim.  I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great.  I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout. 

I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them.  To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great.

[mcseforsale]

I use shifted buttons, or button sequences.  For instance, to change emulators, I use button 5 for first player.  To exit a game, push player 1 and 2 together.  To pause, I use player 1 and coin 1, etc.

The Blue Pill was a mockup of arcadecab plans.  I only used the plans for a rough estimate of the side panels, then I built the rest on my own.  I really just wanted the overall dimensions of the sides of a cab.  I cut 1" off the marquee and 2" off the height to the CP, so the kids could play it easier..

http://www.arcadecab.com/CabinetPlans2/CabinetPlans2_Background.html

PM me your email addy, and I'll shoot you the CP plans.

AJ

So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim.  I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great.  I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout. 

I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them.  To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great.