Newb saying hello . Want to start a build soon.

[Vincefaro]

Hi I have been spying on this site for weeks now and decided that I want to build a Mame Machine. I just wanted to say hi. This seems to be a great hobby and I cant wait to get started . I will be asking a bunch of questions and I m sure I have a ton to learn but hsi is going to be fun.

Right now I am trying to decide to buy and old cabinet, Buy a new cabinet or make my own. I am just afraid if I make my own , I wont ever finish since my time is limited. I plan on using it mostly for Mame, with a frontend driving the machine. I have been using MAME for 10 years on my computer but its time to put it in a real home for everyone to enjoy. It's all about the presentation you know. Im looking into themes as well. Right now I like a TRON Theme, or a 2001 Theme. Maybe even HAL 9000. We will see. I am collecting images right now for the Marquee and Control board. Anyway Thank you in advance 

[SpaceHedgehog]

Welcome Vincefaro. I think that you will get the most out of this hobby if you do a scratch build. I appreciate the time issue but it doesn't matter how long you take. Once you get into the swing of things you may realise what you're capable of creating. There have been many builders on these forums whose skill levels have increased dramatically in a very short space of time. One thing to consider going down the self build route is access to some decent tools though.

Just my thoughts based on personal experience ...

[wol-nz]

Hey good on ya for taking a stab at it - the good news is i'm still building 'my' cab after about 3 years. EVERYONE else i built for is already enjoying it haha.

Any way building it your self will give you so much more gratification - particually when others see it and you tell them you built it from scratch 

I don't know if my work is what your after - but this might give you a head start on making your own. Use it if you will 
Download some or all, use some or none - I just hope that it might save you some hours of graphic work and might server as a base to put your own touches on.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121743.msg1291648.html#msg1291648

[CoryBee]

Welcome to the forums 

I suggest building your own as well. I am one whose skills (and tools) got much much better as I kept building, as many keep reminding me on here. It is a fantastic feeling during and most importantly when it is done to look at what you have created. It is art!!!

Feel free to browse my signature links to see what I have built and where I started. The change in my tools and quality of work is lightyears apart.


Humble Beginnings

Scroll down to the links, Cheap Beginnings

[dandro]

welcome aboard! One thing I learned on here about building a cab,.. it's never really finished...    so take the time you need!