first build : project NitroCade

[DannyDodgeA100]

here is my first ever build, im pretty far into the build *i had a problem signing up on here, and had to lurk for awhile* but better late than never

i used www.arcadecab.com as a base for my cab but changed alot of stuff on it. all the work has been done by me,a buddy, and my cousin inlaw.

here are some pictures to start off me and my cousin cutting the sides out




then after that, me and my buddy started getting the rough framing nocked out




then after that i was on my own, figuring out the right ways to make things fit/line up/look right,  im far from a expect when working with wood *thats what she said*







added a piano hinge in the back to access the PC





and that left me here





and by now youve noticed im using a X-arcade, yea, i bought it before i found out how easy it would have been to build my own controls, but i did get it for CHEAP, about the price i would have paid for the parts to build my own. so i cant complain to much there and i plan on changing it later


so then i did some bondo work to fill holes and smooth edges, and then primed it





and thats pretty much where im at now, i have applyed the first coat of base semi gloss blackm doing a second coat tomorrow and then ill grab pictures.




NOW to explain the theme behind the cab....

im a big drag racer/hot rodder, been that way my entire life. my spare room is pretty much a trophy/ drag racing memorabilia room.   i recently picked up a pinball machine ive been trying to get for years, a nitro groundshaker.   one day playing a few games with a couple buddys we got to talking about arcades *lack of local* and how cool it would be to open one, and that got the gears turning. and then i remember i had a older gaming pc sitting in a closet and BAM this project was started. and what better to have in a hot rod room, next to a drag themed pin than a badass hotrod/drag themed MAME

right now im completely open to suggestions as im stumped on artwork. this is what ive come up with so far




i have some ideas for the front too and the bezel, but nothing on the marquee yet. so if anyone has any suggestions/comments/anything id appreciate it.    but yep, thats it for now, hope you guys approve of my first attempt lol

[jmike]

 
         Looking real good so far.
The only advice I have for the art is to move the name "NitroCade" either by the CP or the marquee where your cab extends the most so the name can really flow outward.


Looking forward to your update.

 

[DannyDodgeA100]

         Looking real good so far.
The only advice I have for the art is to move the name "NitroCade" either by the CP or the marquee where your cab extends the most so the name can really flow outward.


Looking forward to your update.

 

thanks man! im gonna try and do some more rendering tomorrow



here's a small update,   i got the black on, and the cab in the house.  and i then i couldnt leave it alone, i put the coin door in, the controls, wired it all right, and put the t-molding on!

[DannyDodgeA100]

got it all together and fired up,  still trying to decide on art and then just gotta make the montior bezel and wait for the blank marquee to show up from EMDKAY

[DannyDodgeA100]

also i just got done doing some modifying of a picture i found online, i think im def going to use this for the art somewhere and i still have alot of work to do to it, but i present to you, cade-fink!

[matsadona]

It is sad to see all that effort being put in a nice build, and finally ruined by an X-arcade 
Tear it apart an reuse the buttons and electronics and create you own control panel that fits better to your cabinet.

A little bit ironic with you profile signature saying "I want to build my own arcade controls!" 

[Endprodukt]

What matsadona said.

[DannyDodgeA100]

and by now youve noticed im using a X-arcade, yea, i bought it before i found out how easy it would have been to build my own controls, but i did get it for CHEAP, about the price i would have paid for the parts to build my own. so i cant complain to much there and i plan on changing it later

Apparently you guys missed this part?   And as far as the signature goes? I'm pretty sure that's default for when u sign up, I just never changed it.

[a1pharm]

Since you already have all of the parts (inside of the XArcade), all you have to do is transfer those parts to a new wooden CP box.  They are easy to make (and you definitely have the skills to do it!).

It will been kind of a pain in the ass for a day or two, but for the years you will be using this cab, you will be glad you did (I heavily considered using an XArcade CP in my cab, and I am SOOOO happy I built my own!)

Seriously, you will NOT regret transferring those parts to a new box.

[SnaXen]

Since you already have all of the parts (inside of the XArcade), all you have to do is transfer those parts to a new wooden CP box.  They are easy to make (and you definitely have the skills to do it!).

It will been kind of a pain in the ass for a day or two, but for the years you will be using this cab, you will be glad you did (I heavily considered using an XArcade CP in my cab, and I am SOOOO happy I built my own!)

Seriously, you will NOT regret transferring those parts to a new box.

+1

[matsadona]

I did read that section and it was never intended to be any insult. Obviously you are talented when it comes to woodwork etc, so it would be just some additional hours removing all the electronics and buttons from the X-arcade and implement it in you own control panel. As I stated in my initial post.

Just because it is cheap, it doesn't justify having it implemented as is on a scratch build, IMHO. Just tried to encourage you to improve your build from good to excellent!