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Let's make a "Well-Designed Cabinet Guide"

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Vigo:

--- Quote from: DaveMMR on August 01, 2013, 12:10:25 pm ---Well that's the thing - there's no "best". But if you're a new builder on the fence as to whether or not it's worth the time/room/expense, I think some 'to-the-point' info from those who've been down that path would be invaluable. I think there's an understanding there's no "one size fits all" solution.

--- End quote ---

I completely agree. :cheers:

StragoRx:
Getting close to finishing my first build and these have been the most challenging aspects (for me) since I am a total newb with no skills related to this hobby.

* Art selection/design for CP/marquee, and understanding what programs/resources to use. (already saw this mentioned)
* And this may sound crazy but paint; i.e. what kind of paint, surface prep, dry time vs cure time, selecting roller and brushes.
* More detailed suggestions for alternate marquee retainers

mcseforsale:
Pre-paint processing of MDF:

https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122362.msg1310052.html#msg1310052

Cheap marquee retainer:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=117977.msg1268459#msg1268459

The paint I use is Rustoleum Painter's Touch furniture paint.  Dries like laminate and is easy to work with.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Painter-s-Touch-8-oz-Semi-gloss-Black-General-Purpose-Paint-1974730/100113130#.UfqYim2O7wo

For primer, Kilz oil based.

My OP has links for other ideas, too:

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

AJ



--- Quote from: StragoRx on August 01, 2013, 12:48:29 pm ---Getting close to finishing my first build and these have been the most challenging aspects (for me) since I am a total newb with no skills related to this hobby.

* Art selection/design for CP/marquee, and understanding what programs/resources to use. (already saw this mentioned)
* And this may sound crazy but paint; i.e. what kind of paint, surface prep, dry time vs cure time, selecting roller and brushes.
* More detailed suggestions for alternate marquee retainers
--- End quote ---

Afterburner:
One point regarding monitor size...

When I first built my cab, I did so with the intention of eventually putting in a 23" TV that we had, but were still using as a TV.

Initially I had a 15" monitor in a cab sized for a much larger one...a crapMAME tenet.  Eventually over the years that got upgraded to a 17", and eventually a 19" CRT monitor, all over several years. 

After a couple more years, my wife eventually agreed to let me have the old 23" TV for my cab.  At last!  I hooked it up and it fit the bezel and cab wonderfully! Unfortunately the picture looked like garbage.   After years of nice clean PC monitor images, I couldn't stand the unsharp, ghosty, low res graphics on the TV.  I hated it.

Last year I found a refurbished 22" 4:3 LCD monitor for under $100 shipped. Same screen real estate,  great picture.

So planned upgrades,  and/or designing for eventual upgrades should be considered. This is a hobby that encourages repurposing outdated PC hardware.

The initial result may be crapMAME, but at least there is a plan to eventually get where you want the cab to go and hopefully ascend from crapMAME status.

selfie:
Looking at the list of points, at this stage, most of the points are in the planning and design stage. I think it should be separated into Planning, Designing and Building stages.

IMO these should be three different and divided stages to achieve the best results. Squeezing more controls on to a CP than there is room for is a easy way to crapMAME.

I am more than happy to contribute a guide to working with plastics to add to the MDF tips

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