My first build! Bartop from katorlegaz's plans

[Willlard]

Hello! I started on my first build about a week ago and I have learned a LOT so far. I was pretty much a complete noob at using tools, but after having to change the siding on my house a few weeks ago and getting some tools from that, I decided to try something I have been wanting to do for years.

I decided I would try to start out as cheap as possible so I didn't waste too much money if I ended up giving up. I haven't got a slot cutter for my router yet, Haven't got the t-molding, I don't have any real buttons or joystick, no paint or art for the sides. It may be a bit before I can afford these things, but I wanted to make sure that I could handle the job first! (I hope slot cutting the edges later wont have any problems.)

The buttons i will be using are from a cheapo wii arcade stick I got in a trade, I started soldering them to a keyboard encoder and decided it wasn't worth saving 20$ so that's another thing I need to get.

Here are some images.






Let me know what you think, tips, tricks, problems you may see.

Edit: I should also mention that I have changed the original plans a bit

[Slippyblade]

Good start! Cutting the slot is definitely easier to do before assembly, but can be done afterwards.  Getting the slot centered is the biggest pain though.  Cut a slot in a piece of scrap, then flip it over.  If the slot lines back up with the cutter, BOOM - you're centered!

I see you have the 18v Ryobi set.  That's what I've got, love em.   

[Willlard]

By the way, I have a small compressor. Should I use a sprayer made for that to paint this? If so, what in all will I need?

Good start! Cutting the slot is definitely easier to do before assembly, but can be done afterwards.  Getting the slot centered is the biggest pain though.  Cut a slot in a piece of scrap, then flip it over.  If the slot lines back up with the cutter, BOOM - you're centered!

I see you have the 18v Ryobi set.  That's what I've got, love em.   

Thank you! And yes, they are great.

[Slippyblade]

Can't answer that one, sorry.  I've only done roller coats.  Sand.  Roller.  Sand.  Pain in the ass.

[matt4949]

Can't answer that one, sorry.  I've only done roller coats.  Sand.  Roller.  Sand.  Pain in the ass.

Yeah that's what I did on Method2MyMadness. There has got to be a better way. Gonna try spraying my next one. I have been finding alot of usefull advice on painting MDF over on the SpeakerBox/Enclosure Forums.

[Typefighter01]

I like the cab shape Willard. Are you cutting a marquee hole above your monitor hole and doing the traditional rear lighted plexi with art, or are you just printing art and sticking it to the wood?

[Willlard]

I like the cab shape Willard. Are you cutting a marquee hole above your monitor hole and doing the traditional rear lighted plexi with art, or are you just printing art and sticking it to the wood?

I will be putting a hole in area above the monitor for the lighting with plexi art, yes. I'm just at the point now where I need "stuff" to move on. I need to get the real buttons, I need to get paint, art,  parts for the marquee, and such so until I am able to buy that stuff, I'll be working on the front end and researching painting more.

[DeathDealer]

what are the computer specs ??

[Willlard]

what are the computer specs ??

Nothing impressive. Just and old computer I have laying around, but its a 3Ghz, 2.99Ghz pentium D 2GB ram.

[Willlard]

Well, just ordered the control panel hardware and the t-molding! I'm at the point where I need to paint it. I'm still not sure what I should do. If I can I want to use spray something. I really dislike using brushes and rollers.

Does anyone know a good way to spray paint this MDF? (I have a compressor so if that kinda sprayer is better then cans, let me know.) what kinda paint do I need? what kinda primer? do I even need primer?