Batapotamus's Totally Inexperienced Build

[Batapotamus]

I have had the idea of building a cab for quite a long time but I think I made the mistake of over researching and the whole thing became a bit overwhelming. Well I finally decided to start this earlier this year with no time frame in mind due to work and and young family commitments. I actually started the software side of things at the beginning of the year but I realise that never stops I have recently just started delving into the construction part.

It wasn't until I came across Onds "Metroloplis "design that I got the confidence to start the cab side of things. I am really enjoying this now that I have started and with a bit of pre thought into it and the right tools I believe anyone can do this.

The missus aint too happy as I have had to invest a fair bit of mula into tools to even start this but hey.... I promised her I will be more handy around the place 

I decided to go with a slimline design as I will be using a 32" LCD for this project. The main thing I modified from Onds design was the control panel as I had already spent weeks designing the control panel art in Illustrator ( Never used it before in my life ) before I stumbled on Onds design and did not want to start that again. Here are a few progress pics.

Here is a pic of the control panel art that I created in Illustrator.


This is the design of the sides. I have two of these now. I cut one and used a flush trim router bit for the other




This is the base with castor wheels attached. I decided to go two fixed and two turning wheels. I believe they are rated around 50kg each. I hope it will be enough



Here's a couple of shots with the pilot holes drilled for screwing. I used a countersink bit. F'n thing cost $30 just for the drill bit.






Here is a shot of when I used a borrowed flush trim router bit. Due to being a router novice I I didn't realise that the burning smell wasn't good. That won't happen again. The bearing started cutting into the wood as it must have seized up. A trip down to Bunnings for a new bit this time let me tidy it up. The tidied one isn't in the pics. Those aren't only burn marks but the bearing actually started cutting into the wood




And last for now...... The offcut corner where I have promised the soon to be wife ( I hope after this if we're not broke and she leaves me ) that I will use on other projects in the house. Some of that yet is still to be used in the cab.




I still have a lot of questions with some things however I am just concentrating on one thing at a time and if you guys don't mind I would love to pick your brains for some more ideas and solutions as I move on.

More updates as I get time and I'm not sure if I've said it but this site is EXTREMELY useful for knowledge and without it it would all still be just in my head!

[Yvan256]

Here is a pic of the control panel art that I created in Illustrator.

A very good start to your project, you seem to have your goals set and you are making good progress. I do have one question about your control panel: what is the small rectangle in the middle, between the escape and pause buttons? Are you planning on adding a small display?

[CaptainMarvel]

Just as a bit of money saving advice for future tool needs/purchases ... check out HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS.

Sign up for their newsletter and you will get several emailings per month with lots of special discount coupons.

You can also usually find discount coupons within most woodworking magazines - usually 20%-25% discount coupons.

Lastly, if you have a smart phone, look for/install the app "SnipSnap" and then search for Harbor Freight coupons.
You will find LOADS of 20% and 25% off discount coupons and coupon codes you can use.


(no, I do not work for or have any affiliation with Harbor Freight ... I just love how much money I've saved compared to shopping at "the big guys" - especially as a home hobbyist/DIY'er)

 

[Sig00]

Just as a bit of money saving advice for future tool needs/purchases ... check out HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS.

Sign up for their newsletter and you will get several emailings per month with lots of special discount coupons.

You can also usually find discount coupons within most woodworking magazines - usually 20%-25% discount coupons.

Lastly, if you have a smart phone, look for/install the app "SnipSnap" and then search for Harbor Freight coupons.
You will find LOADS of 20% and 25% off discount coupons and coupon codes you can use.


(no, I do not work for or have any affiliation with Harbor Freight ... I just love how much money I've saved compared to shopping at "the big guys" - especially as a home hobbyist/DIY'er)

 

Heed this mans tips! Harbor Freight is awesome and whenever I need something there's pretty much always a coupon to use.

On topic, the cabinet looks like it's coming along nicely! Keep up the work! 

[Batapotamus]

A very good start to your project, you seem to have your goals set and you are making good progress. I do have one question about your control panel: what is the small rectangle in the middle, between the escape and pause buttons? Are you planning on adding a small display?

Thanks..... The small rectangle is space for a small T-Class Amplifier. I wanted a knob for volume a I didn't want to use buttons for this. The face of the amp will be the only part showing. The guts of it will be hidden under the CP.

In regards to Harbor Freight. I'm in Australia

[Bambam1963]

Here is a pic of the control panel art that I created in Illustrator.

A very good start to your project, you seem to have your goals set and you are making good progress. I do have one question about your control panel: what is the small rectangle in the middle, between the escape and pause buttons? Are you planning on adding a small display?

The first thing I thought when I saw your graphics was the Mike Oldfield album called "Tubular Bells".  Very cool design.  Thanks for sharing.

BamBam