MultiKong Nintendo Cabaret (Finally finished)

[jmike]

First I'd like to thank 404 for posting the DK Jr. Cabaret plans and doing most of the leg work, if not for his project thread this would not have been possible.
404 project thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136459.msg1409878.html#msg1409878

I wanted to start a project thread sooner but just didn't know if I was going to finish it (just like my punch-out pedestal, which is still in the works).
Anyway it's been a couple of months working on this and as you can see from the pics it's about 90% done. I actually changed some of the measurements, it just seemed a bit too low for me.

Used white melamine with some orange and black vinyl I found on ebay. (I hate painting).
Side art was from Ebayer DigDug, and bezel and marquee were created by Snaake (thanks again buddy).

Thanks for looking!

[jmike]

More pics...

[jmike]

Bezel pics and art coming together

[Minwah]

Cool project, nice one! 

[jmike]

and more pics...
I'm using a 60 in 1 board, so I added some instruction cards DK, Galaga, Ms Pacman and Arknoid. It has a working coin door. Don't mind the usps "coin" box   
And of course a Craftymech Scan line... sorry for the crappy pics.

[jmike]

Still left to do...

add marquee light
cut and paint backdoor
install right side art
install smart strip



 

[Minwah]

Don't mind the usps "coin" box   

Hah I am using a box my coin mech came in for one of my cabinets...

Can I ask where you got the coin door? Is it new?

[jmike]

Thanks Minwah. Yeah the coin door is new $14 shipped. Here's the link. The packaging wasn't great so it got a little scuffs but can't complain for the price. Coin mech was $23 from Twistered Quarter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330535406322?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


 

[yotsuya]

Did you modify the top area some? It seems a lot higher/taller than what I've seen in the past.

Oh, and that vinyl and art looks sharp. 

[jmike]

Did you modify the top area some? It seems a lot higher/taller than what I've seen in the past.

Oh, and that vinyl and art looks sharp. 

Thanks Yotsuya,
       yes all the angles at the top were modified a bit. Also my monitor doesn't sit flat like the original. The Bezel/CP meet the back angle like this pic...

[jmike]

Final things took way too long but glad I can finally call this one finished.
Here's the last things I did.
1) Cut the backdoor and installed. (There's no fan but will install one if it sees more action)
2) installed shelf for speakers. They're attached with industrial velcro, also placed them where I can adjust the volume through the coin door.
3) Didn't really want to put a giant coin box so I put one of those office trays that holds post-its and stuff.
4) And finally cleaned up the wiring.

Thanks for looking.

 

[ChanceKJ]

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[matsadona]

I like the barrel-top joystick. Great build 

[sealcouch]

I really love this build. Did you find it difficult to work with melamine? I always have issues with it chipping.

[jdbailey1206]

I've seen these being played IRL.  It would seem that the bigger opening for the monitor would be a life saver on the back instead of having to crouch or lean over to get a good view of the screen.  Good, clean build.

[jmike]

@sealcouch yeah melamine has its downside with chipping. I use use painter's tape when cutting. Also try and put the side that will be seen facing down.

@jdbailey I've seen the original DK jr cabaret and the screen appears to be completely flat. I didn't think that would be comfortable, especially for little kids.

 

[rablack97]

I really love this build. Did you find it difficult to work with melamine? I always have issues with it chipping.

+1

If you work with it, your going to chip it no matter how careful you are, its just part of the annoyances of melamine.

Get your tmolding on ASAP if your can, and always lay your pieces flat never on an edge.  It cuts good on CNC, but as JMike said, if you cut on a table saw or hand saw, use painters tape  and and fine toothed blades.

The best route to go but more pricey is mdf and vertical laminate, i found out something cool about ABS plastic sheets as well.

This stuff is cheaper than laminate and just as durable, problem is it is textured on one side.  A vendor told me to flip it over and glue the textured side to the cabinet, the other side is a shiney smooth glasslike surface perfect for graphics.....

http://www.reliablehardware.com/laminates.aspx