The Extruder - four player (first build)

[alfie]

A week ago, after playing some old favorites on Manorite's Manorcade, I got the bug to build something similar.  I spent a few days thinking about it and browsing online for ideas. Now, I'm ready to kick-off a project.

"The Extruder"? I pitched an idea to build one for my father-in-law so the grandkids can play.  Where the arcade will eventually sit, there are other furnishings made out of "80/20" extruded aluminum.  As a result, we decided to see what sort of pedestal/cabinet hybrid we could make that incorporates the extrusions.

Goals:
 - 4 player
 - play old arcade favorites (TMNT, NBA Jam, X-men)
 - play Golden Tee and Silver Strike
 - have a pedestal style control panel to avoid slamming hand into screen protective glass

Inspiration
 - Manorite's Manorcade (for igniting the spark)
 - jarrett's Space Paranoids concept (for the art and CP layout)
 - severdhed's TMNT pedestal (nice panel and simple--in a good way--construction)

I've got lots to figure out still...dimensions, whether I want the screen to be connected to the controls (shakiness to consider), whether to try to build the control panel box out of 80/20 extrusions/paneling or the traditional wood route, etc.

The design is going to be quite different than the traditional cabinet.  As a result, I expect that not everyone is going to like it.  BUT, hopefully it turns out well and can generate some new ideas for others.

Finally, this is my first build so I will appreciate feedback and constructive criticism.  I promise not to angle the joysticks!

That's all for now.

Rough concept is attached (hopefully the image shows up; i'll have to figure out this forum thing):

[thomas_surles]

I'd lose the aircraft carrier design and go straight angles on p3 and p4. Trapezoid shaped kinda. That few extra inches keeps you from bumping elbows.

[alfie]

Thanks for the tip.  For the "aircraft carrier", I like the aesthetic and that it allows for some pinball buttons to be placed on the side; however, I have no idea if there are many decent pinball games out there!  Any thoughts on this?

I like the TMNT "trapezoidal" (hexagon) control panel.  It'd save me a couple mitres and provide more space underneath for wiring, etc.  If the pinball idea is silly, I'll probably go this route.

[thomas_surles]

There are a couple mame pinball games. I can think of like 3. You can run future pinball and visual pinball but they really call for vertical monitors and up to 3 screens for the best results. You can play them in desktop mode but i am not a fan. There is also pinball fx2 which is pretty fun.
But if you want to go that route you should just build a vpin cabinet. Or a mini like in my signature.

[Nephasth]

Wall mount the TV and get rid of the supports. Doesn't need to be anything more than a pedestal.