Working with cardboard?

[WoadWarrior]

So I've been seeing a lot of DIY projects on youtube that involve making a lot of cool stuff out of cardboard (I even went out and bought a whole bunch of stuff to make projects that I haven't even started on) and I was thinking... since woodworking is going to be outside my capability for a while, and I'm interested in doing some test runs, would cardboard still be a decent material to use to make some basic arcade cabinets out of? I'm probably going to have to make them extra thick, but do you think it would work?

[pbj]

Do it.

[yotsuya]

Why???

[WoadWarrior]

Why???

Because easier and more cost effective? I know it won't be as structurally strong, but I'm getting started on this whole thing and I think it would be a good first step.

[yotsuya]

Maybe for mock ups... but for regular use?

[WoadWarrior]

Maybe for mock ups... but for regular use?

I think I implied that that was the point. I want to see if I can do it properly. Besides, wiring up cardboard isn't a good idea. The last thing I need is a cabinet that's a major fire hazard.

[Mike A]

 

[Drnick]

I would think that 3 layers of 6mm cardboard all glued together could do a control panel.  You would probably have to top mount the sticks and use some washers on nuts/bolts to stop them being pulled through. They won't really hold up to much either.  For a template sure but for anything longer lasting  If I was going to do this I would use corrugated plastic. 

[Slippyblade]

[yotsuya]

Exactly

[Titchgamer]

[vwalbridge]

The last thing I need is a cabinet that's a major fire hazard.

Good thing original arcade cabinets were never made of wood.

[yotsuya]

Ok, so if you're doing it for prototyping, sure, go for it. Otherwise, I don't think so. Personally, of course.

[slickam]

I wouldn't do it, but it could work. This cab was posted on Reddit a few months back. It uses aluminum composite plates for the control panel, but the rest is cardboard.

[surtr]

I bet that thing has seen some epic paper cuts.