Wall Cabinet Critique

[r1web]

I was wondering if anyone could critique my attempt at a modern, unobtrusive wall cabinet design. I'm building primarily for myself kids, 6 and 8, and figured that a wall cabinet would give me a flexibility with setting the height and raising it as they grow. I originally considered making a polycade clone out of MDF but decided to sketch up a few other options. I currently like this one the best. The plan is to build the majority with MDF and finish with high-gloss white. The control panel will be oiled white oak to match some of our other home decor.

Please don't hold back with the feedback, positive or negative as this is my first cabinet design.

[leapinlew]

All arcades deserve a marquee!

[r1web]

All arcades deserve a marquee!

A fair comment. I'm open to adding a small marquee at the top

[r1web]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages of a wall mount versus a Vewlix clone?

[yotsuya]

Your design isn’t bad, I just don’t know why anyone would want to stand that close to the wall.

[javeryh]

Why hang this on a wall?  You could just extend the base down to the floor and then if you ever wanted to move it you could do so easily without having to patch the wall.

[Mike A]

Buy two step stools.
Build a regular cab.

[r1web]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback.

Simply extending the cabinet is not feasible as it will be too tipsy as drawn. Having young kids (and many friends/family with young kids), I would end up fastening it to the wall to ensure it doesn't crush someone and I'd probably be better off with a more traditional cabinet. The cabinet will be in my basement and I don't foresee it moving in the room. I'm not strictly opposed to building a full-size vewlix or similar cabinet from MDF but when I looked at the amount of materials, it is clear it will be large and heavy, making it difficult to get into the basement without considerable assembly/disassembly.

My logic for considering a wall cabinet:
1) Allows me to easily adjust the height on the wall. I could even have two french cleats, one for adult-height the other for kid-height.
2) Minimize the amount of floor space occupied. Not a big issue, but I've drawn it so I can slide a pair of stools under the controls.
3) Minimize the amount of materials required. Less materials equals less time to build, less cost and less weight.

Can anyone explain why people prefer stand-alone cabinets as opposed to wall cabinets? I spent a fair bit of time in arcades during my youth and cannot really think of any practical issues with it. I get that I'll be standing/sitting near the wall, but the focus will be on the screen. I understand and appreciate the nostalgia argument, but I'm not trying to replicate the arcades of my youth. It would be impossible... and my wife would never let me.

[Mike A]

my wife would never let me.

Dude. You need to establish the correct pecking order.

[Laythe]

I like wall mounts, myself, and I think that they do consume less interior room space than a slim cabinet - certainly less than a full depth cabinet does.  I don't see anything inherently wrong with the ergonomics or play position. 

My favorite implementation so far is 2084's designs, here.

[leapinlew]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback.

Simply extending the cabinet is not feasible as it will be too tipsy as drawn. Having young kids (and many friends/family with young kids), I would end up fastening it to the wall to ensure it doesn't crush someone and I'd probably be better off with a more traditional cabinet. The cabinet will be in my basement and I don't foresee it moving in the room. I'm not strictly opposed to building a full-size vewlix or similar cabinet from MDF but when I looked at the amount of materials, it is clear it will be large and heavy, making it difficult to get into the basement without considerable assembly/disassembly.

My logic for considering a wall cabinet:
1) Allows me to easily adjust the height on the wall. I could even have two french cleats, one for adult-height the other for kid-height.
2) Minimize the amount of floor space occupied. Not a big issue, but I've drawn it so I can slide a pair of stools under the controls.
3) Minimize the amount of materials required. Less materials equals less time to build, less cost and less weight.

Can anyone explain why people prefer stand-alone cabinets as opposed to wall cabinets? I spent a fair bit of time in arcades during my youth and cannot really think of any practical issues with it. I get that I'll be standing/sitting near the wall, but the focus will be on the screen. I understand and appreciate the nostalgia argument, but I'm not trying to replicate the arcades of my youth. It would be impossible... and my wife would never let me.

I'm more of a do what you want to do, kinda guy. I don't have an issue with the wall mount. I wouldn't do it because moving the machine around could be a challenge and I don't think you save a ton of space doing it.

Personally, I think a bartop on a glass front fridge is practical. So take this


and add this


Drinks and games. You win!

[leapinlew]

This guy did it with a Arcade1up



It looks more incorporated with the sides down over the fridge.

Just some food for thought.

[Laythe]

If you are looking for specific critique for your proposed design, I am not sure what purpose the area below the control panel serves.  It feels kind of vestigial to me, like you could come straight back from the bottom of the oak to the wall, get a little more knee room, and it wouldn't be - in my opinion - an aesthetic loss.

If you need that internal volume for planned parts, or you like the way it looks this way, cool - this is just my opinion.

[opt2not]

1. Needs a marquee, as mentioned before.
2. Are you planning on adding t-molding. Arcade machines need t-molding, IMHO.
3. Yo dog, where the speakers at?  Are they going to be enclosed and muffled within the cabinet?  I'd recommend some speaker holes either in that large space under the CP, or perhaps in the sides. You're probably not going to be able to fit speakers above or within your CP.

[yotsuya]

I just don’t get the feasibility of basically throwing a bartop on the wall. At that point, just hang a TV and go to the pedestal route. That will give you maximum flexibility over the years if that’s your main concern.

[r1web]

My favorite implementation so far is 2084's designs, here.

Thanks for the link. I hadn't seen these before.

[wp34]

I was wondering if anyone could critique my attempt at a modern, unobtrusive wall cabinet design. I'm building primarily for myself kids, 6 and 8, and figured that a wall cabinet would give me a flexibility with setting the height and raising it as they grow. I originally considered making a polycade clone out of MDF but decided to sketch up a few other options. I currently like this one the best. The plan is to build the majority with MDF and finish with high-gloss white. The control panel will be oiled white oak to match some of our other home decor.

Please don't hold back with the feedback, positive or negative as this is my first cabinet design.

It sounds like you are going for something modern-looking that will match your home.  This design seems to fit the bill.  Within those parameters I would not put a marquee on it and would go with white t-molding if at all.  I like the rounded corners but agree with Lathe the bottom seems a little large.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages of a wall mount versus a Vewlix clone?

The Vewlix is going to look more like an arcade game (I realize that is not your goal) and will be more flexible since you can move it.  Also I wonder if it would feel odd playing a game that close to the wall?  Dunno.  Just seems claustrophobic to me.

[opt2not]

3. Yo dog, where the speakers at?  Are they going to be enclosed and muffled within the cabinet?  I'd recommend some speaker holes either in that large space under the CP, or perhaps in the sides. You're probably not going to be able to fit speakers above or within your CP.

[yotsuya]

I was wondering if anyone could critique my attempt at a modern, unobtrusive wall cabinet design. I'm building primarily for myself kids, 6 and 8, and figured that a wall cabinet would give me a flexibility with setting the height and raising it as they grow. I originally considered making a polycade clone out of MDF but decided to sketch up a few other options. I currently like this one the best. The plan is to build the majority with MDF and finish with high-gloss white. The control panel will be oiled white oak to match some of our other home decor.

Please don't hold back with the feedback, positive or negative as this is my first cabinet design.

It sounds like you are going for something modern-looking that will match your home.  This design seems to fit the bill.  Within those parameters I would not put a marquee on it and would go with white t-molding if at all.  I like the rounded corners but agree with Lathe the bottom seems a little large.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages of a wall mount versus a Vewlix clone?

The Vewlix is going to look more like an arcade game (I realize that is not your goal) and will be more flexible since you can move it.  Also I wonder if it would feel odd playing a game that close to the wall?  Dunno.  Just seems claustrophobic to me.

I agree, I really don’t have any problems with the design. It looks kind of futuristic so there’s that. But I’m with you, standing up against the wall just doesn’t seem to be that much fun, especially for that long a period of time.

[yotsuya]

And while I can respect your idea of, “it will grow up the wall as the boys get older,” I think you’re overestimating how long they’re going to stay interested in that thing.

I’d recommend you build something that would better suit you and your buddies.

[yotsuya]

My favorite implementation so far is 2084's designs, here.

Thanks for the link. I hadn't seen these before.

Personally, I like your design better than these. Yeah, I said it.

[rablack97]

First off who are you building this for, you need to establish that first or your wasting your time on design altogether.

You, your wife, you kids etc.  that all plays into the design.  Once you establish that then our critiques won't even matter.

I don't disagree with the design as in some cases simple is just better.

Marquee (overrated) especially for mame cab where you end up putting a stupid name on it that nobody likes.

Standing up playing against a wall IMHO is no different than standing in front of a real arcade, your standing regardless and playing a game, not sure who looks to the left and right of the machine during game play 

This biggest issue with these wall mounts is maintenance with a floor cab its literally turn it around or access via coin door, with a wall design you have to take it off the wall, make sure you dont rip power cord, lean it up against something then work on it.

Another issue is space, what you gonna use to run it, and i see no speaker placement.

I also dont foresee you yanking this thing down on different levels of cleats, that will get old really quick.   

All I can tell you is build it for the long run and not for the immediate need, at the end of the day it will probably be just you playing or it will sit and collect dust until you have company, and half the time they could care less to play they just want you to turn it on cause it looks cool.

I also agree in putting the cart before the horse, if your wife hasnt bought into it, you're going to put a piece of ikea on that wall. 

Your best bet may be to get a pandoras box and just pull that out when you feel like playing.

Oh and if you are building this for you we all know it wouldn't look like your first post not one bit, build it/design it for the person thats going to play it.

[rablack97]

You gotta give her the gator talk 

http://youtu.be/dsnBl2Z_gyA?t=44

dont forget the "Ya feel me" that's the putting your foot down line.

[yotsuya]

First off who are you building this for, you need to establish that first or your wasting your time on design altogether.

You, your wife, you kids etc.  that all plays into the design.  Once you establish that then our critiques won't even matter.

I don't disagree with the design as in some cases simple is just better.

Marquee (overrated) especially for mame cab where you end up putting a stupid name on it that nobody likes.

Standing up playing against a wall IMHO is no different than standing in front of a real arcade, your standing regardless and playing a game, not sure who looks to the left and right of the machine during game play 

This biggest issue with these wall mounts is maintenance with a floor cab its literally turn it around or access via coin door, with a wall design you have to take it off the wall, make sure you dont rip power cord, lean it up against something then work on it.

Another issue is space, what you gonna use to run it, and i see no speaker placement.

I also dont foresee you yanking this thing down on different levels of cleats, that will get old really quick.   

All I can tell you is build it for the long run and not for the immediate need, at the end of the day it will probably be just you playing or it will sit and collect dust until you have company, and half the time they could care less to play they just want you to turn it on cause it looks cool.

I also agree in putting the cart before the horse, if your wife hasnt bought into it, you're going to put a piece of ikea on that wall. 

Your best bet may be to get a pandoras box and just pull that out when you feel like playing.

Oh and if you are building this for you we all know if wouldn't look like your first post not one bit, build it/design it for the person thats going to play it.

***slow 80s clap.gif***

[rablack97]

Posting this for cutty, cutty say he dont know the code.

[barrymossel]

Besides standing close to the wall, aren't you standing terribly close to the screen? Seems you are going to use a pretty big screen, aren't you? I guess that would feel like watching TV with your face just in front of the screen.

[smass]

You seem set on the wall mount.  Personally, I think it will look cheesy.  I agree with an early poster that the way to go would be a pedestal with a flat screen mounted on the wall.  You can move the pedestal right up against the wall under the TV when not in use, and pull it back when you are using it to an appropriate viewing distance. 

[opt2not]

Damn, i guess my speaker question struck a nerve or something. The silent treatment game is fierce.

Anyway, I also agree with what has been said about pedestals. I think you'd get the most versatility out of a pedestal, and you can still make it go with your wife's decor.

[rablack97]

Damn, i guess my speaker question struck a nerve or something. The silent treatment game is fierce.

Anyway, I also agree with what has been said about pedestals. I think you'd get the most versatility out of a pedestal, and you can still make it go with your wife's decor.

Nah he's been checking in and reading the critiques, probably in redesign mode.

+1 on a pedestal plus a hanging screen, if you do it right the pedestal can also be stored when not in use and and still be arcadish like you want it to be.

[r1web]

Damn, i guess my speaker question struck a nerve or something. The silent treatment game is fierce.

Anyway, I also agree with what has been said about pedestals. I think you'd get the most versatility out of a pedestal, and you can still make it go with your wife's decor.

Sorry, I read (and noted) a few comments about speakers. True, the speakers aren't shown, I envisioned them below the screen, similar to the polycade wall mount.

[r1web]

my wife would never let me.

Dude. You need to establish the correct pecking order.

happy wife == happy life

Truthfully, I feel like I won the wife lottery.

[Mike A]

Needing permission for your expenditures sounds awesome. You are living the dream.

[r1web]

At that point, just hang a TV and go to the pedestal route. That will give you maximum flexibility over the years if that’s your main concern.

I hadn't considered the pedestal option. I'm considering it. Thanks.

I drew a 16:9, 27" screen in the original cabinet. I thought the viewing distance would be ok but perhaps I'm wrong there. My newphews put a hockey puck through my BIL's basement screen a few years ago so I was planning a piece of plexi in front.

Back to the plan. Sorry, this was never going to be a traditional arcade cabinet. With an HDMI splitter, it will run at least 1 modern console and retropie or a PC emulator for the games of my youth. The space at the bottom of the cabinet is drawn for a sub and the console(s). I don't like having the console connected to our main TV or the 4K projector in the basement.

[r1web]

Needing permission for your expenditures sounds awesome. You are living the dream.

Each to their own.

[opt2not]

happy wife == happy life

Off-topic:  I never really liked this expression, as it implies that husband's happiness is irrelevant to a happy marriage.  A successful relationship shouldn't be one-sided.
Then the next saying usually revolves around "making compromises" for a functional relationship, which also doesn't really create a ecosystem of happiness in a marriage because it always implies giving something up, and it's usually the guy's task to having to change.

All this suggests that men somewhat second-class citizens when it comes to relationships. Like we are "lucky" to have a woman be with us. Which is ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---. My wife is equally lucky to have me, as I am her. I don't need to ask permission to buy or build anything, and neither does she to me. We have an equal trust that each of us would make decisions that don't compromise the other's life,happiness or finances.

It's 2018 for christssake. Women empowerment and equality is being pushed hard in our society now. When it comes to relationships, equality should also be regarded both ways.  This stance of men being underachievers in relationships needs to stop.  Same thing with men not being nurturing, responsible parents, as much as women are.

/rant

[wp34]

My wife hates the "happy wife" expression as well.  That being said I think people way over react when a guy says he needs his "wife's permission".  I assume most couples discuss major purchases or at least major (in size) items that will go in a house.  My wife is extremely supportive of my hobby.  She even has her own machine in our family room.  But I wouldn't presume to bring home a pinball machine without discussing it with her first any more than she would go purchase a new fridge without me.

happy wife == happy life

Off-topic:  I never really liked this expression, as it implies that husband's happiness is irrelevant to a happy marriage.  A successful relationship shouldn't be one-sided.
Then the next saying usually revolves around "making compromises" for a functional relationship, which also doesn't really create a ecosystem of happiness in a marriage because it always implies giving something up, and it's usually the guy's task to having to change.

All this suggests that men somewhat second-class citizens when it comes to relationships. Like we are "lucky" to have a woman be with us. Which is ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---. My wife is equally lucky to have me, as I am her. I don't need to ask permission to buy or build anything, and neither does she to me. We have an equal trust that each of us would make decisions that don't compromise the other's life,happiness or finances.

It's 2018 for christssake. Women empowerment and equality is being pushed hard in our society now. When it comes to relationships, equality should also be regarded both ways.  This stance of men being underachievers in relationships needs to stop.  Same thing with men not being nurturing, responsible parents, as much as women are.

/rant

[r1web]

Thanks to those that gave me some constructive input but I think I'm done with this. Too much drama.

[rablack97]

Yeah but this isn't in that same category of a fridge or a pinball....That's 3k -6k easy.

This is something that he trully wants to build but it's being hindered by the thought of making the Mrs. unhappy.

I love my wife to death, but we both work, and take care of each other.  Building something vs going out and buying a Ferrari is 2 different things, and yeah my wife owns 85% of the house with decor, so my machines that inhabit the other 15% of the house shouldn't be a deal breaker.

I get some wives just arent into doing this, but at the same time they should support their husbands w/o making them feel like ass for doing something they love.

You seem to have a classy design in your head, just make it yours.  It's downstairs in a basement not in the front hallway.

Anywho, i'm still not seeing how your gonna put, a pi, a console, speakers all in that setup, not to mention is this a 1p setup?  2player your gonna be elbowing one another.

[rablack97]

At the end of the day man.......

***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

Trust me this isn't drama, its the criticism you asked for bro, negative or positive.

Gotta be thick skinned in forums, you can glean some good info, if you can look past the gut shots.......

[opt2not]

Thanks to those that gave me some constructive input but I think I'm done with this. Too much drama.

Aww man, this isn't drama, it's just commentary.  All constructive input without commentary makes for a pretty dull place.
You gotta learn how to take things with a grain of salt. Testicular fortitude my man, testicular fortitude.