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Starting First Cabinet
Craig:
Amazing. You pay more for less ???
old school gamer:
I agree with Spystyle, I have made many cabinets,beds,dressers,etc and never worried about the weight. I think some people making MAME cabs are new to woodworking and might not have the right tools and stuff to be able to properly handle a heavy sheet of 4x8 wood. Build it out of whatever you like and whatever you can afford,there is no right or wrong wood. Build one out of cardboard if you like....... But just build it, everybody needs to have an Arcade machine in the house!!!
etumor:
--- Quote from: spystyle on July 07, 2004, 09:10:57 am ---
I personally feel that an arcade machine is a piece of furniture where weight dosen't really apply, it's moved only once-in-a-blue-moon.
It's meant for semi-permanant installation.
--- End quote ---
I can't say this is necessarily true. I've had to move Supercade way more often then I ever thought I would, and I am very greatful that is doesn't weigh more than it does (it was built out of plywood). When we moved it into the current house, we had to go down three stairs, then back up three stairs, then through an extremely tight doorway. It took four of us to do it, and we about killed ourselves in the process.
Granted, it would have helped if I had taken the monitor out, and the next time I move, I assure you that's what I will do. But even without changing houses, my cabinet has been moved to three different locations in my living room, from the living room to the dining room, I've had to pull it out to replace the monitor once, and I have to pull it out frequently to work on the computer. How often do you have to change a whining fan in a dresser? Or troubleshoot why you aren't getting any video to a desk?
I'm not saying that MDF weighs too much to work with it, just that it is a tough call. Plywood only requires a small amount of extra effort, and weighs half as much. Of course you pay more for plywood, but if you've got the money and you're willing to put in a little extra effort, why not do it right?
I don't hate MDF. I've built two cabinets out of MDF. I only chose plywood for Supercade because I knew it was going to be huge, and every little bit of weight I could take off of it was a good thing. I am doing a classic restoration right now, and I am using MDF to replace broken pieces. I will probably use MDF for other cabinets in the future. But sometimes plywood is a better solution.
-Jeff "etumor"
jbeersm:
I'm not so worried about the weight, the cabinet is going in a walkout basement with French Door access. I
old school gamer:
Plywood definately would hold up the best to abuse. ( I think you will find that your 40+ friends will abuse it more than the kids, I know in my house its that way) Have fun!!
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