Something a little different. FINISHED for now. Added Web Album of Construction.

[Rom]

Well, I wasn't going to show this until it was finished and I had a record of progress to put up on a site. Unfortunately for me I accidentally wiped my work in progress files when upgrading my computer 

This project has been 2 years in the making off and on. It's been not without incident and if I could do it all over again I think I would just get an old cabinet and convert that. I definitely would of saved myself a lot of heartache and money in the process.

The project started when I came across an old 20" monitor for sale. The price was right and I decided I might as well have a go at making a cabinet. That's when the fun began. During what downtime I had at work I went about doodling ideas for a cabinet. Right from the word go I wanted something different. Something that would not only challenge me in the build but something I could call my own. In a way I wanted to make a more modern version of an old theme

Having not done any kind of wood work since High School some 18 years ago I soon learned that I might of been a bit over ambitious. Firstly there was the monitor. I had the basic shell of the cabinet built and found the cabinet was just too big for a 20" screen. So a few hundred dollars later I had a 26" arcade tube. (That's still in storage waiting to go in. No idea if it works. I truely hope so.)
Then there was a matter of depth. What I had originally was too deep. So I chopped off the back. That did the trick and I soon got to work making a control panel for 4 players.  A couple of months later the cabinet still felt too deep so out came the middle. Yay now I had something that wouldn't seem like a Mac truck in my lounge. Only problem was the control panel. What seemed a good size for 4 players now looked too big. So out with the saw and that got chopped down too. <sigh> You may think that it still is too big and I would have to agree with you. The 4 players soon became 2 when the costs got too high.

This all seems crazy thinking about it now. I was so enthused in building a cabinet that I even made a cardboard mock up. Why I didn't see these problems then I have no idea. A real learning experience this has been. Definitely not the best way of going about building a cabinet. Thankfully it will soon be completed and I'll have something to show off after all this work.

So here we are today. A couple of thousand dollars later and getting oh so close to completion. Sorry for the lack of quality in the photo's they were taken with a nokia 3650. When the cabinet is finally finished I shall borrow a proper digital camera so you can see more of the details.

[rchadd]

wow like the styling

looks like it could come from ikea

[LeedsFan]

That's excellent!  Very modern styling.... and I love the Leeds Utd. colour spec.  

[Craig]

Very cool.

[Joff]

I really like the modern design this has to it.

[TOK]

Cool project, I really like the style of it.
I have a question though... Looking at the picture, the control panel is shifted off to the right and has more overhang on that side. I figured that was because it was just sitting on there for the picture, but it looks like if you moved it back to the center of the pedestal, it wouldn't line up with the monitor.

Is this just a perspective illusion from the angle of the picture?

[DYNAGOD]

nice, looks very much like a kiosk
very nice design  

[Santoro]

I absolutely love when people break the mold and make unique cabs.  This design is in my top 3.  

And your Mame explosion graphic is in my top 3 for marquee art also - a double whammy!

Nice!



edit:spelling

[Santoro]

Is that curved MDF?  Plastic?  Details  please!

[froggerman]

"Right from the word go I wanted something different. "

I would say you hit a home run on this one! Great work.

[crashwg]

Wow!  That is a wicked nice cab you've got there!

But... (isn't there always a but) I think you may have overlooked something.  That monitor is WAY to big to be that close to.  You should move the CP back somehow.

[pocketbikez]

i like it. its very futuristic and looks like the type of arcade machine that captain kirk would have on the starship enterprise.

how did you make the curved pieces at the bottom front of the cab?

[djsting]

Rom,

VERY SWEET CAB!!!  I like mine a lot but if I were to do it again....

[Rom]

Thanks for the comments. If anything, I leaned that one can't over plan something. I thought I had it all pretty much sussed out before the build. How wrong I was.

TOK: I think it's a perspective thing. I'll get a pic of it front on.

Santoro: It's MDF, I built those parts like I was building a boat. Strips of MDF that were glued together over a curved frame followed by a lot of sanding and builders bog where needed. Later I came across thin MDF that could be curved. Go figure <sigh>
The CP was done like this also and was a very time consuming process. Having curves but also having the CP start from a wide point at the top of the panel to a narrower point at the bottom was a nightmare.  

crashwg: Your right, it is close and I'm hoping it's not too bad. I realised this too late so built out the CP ledge a bit to try and get as much overhang as possible. Here's a slightly side on pic. I'm hoping the viewing distance is equivalent or better than a japanese low boy cabinet.

[johnnysmitch]

Wow, that's pretty wild - looks kinda like a trade show kiosk (in a good way) - great work on the build; can't wait to see it with controls on it.  I, too, fear that the controls might be WAY too close to the screen for that size monitor... I guess that's yet to be seen.  What controls are you gonna put on 'er?

[paigeoliver]

The distance is fine, my factory built Japanese Neo Geo has a bigger monitor than that, and it is closer to the screen too.

[Apollo]

Awesome stuff ROM, looks like we are quite a creative bunch down here in New Zealand ( the few of us who are in to this hobby down here ). Arcade360 and now this, great job.

[mcdo15]

agreed
this is hot

[RayB]

I'm not sure I'd have gone for that Blue, but this is definitely one for the Hall of Fame.

[Rom]

I'm not sure I'd have gone for that Blue, but this is definitely one for the Hall of Fame.

Heh Originally it was black textured paint. $100 and a big black mess later I decided to go with something that complemented the yellow. It's a bright cabinet that's for sure

[GodSin]

it looks like something from Star Trek

like how Tom Paris had that tv with all those shows on it...well if his Character from Star Trek Voyager would have one it would look like this

but yea man it looks differnt (in a very good way) thats for sure

[danny_galaga]

mmmmm, curves  

nice one, eh bro!!

[Stingray]

Spiffy design!

-S

[SNAAKE]

DOPE !
Very cool..looks different !

[patrickl]

Really nice. I have to agree to the startrekky vibe it gives off .

[Rom]

Just a brief update.

Funny how some of you have mentioned Star Trek. When I was thinking about the cabinet and the control panel in particular I was thinking along the lines of what they have in star trek. The whole black top with minimal graphics is what I'll be aiming for.

The layout isn't anything to write home about, but due to the shape of the panel I stuck the coin buttons on the sides to help keep down on the clutter. It also gives the impression that you'll have to insert coins. Just a shame I don't have coin mechs for the door.

[LeedsFan]

Looks cool!  But with the room you have there I thought you'd also include a spinner too. I like how you've got the TB mounted with no cover plate showing. They always look best like that. I think so anyway.

[Witchboard]

That's a nice design.  Looks like a lot of people have their creative juices flowing lately.  I'm going to have to start on mine before you guys leave me in the dust.  Very slick cab.  Good work!

[Rom]

Looks cool!  But with the room you have there I thought you'd also include a spinner too. I like how you've got the TB mounted with no cover plate showing. They always look best like that. I think so anyway.

I would like to have a spinner but it came down to cost. I might still put a hole in there for one so I can add it at a later date. I just need to get some exact measurements for the vortex spinner. The place I have in mind is very close to the trackball mounting plate.

[pointdablame]

Man, that is very very sharp looking.  I really love when people break the regular cab mold.... good job.

[Rom]

Well many years later and here is the final result.
I completed the Cab about 1 1/2 years ago, but as many have said before it's never really complete. I still have the control panel graphic to print and I would like to get a spinner and replace the trackball with a blue one.

It was a real treat to turn it on for the first time. I was worried that the tube I had purchased was a dud, fortunately it was a sight to behold to turn on the cabinet and play a game of ghoul's and ghosts. Sadly that didn't last long. After one week the picture on the tube collapsed which meant a repair to the monitor chassis. Then there was the computer. Up to this point I had the cables running from the cabinet to an old pc I had lying around for testing purposes. Well.. I just didn't take into consideration space for a computer so out with the woodworking tools as I had to build myself a box computer case out of wood. 

The saddest part for me is that I just don't play it. I got more enjoyment out of building than the final product. Everyone that sees it is impressed and in a way that gives me greater satisfaction than to turn it on and have a game myself. Strange how that turned out. I thought that it would cool to be able to play the old school games but it seems I've moved on from that.

[TOK]

That came out great. Such a cool, original look. Its sort of reminiscent of a candy cab to me, though it doesn't really have any of the elements of one... I suppose due to the rounded edges.
I think this style would make for a really cool Tron themed cab in black and blue with some neon.

You're not alone in enjoying building more than playing. I'm actually glad I enjoy both. Having some friends over to play competitively might make it more fun.

[vrf]

Wow, that's great. Thanks for bumping the old thread. It was before my time here and I never saw it.

Awesome work! I love the unique design.

[MaMeNnO]

Say... that's a nice cab! Great job!
Are you planning to cheer it up with some art? Just curious.

[WunderCade]

The saddest part for me is that I just don't play it. I got more enjoyment out of building than the final product. Everyone that sees it is impressed and in a way that gives me greater satisfaction than to turn it on and have a game myself. Strange how that turned out. I thought that it would cool to be able to play the old school games but it seems I've moved on from that.

Very Kewl Rom...it's definitely visionary...sad though - to let it just sit there....

How much do you think standard shipping from NZ to the California would be?

[theCoder]

Nice job.  How did you treat the edges of the round pieces?  Putty & sanded smooth?  When you get a camera, could you give us a close up shot.

Lookin hot !

[Pixelhugger]

Holy crap! Another piece of inspiration I missed out on completely. I'm actually speechless... this project is just amazing. Who knew my favorite piece of marquee art was destined for something equally mind blowing.

As far as the building versus playing I think the majority of people here are like you. It seems cabs are a bit like collectible cars. People enjoy restoring them and owning them more than actually driving them. Nothing wrong with that.... IMHO.

Amazing work. Incredibly unique.... and humbling. Man how I wish this thread had been a construction log. I feel like there was an adventure we all missed out on.

[Neilyboy]

That is a beautiful cab man! I agree with pixel hugger that arcades can be somewhat like owning a collectible car (just a bit cheaper, most of the time) its fun to restore something that is a true 'classic' or something you can say hey I remember playing that and eating pizza with my buds at the pizza joint down the road 20 years ago. its just a good feeling to see a fully restored cab sitting in your basement/arcade room. I think alot of it is just that.. having it there available for others to play and enjoy. I just bought my first house and I got lucky with the purchase and also ended up with a 20x30 garage that is heated and a/c'd. I recently called around to a few amusement places and found a contact who has a few older uprights that need restored so I think I may have found my new hobby..

anyway what im trying to get at is hey you got an original work of art there. Its beautiful as long as  you got something out of it when building it thats all that matters.. if it were in working order you can always have friends over to give it a spin just to see the kick they get out of it should give you a good feeling as well..

in the end.. awesome project man. i love what you have created.

Neil

[Donkey_Kong]

That cabinet is amazing!!

This is the kinda stuff that keeps me coming back! I'm seriously considering cutting myself from my internet connection at certain times so that I can get work done and not be distracted by AMAZING project announcements such as this one.

Nice job!

[Zakk]

Holy crap! Another piece of inspiration I missed out on completely. I'm actually speechless... this project is just amazing. Who knew my favorite piece of marquee art was destined for something equally mind blowing.

As far as the building versus playing I think the majority of people here are like you. It seems cabs are a bit like collectible cars. People enjoy restoring them and owning them more than actually driving them. Nothing wrong with that.... IMHO.

Amazing work. Incredibly unique.... and humbling. Man how I wish this thread had been a construction log. I feel like there was an adventure we all missed out on.

So it's the opposite of yours...a cabinet with no explanation! 

[Pixelhugger]

So it's the opposite of yours...a cabinet with no explanation! 

 

Yeah, I mean wheres the drama? The longwinded bloginess? The ridiculous OT rambling? WHERE ARE THE MOCKUPS? Sheesh. 

[Rom]

MaMeNnO The only artwork would be the control panel overlay. Being the type of cabinet it is I can't really see how art on the sides would add to it.

theCoder That's pretty much what I did. Created a skeleton out of mdf for the curves 3 pieces top, middle ad bottom and then glued thin strips of MDF to the frame. Got out the old sander and went to town smoothing it out. Any gaps were filled with builders bog.

This leads on to another lesson. As the cabinet was built over 2 years it meant the MDF I had been using had unfortunately got moisture. I only found out the hard way. The last summer of building when it came to painting, some of the filled screw holes would show. I spent a good few weekends sanding them down and then going over them with primer. Thought I  had finally got to a stage where this didn't continue. Alas I painted it in it's final coats.
Well.. sad to say.. when I finally moved it from the garage into my home it happened to be one of the driest and hottest summers here. Only then did I see the extent of the moisture. Basically all that work smoothing out the curves has gone to waste. You can see the strips. Almost like a poor attempt at gradation in photoshop - banding. 
To get it back to its vision of smooth curves would require a complete sanding down and repaint. Something that I'm not considering at this point in time.

Pixelhugger Tis a shame I lost a lot of my build photos. It would be a good exercise in what not to do. Iv'e seen your thread and I can see a lot of planning has gone into your creation the rigs you create etc. Mine would be a Tim the toolman Taylor account of cabinet building as the old skill saw was used a fair few times to trim things down. 

[Pixelhugger]

Mine would be a Tim the toolman Taylor account of cabinet building as the old skill saw was used a fair few times to trim things down. 

That only goes to show what an incredible job you did. I mean, look at the results. This is one of the most impressive and certainly one of the most creatively inspired cabs I've seen.

[Nannuu]

The saddest part for me is that I just don't play it. I got more enjoyment out of building than the final product. Everyone that sees it is impressed and in a way that gives me greater satisfaction than to turn it on and have a game myself. Strange how that turned out. I thought that it would cool to be able to play the old school games but it seems I've moved on from that.

Yep, I'm sure that'll be about the same for me.  I get more enjoyment out of building junk and others enjoying it.

That is a really nice looking cabinet.  Very cool design.
You can also take satisfaction from your art being used all over the world as well.  It seems to be a favorite of a lot of people.

[MameMaster!]

RETROBLASTED. (retroblast.com)

Awesome job!.....

[Rom]

Moved house in the last week so had to remove the computer from the cabinet for safe keeping. Thought I would use that opportunity to take some pics to show the housing for it. It's all made of wood (MDF) with polyurethane  to protect it.
As I mentioned before this was only necessary as I hadn't taken into account space inside for a small computer case.
The original 20" Philips screen came in handy for this. I removed the metal mesh surrounding the tube and cut it into pieces which then provided me with plenty of ventilation for the computer. Turned out quite well.
Making a case also gave me the benefit of being able to add connectors for the various functions as can be seen with the last pic.
Still like many things with the cabinet this wasn't planned. Guess that's the joy with such things you never know what's going to come up 

[Rom]

Been going through my old photo's and decided to give this web album thing a go. Not sure if Picasa is the best - would like to be able to link to photo's on a site so suggestions welcome for a better free site would be appreciated.

As had been mentioned I lost a lot of the very early construction photo's through formatting the wrong hard drive. 
Still if you're interested you can find more pictures of this cabinet here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lifeonmarsnz


Still haven't gotten around to getting the control panel graphic printed. A flatmate used some kind of household cleaner on the perspex cover for the panel which has left it cloudy in places  so will have to replace that too.

[Zakk]

You should be able to buff the scloudiness out with a rubbing compound made for plexi (or whatever the hell perspex is!).  You really should finish it up, it's kind of sad seeing it ....almost... done.

Also, I think the black trackball looks cool (is it black?).  I nee nothing but white and blue ones here, and the black looks oldschool.

[Rom]

Zakk: I'll look into this compound you speak of. Would certainly save the hassle into trying to make another panel cover. It's not perspex but the other stuff. lol Been so long I've forgotten its name. The harder plastic which doesn't crack.
Was shocked to see it. She wouldn't let on to what she used which doesn't help. Cleaning up her child's mess and ended up making it worse. Oh well fingers crossed there is something I can use to remove it.

I take your request to task. I would dearly love to get the artwork printed and finally call it a day on this cabinet. I'll make it a New Years Resolution to get the artwork all printed up and on the cabinet.

-----------

On a side note, I had a look through the control panel thread and it's really cool to see the artwork I made so many years ago showing up on peoples cabinets. Thanks to those for choosing to use it. Gives me as big a buzz as seeing people play my cabinet.

[Pixelhugger]

If its the stuff that doesn't crack then I'm guessing its polycarbonate (Lexan). I don't believe that can be polished with the same compounds as plexi. You may want to be careful... on the other hand, if the only alternative is recutting it then maybe its a moot point.

[Franco]

Awesome cab Rom!   

I think this build must have been just before my time as I have never seen it.

I would like to say thanks to you for creating and sharing the 'tile explosion' art. I used it on my last cab and it is without a doubt my favourite artwork.

[Zakk]

If its the stuff that doesn't crack then I'm guessing its polycarbonate (Lexan). I don't believe that can be polished with the same compounds as plexi. You may want to be careful... on the other hand, if the only alternative is recutting it then maybe its a moot point.

I've polished the edges of lexan before, and it worked well, but admittedly I've never used the buffing/anti haze stuff on it, just on plexi. 

[Rom]

If its the stuff that doesn't crack then I'm guessing its polycarbonate (Lexan). I don't believe that can be polished with the same compounds as plexi. You may want to be careful... on the other hand, if the only alternative is recutting it then maybe its a moot point.

That's the stuff, Polycarbonate. Seen mention of Novus 2 will get some of that and fingers crossed it does the trick.

[Zakk]

novus, that's the stuff.  There's like a kit with 3 different bottles in it, as I recall it was like using different grits of sandpaper, and the final bottle was the haze and polish stuff.