In This Corner

[arcadegamenut]

Okay, rather then continually create new "general" threads, I've decided to create a project thread. At this point, I've bought nothing, done little and still haven't decided whether I'm going to buy or build. That said, I'll document it all here. Perhaps I'll finish whatever it is someday. Perhaps  it will inspire someone else or give them a new idea. Or perhaps it will be used as a good laugh on how not to decide to build/buy a cabinet.

As I said, I'll document it all here...so let's see what happens.

[arcadegamenut]

Okay..I really liked the slikstick cabinet and if I were to buy one, that would be it. Too bad it's so darned expensive....or is it? We'll do an analysis here. I'll continue to add to this and clean things up as time goes on.

I do know that I want to use a PC Monitor to start with. This is because I have an interest in possibly using other PC software that would/could require higher resolutions then the arcade monitors. Plus, at this time, I'm more comfortable handling a PC Monitor.

Kit

Item	Price
UAII Cabinet Kit Control Panel Combo	$498.99
S/H	$125.00
Bezel
Coin Door/Mechs
Marquee
Buttons/Joysticks
Computer Parts
Monitor (21"+)
Sound System
Total	$623.99

Buy

Item	Price
Slikstik 27" Arcade Cabinet Combo (With CO2)	$1704.90
S/H	$295.00
Computer Parts
Monitor (21"+)
Sound System
Total	$1999.90

Build

Item	Price
Skil 5750-01 7 1/4" Laser Guided Circular Saw (Refurb)	$39.99
S/H for saw	$4.49
Router	$40.00
Jig Saw	$40.00
Drill	$20.00
Hot Glue Gun	$4.00
Sander	$15.00
MDF (3)
1 1/8 Spade Bit (Kit)	$13.00
1 1/8 Forstner Bit (Kit)	$30.00
Countersink Bit (Kit)	$10.00
Slotcutter Bit (Kit)	$25.00
Sandpaper
Level	$20.00
Saw Horses (2) (Includes clamps)	$60.00
Primer
Paint
CP Buttons/Joysticks Etc
Computer Parts
Monitor (21"+)
Marquee
CP Overlay
Screws, Nails, Etc
Dust Mask (Pack of 50)	$8.00
Gloves (Have)	$0.00
Sound System
Bezel
Plexiglass (?)
Wood Marking Pencil
Metal ruler
T-Sqaure
Safety-Kit
Rollers
Mixing Sticks
Paintbrushes (2)	$5.00
L-Brackets
Shelf Brackets
Velcro
Grommet Sleeve
Casters
Drop Cloth	$12.00
Total	346.48

Prices do not include any sales tax or shipping (if needed) unless otherwise stated.

[arcadegamenut]

As of this time, should I build, I don't have a name...but in this post, I'll keep track of a current idea.

Current Project Name:
Ode To Saint

[mhermann]

You could also go the assemble route. Have you looked at Mameroom Designs at all? I haven't myself but I think people have given them good reviews.

http://www.mameroom.com/arcadecabinets.asp

[arcadegamenut]

You could also go the assemble route. Have you looked at Mameroom Designs at all? I haven't myself but I think people have given them good reviews.

http://www.mameroom.com/arcadecabinets.asp

Yes, I did look at that. Since I'm documenting, I'll add it to my list as another option. In fact, I should include the "mame-a-cab" option as well (use an existing cabinet).

[IG-88]

You could also go the assemble route. Have you looked at Mameroom Designs at all? I haven't myself but I think people have given them good reviews.

http://www.mameroom.com/arcadecabinets.asp

Yes, I did look at that. Since I'm documenting, I'll add it to my list as another option. In fact, I should include the "mame-a-cab" option as well (use an existing cabinet).

I'd like to see that ^ "mame-a-cab" option also. I've been down that route but never did document it much....

[JonnyBoy]

Are you looking at a regular upright cab or are bartops/cocktails an option?

[miles2912]

Here is the price breakdown of a homemade cab.  I could have saved some $$ if I bought some cheaper tools.   The rest would be hard to skimp on.

Hardware      Price
PC - 1400 w/ 512 - 40gig DVD      $300.00
"Betson Imperial Monitor 27"" VGA "      $425.00
4 Sheets MDF      $100.00
Frame Wood       $30.00
Angle Iron for Monitor      $15.00
Casters X4      $12.00
Creative T3000 Speakers      $20.00
Coin Door      $60.00
2X Perfect 360 on Sale      $75.00
Bezel + Shipping      $25.00
Marquee Holder + Shipping      $25.00
Happ TrackBall and Mount      $79.00
Mini Pac      $69.00
Bolts for casters and monitor      $10.00
Commoning Block       $6.00
3 Wire Blocks      $12.00
5 sets of PCB Feet      $5.00
J-Stick Joysticks a few buttons and extra trackball      $30.00
Strip Hinge - Bolts for the back removable door      $15.00
Wood Putty filler      $5.00
Marquee      $29.00
CP Art      $50.00
Slik Stik Spinner      $105.00
Paint and Primer      $38.00
Buttons      $25.00
Bolts for Sticks      $4.00
Wire      $10.00
CP Mounting Hardware      $11.00
Speaker Covers      $18.00
Quick connects      $5.00
Diamond Plating      $27.50
T-Molding      $30.00
Cabinet Handles      $11.00
Smoked Plexi      $37.00
CP Template      $2.50
Handle for Back Door      $2.50
Plexi for Marquee and Light Box      $18.00
Cold Cathode Light      $11.50
Misc Light Box mounting HW      $5.00
ArcadeVGA Card      $96.00
2 4-bulb led  12v      $10.00
Total Hardware      "$1,864.00"

      
Tools - Bought just for the cab      
Dewalt Tool Set      $450.00
Spray Paint Gun      $15.00
Harbor Freight Router Special      $40.00
Slot Cutters      $25.00
Router Bits (straight cut)      $25.00
Flush Cut Bit      $20.00
Clamps      $15.00
4 Saw Horses      $21.00
Dry Wall Square and 90 square      $13.00
Sand Paper      $2.50
Forstner Bits      $22.00
Total Tools      $648.50

      
TOTAL      "$2,512.50"

[mccoy178]

My project was about the same as Miles.  My first one was about $1500 total.

[theCoder]

I suspect if you have to buy all the tools up front, and account for every screw and foot of wire, you'd be much better off purchasing an off-the-shelf cab.  But is that really why we hang out in this forum?  It's the thrill/victory of creating something cool and (sort-of) practical.

[arcadegamenut]

Found a site for a place located not too far for me for used computer stuff.

I don't know about their computers, but they have a 21" Compaq monitor for $98. Not too bad?

http://www.accurateit.com/index.asp

[arcadegamenut]

I suspect if you have to buy all the tools up front, and account for every screw and foot of wire, you'd be much better off purchasing an off-the-shelf cab.  But is that really why we hang out in this forum?  It's the thrill/victory of creating something cool and (sort-of) practical.

That would depend. I'm a frugal person and if I see that it's gonna cost a lot more to build, then I wouldn't do that.

[leapinlew]

I suspect if you have to buy all the tools up front, and account for every screw and foot of wire, you'd be much better off purchasing an off-the-shelf cab.  But is that really why we hang out in this forum?  It's the thrill/victory of creating something cool and (sort-of) practical.

No Thrill/Victory here!

I THOUGHT it was going to be cheaper to build mine...

It turns out they get cheaper as you go, but I originally thought that building would've been cheaper.

I suppose I could've borrowed more tools and been a little more cautious on where I spent my money.

[AtomSmasher]

Just thought I'd mention that I built my cab for around $800-900, although I borrowed tools and used a computer I already had.  If I didn't get nice artwork and used an old tv or monitor instead of buying a new one it would of been around $600-700.

[arcadegamenut]

Aside from the fact, that there appears to be some e-bay fee avoidance going on, is this router worth it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1850-Watt-Plunge-Router-HARD-CASE-Retail-99-99_W0QQitemZ7623706845QQcategoryZ20781QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mccoy178]

I'm not sure about the router there, but have you been to a Harbor Freight?  There are two in Columbus and you can see almost everything they have online.  They have the cheapest of cheap tools and they are usually perfect for this application.

www.harborfreight.com

[mccoy178]

Here is one for $40 at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47937

[theCoder]

Just thought I'd mention that I built my cab for around $800-900, although I borrowed tools and used a computer I already had.  If I didn't get nice artwork and used an old tv or monitor instead of buying a new one it would of been around $600-700.

I built my first cab for around $600.  I should mention that it was a conversion of an existing cab, my friend practically gave me a CPU and 19" monitor for only $100, and I had access to a fully equipped wood shop.  I don't want to know how much I've got into my current project and REALLY don't want my wife to know either.

[leapinlew]

Here is one for $40 at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47937

You got my vote for Harbor Freight. Good tools for small time use applications.

[arcadegamenut]

Here is one for $40 at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47937

LOL...I just looked at that exact model. I "spent" around $350.00 and had everything except the T-Square, Metal Ruler, Paint, Primer, Rollers, Mixing Sticks, MDF, Shelf Bracket, L-Brackets, Screws, Velcro, Grommet Sleeve, Sandpaper (wasn't sure which grits I needed to get), Casters and a few other odds and ends.

If we add tax, the missing items, and a fudge factor, I can't see this being more then $550 - $600 total. Then all, I'd have left would be the computer, cp parts, artwork (which I'd probably do without to start), bezel, marquee, etc.

I'm really tired and not thinking as clear now. I'll update the list tomorrow sometime.

[arcadegamenut]

One more thing I should mention about that price I just mentioned.

That included "buying" kits for the bits. I couldn't find them by themselves.

So maybe money could be saved there by searching elsewhere.

[KillerArcades]

One more example on pricing: http://killerarcademachine.blogspot.com/ - I found that I'm not good at maintaining a blog, and I need some better daytime pictures, but...

This was my first cabinet, and I originally had it all spec'd out to be completed for less than $800. But, then I added full sideart and a kickplate graphic, and illuminated balltops, and a gazillion LED's and thousands of feet or wire and several pounds of solder... and I ended up closer to $1800.

But, it was sooooo worth it!

and my wife was really proud and even smiled when I talked about it - until about two weeks after I finished and I made the mistake of thinking out loud when she was in the same room and I said "Man, I really need to redo my control panel...."

 

Yeah, she doesn't smile so much anymore now that she's knows that it's not really "done" anymore.

[arcadegamenut]

Yesterday, after getting home from work, I realized I may want to add something else to the list.....

Some kind of fan. Now obviously, if I were cutting, I wouldn't want it on since I would hate to see that dust fly!

But, it's been pretty warm here of late (90+ degrees which is about 15 degrees or so above normal I imagine) and during the afternoon, my garage really heats up. I wouldn't be able to stay out there very long (even with the door open).

I'm still not quite ready to take the plunge yet. I want to price out a few other things and then wait for SlikStik's annual 4th of July sale announcement. At an additional 10 percent (I think that's what it was, but I could be wrong), that would bring the SS price down to just over $1500.00.

[TOK]

I have the same issue in my garage. If you have a window at the back of the garage, get a circulating fan and point it toward the garage door. It'll pull cool air through and blow dust toward the door. I still make most of my cuts out in the driveway so I don't have to worry about cleanup as much. I have enough problems with clutter, I don't need a quarter inch coat of saw dust on top of it. 

[arcadegamenut]

Do any of you use a chalk like to assist in marking your lines on the MDF? I see these are fairly inexpensive and considered adding it to the list.

Also, I still have not yet purchased anything. I've watched computer sales (considering upgrading my main desktop as a separate project and then I could use my current p4 3.06 as the cabinet computer )

At this time, I'm leaning towards attempting to build. I've been monitoring the SlikStik site to see if they were going to have a 4th of July sale like they did last year. But after reading a comment made by the owner of the company on this board today, I'm not so sure I want anything to do with that kind of person. More importantly however, is I see a lot of folks on their boards complaining about how long it is taking to get their order. Now obviously I'm in no hurry, but at the time I decide to progress forward, I wouldn't want to have to wait as long as it appears these people are waiting. To be fair, this isn't all customers, but it was enough to raise a flag to me.

[theCoder]

At this time, I'm leaning towards attempting to build.

Go for it !

[leapinlew]

At this time, I'm leaning towards attempting to build.

Go for it !

I recognize that Crazy Climber quote.

[Crafty]

Chalk lines are a quick easy way to mark a straight line, unfortunately once the power tools start the dust flying often the chalk line goes with it.

Voice of experience, use something more permanent.

[arcadegamenut]

Chalk lines are a quick easy way to mark a straight line, unfortunately once the power tools start the dust flying often the chalk line goes with it.

Voice of experience, use something more permanent.

Something like this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=6550

[mccoy178]

Red chalk will leave a quite permanent mark.

[Crafty]

Lead Pencil is an obvious answer as this is what all the carpenters I know tend to use.

Although it sounds like red chalk is another option....

Hmmm I will need to find some red chalk...

[arcadegamenut]

I just received a coupon from Harbor Freight this morning informing me I can receive 10% off my entire order. Is that a hint?

[Crafty]

Arcade Gods Are Obviously Watching Over Your Project Good Luck...