Just Another Bartop MAME Unit...

[Sinner]

I decided to build a full upright unit...it's the only way to really enjoy MAME, so I started planning and collecting parts,,,my GF was in full agreement, but she thought I should start small and build a bartop unit for the bar at her parents house first...that way I could learn how to use my tools, and hopefully learn from the whole experience...
Well, here it is months later, and I've started the bartop...I bought a sheet of 3/4" MDF, misc parts (screws, brackets, etc), and a bunch of tools...controls so far TStik Plus, HAPP buttons, minipac and HAPP 2 1/4" TB...I have an old 15" monitor and some old PCs kicking around...
I've actually designed it, started cutting and done some dry fitting...what a learning experience...I'll post pictures as I get them scaled down...right now they're about 5MB each...

[markrvp]

Sounds like a great project.  I'll be following along.

[Sinner]

I designed it on graph paper, then cut it to size on carboard, to see if it would work...
I'm a complete newbie to using power tools and working with wood, so please take it easy on me...
Here are some pictures...
The first is a collection of parts I have...I'm sure I can use them somewhere...
The second is my cardboard bartop...

[Sinner]

My plans ended up changing a little, and since the modifications were so small, I didn't bother doing another cardboard mock-up...
Here's some shots as I was building...everything so far has been cut and dryfitted...
I still have to cut the2 back pieces...make sure it's even...take it all apart...glue it...and put it all back together...
It's not as difficult as I thought it would be, but I've only just started, so gimmie time to have some spaz-outs...

[dphirschler]

Nice design.  I like the shape.  One thing, I am not clear on where you plan to put the speakers.


Darryl

[Sinner]

Nice design.

[markrvp]

I haven't even bought a router yet (I'm not sure what to look for)...I have found slot bits though, but I'm not sure the exact size I'll need, so I'm waiting for my T-molding to arrive before I purchase one...

If your T-molding is fairly standard, then the slot cutting bit you need is 3/32"   You probably won't find it at Home Depot or Lowe's so you can do two things:

1.)  Order the 3/32" slot cutting bit online from ROCKLER or another supplier of router bits
2.)  Get a 1/16" slot cutting bit locally and make two passes to get the slot to 3/32"

[Sinner]

I haven't even bought a router yet (I'm not sure what to look for)...I have found slot bits though, but I'm not sure the exact size I'll need, so I'm waiting for my T-molding to arrive before I purchase one...

If your T-molding is fairly standard, then the slot cutting bit you need is 3/32"

[spriggy]

I haven't even bought a router yet (I'm not sure what to look for)...I have found slot bits though, but I'm not sure the exact size I'll need, so I'm waiting for my T-molding to arrive before I purchase one...

If your T-molding is fairly standard, then the slot cutting bit you need is 3/32"

[markrvp]

Thanks for the correction, Spriggy.  5/64", not 3/32"    My personal experience with using 3/4" T-molding with 3/4" MDF was that the 1/16" slot was not wide enough.  The malleting pressure needed to drive it in caused flat spots in the T-molding around the cab.  Therefore, I suggest the larger bit, even for 3/4".

You can order one from T-mold.com here:  http://www.t-mold.com/product/sc-5X.htm

There is also a nice T-molding FAQ here:
http://www.t-mold.com/faq.htm

[MameMe]

Did you use glue to help hold those sides on?

[Sinner]

Did you use glue to help hold those sides on?

Not yet, I'm dry fitting it first...I want to make sure everything lines up properly, then I plan to take it apart, glue it and reassemble...you probably can't see it very well in the picture, but I only have a few screw holding it together...once glued, I'll put them all in and use wood putty to fill in the holes...
Am I on the right track so far, or will I run into problems, but disassembling??

[markrvp]

It will be easier to cut out the holes for the joystick and buttons before you assemble the cabinet.

[Sinner]

It will be easier to cut out the holes for the joystick and buttons before you assemble the cabinet.

Yeah, in the picture it's just wedged in there and has a stick holding it up...
I was thinking of putting some piano hinge at the front, and I'm trying to figure out some way to lock it down at the back...that way I'll at least be able to open it up if I need to work on it...
I'm planning on putting some pinball buttons at the sides, so maybe I can come up with some sort of latch that hooks around them...I haven't worked that part out yet...
Any ideas??  Maybe I should just screw the CP into place...?

[str1der]

Actually if you use a hinge you could just use heavy velcro on the underside to keep it  down. that's what I used to attach my full size control panel to my cabinet and it doesn't budge.  Makes it very clean with no screws.

[Sinner]

Actually if you use a hinge you could just use heavy velcro on the underside to keep it

[Sinner]

OK, so I picked up a 2/25" trackball and my T-molding from Starburst yesterday...I still need to buy a router and slot cutter bit, but I found a place that sells them...apparently, there's only one in Canada, so I'll be scooping that up as soon as I can...
I've changed my plans a little, but I think it'll work out well...I'm going to add a cross member and a couple of access doors, so it'll be easier to to maintenance once complete...I'll need to do some other things to strengthen the structure...
Anyone have any comments, or suggestions?

Thanks..

[spriggy]

Thanks for the correction, Spriggy.

[markrvp]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think adding a support at the bottom will add considerable rigidity to the cabinet and prevent it from swaying from side to side.  As long as the access door is inside the side panels it will do the same thing, but I like a fixed brace.

[Baker535]

I agree with another poster that it's got a real nice shape and size, you are seriously reminding me why bartops can be so cool... Hrm maybe a conversion of my concept plans might be geared better on this type of a platform. At least it would be easier to manage since I'm roughly in the same boat... little woodworking skills and lack of proper tools. If only I could get away with balsa like when I build models

-baker

[Sinner]

I used to make balsa wood planes...I wasn't very good at them either, but at least they flew...
I've decided to add the cross member at the bottom (thanks for the suggestion), one at the top, and I've decided to cut two 2" cross members that have a 45 degree angle for the angled part of the top...I will add piano hinge to that, and have an access door...
I haven't had much time to work on this lately, and I'm going away for this long weekend...hopefully next week I can get some done...I'm anxious to start painting...
Thanks for all your comments...I'll post more pics when I get them, and as always, any suggestions you have are more than welcome...

[Sinner]

Well, I finally bought a router, but I still have to buy some bits, before I can start working with it...I've gotten a lot of other things done though:
All has been taken apart and glued...
Cross members added...
Access doors installed...
CP drilled for buttons and joystick (TB when I get the bits for my router)...
Monitor mounted into frame (not into the bartop though, too heavy to do alone)...
Wood putty has been put on the screw holes, and some sanding has been done...

I still have a lot to do...I hope to post more pictures before the weekend...
Thanks markrvp, for the suggestion for the lower crossmember...it's going to make a huge difference once the monitor and guts are installed...

[atari2600chick]

Very nice bar top

[Sinner]

Very nice bar top

[froggerman]

Well, I finally bought a router, but I still have to buy some bits, before I can start working with it

Did you find a place to get your slot cutter for the t-molding? If not, Home Depot will order them for you, any Freud dealer can get them and KMS Tools in Coquitlam will mail-order them to you.

[Sinner]

Well, I finally bought a router, but I still have to buy some bits, before I can start working with it

Did you find a place to get your slot cutter for the t-molding? If not, Home Depot will order them for you, any Freud dealer can get them and KMS Tools in Coquitlam will mail-order them to you.

Thanks for the info, I called the Freud Canadian distributor, and there not far away from where my GF lives...they had 2X 1/16 bits left, so I ordered one...comes to $29CDN + TAX...about $33.35
There's hardware store next to Freud that took my order, and I'll pick it up this weekend...I can't wait to give it a go...

[atari2600chick]

Hey, thanks...I'm already planning my upright, and have most of the parts purchased...I'm anxious to start on it, but I promised my GF to get hers done before I start mine...she also wants me to build us a juke box, but that won't be until after mine is complete...I'm glad she shares in my obsessions...

Glad to hear that your girlfriend shares in your obsession, it certainly helps when building arcade cabinets. Sounds like it was a good move building her the bartop first coz otherwise you might just end up fighting over the controls when you build the upright

[Sinner]

HA! Those are a good idea...she actually does help me build...she's a very good supervisor...
We're supposed to be picking up a slot cutting bit tomorrow, and the TB mounting kit should be in sometime this week...unfortunately I have to work all day tomorrow, so we won't be working on the cabinet for the rest of the weekend, but we hope to start on the painting next week...

[Sinner]

One more...

[Sinner]

Is it possible to paint before routing for the T-molding, or is it better to wait until after?

[markrvp]

Is it possible to paint before routing for the T-molding, or is it better to wait until after?

I prefer to rout first, paint second.  Otherwise you may scuff or scratch the paint with the router base.

[stellarola]

Hey, glad to see this thing is finally taking some serious shape, not much else to do on it, eh? I wish I would finish my dreamcast bartop cab  .

[Sinner]

Is it possible to paint before routing for the T-molding, or is it better to wait until after?

I prefer to rout first, paint second.

[Sinner]

Hey, glad to see this thing is finally taking some serious shape, not much else to do on it, eh? I wish I would finish my dreamcast bartop cab

[Timoe]

Where will you mount the PC?  Will the PC be in its case?

[Sinner]

Where will you mount the PC?

[KenToad]

Hey Sinner,

  Awesome work on that bartop.  I love the lines on that one and the way that the marquee doesn't stick out too far.

Cheers,
KenToad 

[Sinner]

Hey Sinner,

[Sinner]

I bought a slot cutter last night, but I haven't had a chance to play with it...I'm not exactly sure how it works...it has a bearing at the bottom, but do I need a guide at the top too?  I have some attachments that came with my router, but I have no idea what size, etc...I'm also not exactly sure how to set the depth...BUT...like I said, I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, so for all I know it may be really easy...

[AlanS17]

Actually if you use a hinge you could just use heavy velcro on the underside to keep it