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Decisions decisions -- An Introduction

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armax:
pointdablame is right on the money.

CJK:

--- Quote from: arcadegamenut on June 07, 2005, 09:04:38 am ---
Now, the biggest concern I'd have is still the fact that I don't own many of the saws, routers and such and I really don't know much about them. I do have plenty of screwdrivers, torque wrenches, a soldering iron and desoldering iron, a small (probably 1 ft) level, a tape measure and somewhere out in the garage, I believe I have a sanding block that I bought many years ago.

Still, how much am I going to have to set back to buy the tools needed? Of course there is the issue too, that this would more-then-likely be the ONLY time that I'd ever use these things. Now, renting is a possibility I suppose, but how expensive can that get? I've read many examples where it takes guys 3 - 4 hours or possibly even days to get all of their cuts finished and set up just right. If Christmas presents are any indication, I cannot cut a straight line!  ;D

--- End quote ---

You'll need (at a minimum) a circular saw, a jigsaw, a router, and a cordless drill/driver. The cutting can be done in one day, so if you don't own the saws, find a friend who does, especially if you don't expect to need them again. (Of course, how many here have started out to build "just one cabinet" and now have a game room full?  ;)) Building the control panel will take you the most time, so plan to use the router and drill a lot more than the saws. (Probably over a couple of days or weekends.)

What's not included in that tool list, though, are the other necessities: clamps, fasteners (drywall screws, mostly, though there are special fasteners for MDF), glue, measuring and marking tools (a speed square, a tape, and a straightedge are minimums), paint, router bits, drill bits, etc.

SlikStik has great kits, but MameRoom Designs has new cabinet kits available, and they are cheaper than SlikStik's. KevSteele has reviewed one of their kits, and he liked it. (If you haven't yet checked out Kevin's web site, it's a must -- http://www.retroblast.com)

Welcome to the hobby -- beware, it's pretty much all-consuming once you take the plunge! Take it from someone who now spends all his weekends and evenings planning and building.  ;D

-- Chris

KenToad:

--- Quote from: quarterback on June 07, 2005, 11:34:19 am ---Where do you live, chief?

--- End quote ---

Columbus, Ohio. 

Arcadegamenut, I'm in Athens, OH, about two hours southeast of there.  Unfortunately, I can't help you find a gutted cab, but I would say you can definitely do your project from scratch without investing $1000.  All you really need is a drill, some bits, a jigsaw and a circular saw.  You usually can borrow or rent a router and buy the bit for less that $20 online, although I know from experience that that can be a pain.  Then you just need some woodglue, screws, etc. in addition to your standard building materials, whatever you choose.  The answers are all on this board.  Just use the search function up at the top before you ask anything and all will be good.  Anyway, good luck with getting started.  Give me a shout if you need any "local" help.  I'm up in Columbus every month or two to shop or eat at one of the ethnic restaurants.

Cheers,
KenToad

AlanS17:
Also check movie theaters and Cici's Pizza places - anywhere that has arcade machines where they aren't the prime focus. Quite often they don't own their own machines. Look for the vendor stickers on those. Also hit the Yellow Pages. There HAS to be a vendor near you. Have you checked Ebay? Do a search for everything in the arcade category within 25 or 50 miles of your zip code. You're bound to turn up something. You're not from some small town.

quarterback:

--- Quote from: KenToad on June 07, 2005, 11:44:48 am ---
--- Quote from: quarterback on June 07, 2005, 11:34:19 am ---Where do you live, chief?

--- End quote ---

Columbus, Ohio.
--- End quote ---

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