Happy Hour Cocktail Cabinet

[ktulu]

OK. So I did a search and found that "Happy Hour" has been used. For a Barcade. Seems reasonable to re-use the name for a "Cocktail" cabinet...right?

I started on this project about a month ago and in my typical fashion didn't take many shots of the construction. I do however still have 2 cabinets to assemble so I will definitely take shots of their progression. At this point I am trying to come up with ideas for the control panels. I have ordered the glass tops and without thinking ordered gray tint. Not sure if it will even be worth doing artwork for the top until I get the glass and see how dark the tint is.

I do have an idea for routing out a bit of the top and backlighting it from underneath. If the design was right it might really make the logo jump out. It may of been done already but I haven't seen it yet. The cabinet will be receiving a 21" monitor so there is not a lot of space for anything else.

Any one have any ideas on the control panel? I was thinking of putting the name on the top of the control panel and some sort of design around the joystick and 4 buttons. I will also have two mini buttons on the right side for the 1 and 2 player starts. I was thinking about putting a collage of classic marquees on the bottom half of the control panel. The side that aims at your gut while you are sitting and playing. Any thoughts? I am in no way a graphics artist. I am still trying to get a decent vector graphics tool working well under Linux. Dreading the idea of going to windows just to use illustrator.

I will post more pics tonight.

[ktulu]

Here is a few more pics. Besides the glass, lef leverlers, galss clips and control panel its done. Just don't want to cut out the holes for the buttons until I have my design. You can that there won't be much room in the bottom after the monitor is installed. None actually. I wanted to make the PC capable of being removed without removing the monitor so I put it on a ramp.

There is a toggle switch for the main power and an on/off button I wired onto the PC motherboard so you can gracefully shut it down.

[rackoon]

looks good, love the stain choice.

 I am building a similar set up . infact i just cut most of the wood last night.


What is the over hang depth for how far the cab hangs over the pedestal? I was going to use 1 1/2" but yours looks about right.

[ktulu]

looks good, love the stain choice.

Thanks a lot. The stain is MinWax Rosewood with 3 coats of Polycrylic. Both are water based and it seems to be a pretty touch finish without a lot of mess or smells.

What is the over hang depth for how far the cab hangs over the pedestal? I was going to use 1 1/2" but yours looks about right.

The cabinet itself is 19.5" x  21.5" and the pedestal is 17.5" x 19". So about 1" on the ends and 1.25" on the sides.

The top is 1" x 22" x 32". The glass I have ordered is 1/4" thick and I am planning on using 8 of the midway glass retainer clips like happcontrols sells.

All I need now is some creative juice to design the art for the control panels. I broke down and installed illustrator and it looks easy. Who knows maybe I will come up with something over a few pints.

Good luck on yours. I have 2 more to assemble and I am looking forward to it. To me that is the most enjoyable part. The cutting out and finishing is kind of painful in comparisson.

[DrewKaree]

It might just be the pictures, but how did that stain turn out?  It looks like you may have wiped it on rather than flooding the piece with stain and then wiping it off.  Also, Minwax makes a "conditioner" that evens out how the wood accepts the stain.

Just observations.  If you like it, that's all that matters.

[ktulu]

It might just be the pictures, but how did that stain turn out?  It looks like you may have wiped it on rather than flooding the piece with stain and then wiping it off.  Also, Minwax makes a "conditioner" that evens out how the wood accepts the stain.

The stain looks pretty good in my opinion. Obviously the flash from the camera brings out things you wouldn't normally see under normal indoor lighting. That being said I have already purchased a can of the conditioner for the other 2 cabinets.

I fully expected going in to it that each cabinet would be different in some way. The only way I know how to learn how to do things is just do it. Never have been good at reading about things and planning is just not for me. So just do it and see what happens. Learn from it and make the next one better. One things for sure about this first cocktail. It is built tough. Biscuits, glue  and corner braces everywhere. Plus the all plywood construction helps a lot. No MDF for me please!

Now if I could just get this control panel looking better. Here is what I have so far. First time using illustrator and I was on a conference call all night while I did it. I know it has a long way to go but I will post it anyway.

[Wade]

I think the stain looks quite nice myself. Looks like a real nice cabinet, quality plywood and nice build quality.

The name Happy Hour and the design of the CP seem to conflict though.  CP artwork looks kinda "dark", as in, not happy.

Wade

[ktulu]

I think the stain looks quite nice myself. Looks like a real nice cabinet, quality plywood and nice build quality.

The name Happy Hour and the design of the CP seem to conflict though.  CP artwork looks kinda "dark", as in, not happy.

Wade

Thanks! The cab is definitely put together well regardless of looks! 

I agree the colors of the CP and the name Happy are quite a contrast. Not sure where I want to go with it. Either different colors or different name. Or both! I have another all night call tonight so hopefully I can find some inspiration while listening to the confusion that is sure to be associated with it.

[ktulu]

Been busy working. Decided to start assembling the other cocktails in this project. Here are some crude pics.

[ktulu]

New control panel and possible new name. Crazy Hours?

Still having fun with it.

[ktulu]

Hadn't gotten a call from my glass guy so I haven't been rushing the artwork. I think I am ready to put a fork in it. Changed it back to Happy Hour. Once the artwork is printed and returned the hardware will be installed and number one will be done.

[Rok]

I think you might want to take off the creepy man eating demon monster thing. That doesnt really fit the name "Happy Hour"

[markrvp]

I think you might want to take off the creepy man eating demon monster thing. That doesnt really fit the name "Happy Hour"

I agree.  It's a cool graphic, but doesn't really fit here.

[ktulu]

Maybe I will change the name. I kind of thought it was a funny contrast though. He does look like he is smiling. You know not everyone can have supermodel looks! 

Thanks for the thoughts!