First Mame Cab - Modified LuSiD

[outofline]

Hey everyone, I'm just about ready to begin construction of my cab. I thought it would be good to post my plans and maybe get some feedback BEFORE I start making cuts

Here is a link to the Sketchup model I made for it:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=82246275856e0c0f985bbec4ffd09cf3

I used LuCiD's cab as a starter and modified it a bit (angled front and dimensions mainly). The panel dimensions are shown in the image below, as are the specs for the entire cabinet. I do have some questions about the construction of the cab:

1. I'm planning on using 3/4" AC plywood because its cheap, light and strong. My only concern with it is that it may not paint well? Anyone gone this route and have an opinion on it? I'd like a nice black cab and don't want to see grain/roughness in it. If AC plywood won't cut it, I may splurge for MDO or cover it with vinyl/laminate.

2. Do I use screws, glue or both to attach everything? Are L-Brackets viable? Then I wouldn't have to drill through the outside panels.

3. I have almost zero shop experience. That being said, would it be worth having Lowes or Home Depot make some of the longer cuts on the plywood for me? And for routing, for someone with no experience, is it easiest to route the edges before you construct the cab?

4. Anyone for or against the following:
* Casters on the bottom
* Door on the rear to allow me to remove the TV if necessary


Thanks for the help and wish me luck!

Tom

Code: [Select]

Full Specs:

Cabinet
* Height = 74"
* Width  = 28.5"
* 3/4" Plywood
* Routed edges w/ T-Molding
* Finish - 2 coats primer, 2 coats glossy black
* Lighted Marquee
* Keyboard drawer
* Front bottom door on hidden hinges
* Plexi bezel with black edges to cover TV front
* Rear doors?
* Top rear panel with vents or fan?
* Casters (2 w/ brakes)?

PC
* Athlon XP 1700+ w/ ECS motherboard
* 768 MB DDR RAM (to be increased if necessary)
* 40 GB HD
* CD/DVD Drive
* ATI Rage Fury video card with S-Video out
* Windows XP
* Wired Keyboard & Mouse
* Mala frontend

Display
* 27" Stereo TV with S-Video

Control Panel
* X-Arcade Tankstick to start (I already have one)
* Custom CP ala LuSiD's in the future


[javeryh]

Welcome!   

1. I'm planning on using 3/4" AC plywood because its cheap, light and strong. My only concern with it is that it may not paint well? Anyone gone this route and have an opinion on it? I'd like a nice black cab and don't want to see grain/roughness in it. If AC plywood won't cut it, I may splurge for MDO or cover it with vinyl/laminate.

I'm not sure what the AC means but any type of plywood should work just fine.  I've used plywood (to stain) and MDF (to paint) for my 2 cabs and I can recommend either however the MDF really makes a mess - it takes paint really nice as long as you seal it up first with a good primer or something.  I will be using MDF for every cab I build to paint from now on.

2. Do I use screws, glue or both to attach everything? Are L-Brackets viable? Then I wouldn't have to drill through the outside panels.

Glue only will work just fine.  You can screw or use L-brackets on the inside for peace of mind but I certainly wouldn't screw through the outside and deal with filling the holes.  I'm using glue only for my current MDF cab and the bond is very strong once the glue sets.  I'm not worried about it falling apart or anything.

3. I have almost zero shop experience. That being said, would it be worth having Lowes or Home Depot make some of the longer cuts on the plywood for me? And for routing, for someone with no experience, is it easiest to route the edges before you construct the cab?

Lowe's or Home Depot will most likely not cut to exact dimensions.  I did not have anything except a router when I started this hobby and I was able to make all of my straight cuts using a straight edge and a pattern bit.  Also, if you have a circular saw, make a sawboard and you can make long straight cuts quite easily.  There's a sticky in the Woodworking forum that shows how to easily make one.

Also, definitely route the t-molding slots before assembly.  It will make your life way easier down the road.

4. Anyone for or against the following:
* Casters on the bottom
* Door on the rear to allow me to remove the TV if necessary

I don't like casters but I would recommend them if you think you will be moving your cab around a bit - I'd try to hide them as much as possible (just a personal preference - lots of people use them).

The door on the rear sounds like a good idea if you think you are going to need to get inside and remove the TV one day.

There are no right or wrong answers - it all comes down to personal preference and how you are going to use your cab (it doesn't hurt to get opinions here though - people are full of them!).

You have no idea what you are getting yourself into - but you are going to love it. 

[outofline]

AC plywood (from what I've read) means one side is "A" grade and one side is "C" grade. So basically I need to face the A side on the outside. Looks like it should work fine.

I'll probably use glue and some L brackets to hold it all together. I think the only place I'm really worried about is the TV shelf. I'll also check out the sawboard as I think I'd rather learn to do this stuff myself in the end anyway.

Thanks for the advice! I'm almost ready to get started, just need to find a good deal on a router and bits and then I think I'll be good to go.