1st build, what the hell did I get myself into?!?!

[BoredRec]

Hey guys, new here. Been touring the site and decided to finally post.
One day I was playing on eBay and decided to look up arcade machines when I found a company that builds cabs to run MAME. From then on I've been hooked on the idea to build my own machine (especially since their price was $3,000 plus). So now, a month later, I finally have something tangible in the garage. It's not perfect (I've found out I'm no carpenter) but at least my neighbors recognize the fact that it appears to be an arcade cabinet.

Now I've been trying to read as much as possible on this site (great info here if your not aware) but I've come to a few snags that I hope some people can give some sound advice. I know there are other sections for advice on here, but I was hoping someone could maybe post a link or something to help guide me. I'm at the point where I'm ready to make the CP and want to use a cover from MAMEMarquee. Just wondering the best way to mount joysticks and trackball. I had the idea of taking 3/4 MDF and notching holes into it for the joysticks and trackball and attaching them to the backside of the CP overlay. Yay? Nay? Also I'm ready to start building the marquee (also going to use MAMEMarquee) and wanted some suggestions on the best way to mount the marquee (thinking of building a frame and cut a slot inside the frame with a slot router bit to hold the film).
Anyway, so far this thing has been both fun and frustrating. It's gonna be fun when it's completed, but to many trips to Lowes, Home Depot, and Radio Shack every time I get a new idea.

Just a few specs I've so far used in this project:
Cabinet is made out of 3/4 MDF.
Bought an old 533mHz computer but found out it was too slow and old. Accidently built myself a new unit trying to upgrade the old...now I've got a 2.2gHz duo core 2 with 2gigs of ram (a little overkill) running MAME.
Used 20" TV modded to allow external power on.
Used stereo with same mod powering 2 6.5" speakers.
HAPP joysticks, buttons and trackball (will be set in fighter panel style) with I-PAC2 for the interface.

Once again, and ideas and suggestions greatly appreciated. And thanks to all who have posted their experiences on here to fill my brain with too many ideas!

Krylo

[golfboyusa]

BoredRec,
Use the joystick mounting plate as a template and mark four holes on the top of your CP for the mounting bolts. Drill holes through your MDF and then drill a bigger hole just deep enough from the top to countersink the heads of your bolts (just use machine bolts, they don't need to be very big.) You also need to drill a hole in the center for the joystick, just use the same spade bit you use to drill holes for your buttons. Fill in the holes on top with wood filler after you mount the sticks and thats it. When it comes time to add your overlay it will look smooth and clean with no bolts showing whatsoever. Make sure you paint the bare wood and let the paint dry for at least 48 hours before adding the overlay or you will get bubbles under the graphic.

As far as the marquee goes, order some marquee retainer from Happ. You will typically use two pieces equal to the width of the inside dimensions of your cabinet. Then just mount two pieces of MDF that are the same height as your marquee. The retainer will screw to the top and bottom MDF pieces and look like a million bucks. **warning** the marquee retainer shipps from Happ in 10' lengths and is fairly expensive to ship. Order more than you need if you plan on doing another cabinet someday. The finished product is worth it!

Welcome to the forums and good luck.

[DaOld Man]

Great advice golfboyusa.. thats the way I did my joysticks..
Example

Except I used a joystick/button layout template that i got off the web. (I cant remember where now, but if anyone's interested I will find it.) I just taped the template to the MDF and drilled in the crosshairs.
Made it a lot simpler.