The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: topdawgg on February 24, 2012, 08:57:24 pm

Title: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: topdawgg on February 24, 2012, 08:57:24 pm
About 2 years ago I began to build an arcade machine... didnt have tools, didnt have a house... had nothing.

About a year ago I got a house and really started in on the cab.  Scared beyond belief using Circular saws/table saws etc.... the thing is almost done.... heres my dilema.

1)  How do I install the Bezel?  Could I just Velcro it to the sides/front?
2)  Does the Bezel need plexiglass on the inside (I am using an LED computer monitor)
3)  How in the world do I keep the LCD from not moving in the cabinet, any good ideas on how to make brackets... use the wood.... etc?
4)  What do I use to cut the Bezel... thing is annoying hard plastic.  I have a plastic cutter that I am going to try to use for the Plexiglass (its what Home Depot told me to get).

Thanks for the help guys.
Title: Re: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: TopJimmyCooks on February 24, 2012, 10:03:26 pm
Hmmm.  Post up some pics of these various things and what you've got built so far. We'll see if we can get you some similar project pics to get you going.  Don't go anywhere near anything with the alleged plastic cutter- those never work well. 

I used the editorial "we" there, by the way.
Title: Re: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: Turambar on February 25, 2012, 12:44:55 am
Hmmm.  Post up some pics of these various things and what you've got built so far. We'll see if we can get you some similar project pics to get you going.  Don't go anywhere near anything with the alleged plastic cutter- those never work well. 

I used the editorial "we" there, by the way.

+1 to this.  I built most of my cab using Saint's book.  The bezel area is one of the places I felt the book was mostly silent.  Having actually put my monitor in and looking around the forums, I know why.  Depending on the bracing you went with for your monitor and the type of monitor itself, there are a million different ways people tackle the job. 

I cut my bezel using 1/4 ply.  It fits very tightly in the cabinet right up against the monitor.  I painted it black and attached the smoke plexi to it.  What holds it in place is an aluminum L bracket.  Here is a pic.

(http://i.imgur.com/R8FGe.jpg)

It is very sturdy, and because of the way I put it in, I can easily remove it as well.  Once again, though, so much of it depends on what you built.
Title: Re: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: Turambar on February 25, 2012, 01:04:52 am
I found this for you as well.  From what I can see from most builds, most guys just mount their LCD to a piece of wood that runs behind it.  Most LCD monitors use what is known as the Vesa standard.  Here is some info http://www.ergoindemand.com/about_VESA_standard.htm (http://www.ergoindemand.com/about_VESA_standard.htm)
Title: Re: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: topdawgg on February 25, 2012, 06:18:26 pm
Well thanks for the input... this is what I decided to do.

I mounted the monitor with just two small pieces of wood to keep it from moving front/back.  The monitor is 25 1/2 inches wide while the cab is 25 and 3/4.  I will not be moving this beast anywhere.  I cut the Bezel from Happ controls to the exact width of the opening and it is pretty darn tight....

I think I am just going to leave it as is since I will not be moving anything in the future.  Just on to the Marquee and I am officially done (minus adding some graphics).  I will post my 2 year project soon.'

Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Some questions for the pros (AKA not me)
Post by: ark_ader on February 27, 2012, 06:46:01 am
My bezel design in incorporated into the LCD mounting frame of the monitor, via a roller slot.

If I want to change anything I just roll the monitor out the back.

It is so much easier to clean, and gravity keeps it sturdy.

I never tried it with CRTs due to the weight.