Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jun 14, 2012 08:36am | #1

   Questions

   I'm unclear on what you mean by an arcade cabinet, Ted. Are you building something similar to the cabinets used for arcade games? Or, are you doing something different?

   Note that arcade-game cabinets are usually constructed rather cheaply, often out of MDF, for reasons of cost. They aren't intended to be "fine woodworking".

   Strong joinery depends both on the design of the piece and the materials being used.

1. 
   Kuato2084 | Jun 14, 2012 11:52am | #2

   Yes Ralph, I am trying to build an upright arcade game cabinet. I know there are communities for arcade building, but I wanted expert advice in woodworking. MDF is a commonly used board, but I would be using MDO which is the better quality board and has the benefit of the smooth surface for vinyl graphics. Here is the link to what I am exactly trying to build http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=55789.0 As you'll notice I  beleive he is using biscuit joinery. My question would be what tools do I need to build this and good tools to have in general for woodworking and what would be the strongest joinery or best way to build the shell of this arcade. As for tools should i get a table saw, miter saw, router , and biscuit joiner, should i use a combination of a Kreg jig? thanks for your help and anyone elses help.

   Kinda Regards,

   Ted

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jun 16, 2012 10:23am | #3

   MDF/MDO joinery and tools

   Working with sheet goods on a table saw can be problematic due to the size and weight of the panels. Instead, I would suggest a good circular saw with a guide track (commonly called a "track saw") such as the Festool TS-55. A router is handy for cutting dados for stronger glued joinery, but I wouldn't attempt to cut biscuit slots with one hand-held. A biscuit joiner is better (and safer) for that purpose. Be aware, however, that the adhesive that hold all those little wood chips together is tough on both saw blades and router bits.

   MDF and MDO present challenges to conventional fasteners like screws, since the fibers tend to break apart, rather than compress like solid wood does. Properly-sized pilot holes are essential, and special screws designed for this use are better than regular wood screws. You might also consider using hardware commonly used with "knock-down" book shelves. Often, the makers of shelves use what might be called cam discs that capture a knob on the end of the pin/screw, to pull the pieces together.

   Pocket-hole joinery, as done with the Kreg jig, is popular as a quick-and-dirty means of joining face frames and cabinet panels made of solid wood. I'm not sure how well it works with MDF/MDO, however.

   You might also consider using internal glue blocks - small blocks of solid wood, glued to the internal faces of the panels to strengthen the joinery.

   Materials-wise, you might also consider using cabinet-grade plywood, rather than MDF/MDO. Plywood is stronger and more durable, albeit more expensive, particular in cabinet grade. Manufacturers of commercial arcade games use MDF more for expense reasons, and the fact that the cabinets aren't really intended to last as long as conventional pieces of furniture.

1. 
   Kuato2084 | Jun 19, 2012 04:55am | #5

   Ralph Thank you

   Thank you Ralph for your help. I am going to get the track saw by festool thanks for the advice. I may have some additional questions to ask you as they come up so be sure to keep a look out :) thanks again.

   Kinda Regards,

   Ted

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jun 19, 2012 09:26am | #6

   Although Festool products tend to be expensive, the engineering is excellent. Consider attaching one of their "dust extractors" (AKA shop vac) to make the TS-55 almost dust-free.

   If you have curves to cut, also consider their Trion jigsaw.

2. 
   Westchester | Jun 16, 2012 03:24pm | #4

   Tools

   An inexpensive and very strong way to join cabinet sides together is with a doweling jig.   Easy to use and it gives you the ability to choose from  3 or 4 different size dowels -

   SA

3. 
   tomj300sr | Sep 05, 2012 05:21pm | #7

   Yo i can help you out

   So there are many ways to make a arcade cabinet and it depends on the look you' re going for.

   First off here is how i made mine: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Cab-arcade/

   second off a good place for help constructing a cab from scratch is: reddit.com/r/woodworking  & reddit.com/r/mame, byoac.com

   all methods you mention are correct and the simple rule is>>>>> the more contact area, the stronger it will be. 

   for tools: some special tools you might need are: t-slot cutting router bit( for t-molding), and 3 inch hole saw bit for speakers. other than that (Needed), jig, saw, router, drill, metal yard stick( Nice to have) table saw, biscut jointer. 

   It's a fun project and if you have any questions email me.