The cocktail arcade plans

So i decided to have a play around with some sizes. Seeing what i could get out of a 1200 x 2400 sheet of MDF.

I had a few interations, then decided on a set of measurements.

Its pretty much based around the screen size, so not going to be perfect.
As i say, the next will have a 4:3 screen, which will fit the look better.


Attempt one:

Not great, attempt two:

Trying to make it look ok, when i haven't a clue on sizes was hard. But i think what i settled on should work.

I still have to work out the arch radius. And the corner radius. 

I think its looks ok though. Time will tell.

I will add the cut sheets later. So you can see what i got out of the MDF.

In the end i had to get 2 sheets to make it fit. I just could quite get away with one sheet.

Maybe next time with a 4:3 screen.

Bought:

2 sheets of 1200 x 2400 mm MDF @ 9mm :  £40

Running total : £205.68

I decided to add a USB hub, so you can add music, films, roms etc via a USB stick, without opening the game.

Quality 4 Ports High Speed USB 2.0 Hub Multi Splitter Expansion for PC : £2.53

Running total : £208.21

Things i need to remember

This is a space for the things i keep forgetting.

Forget mental notes!

1. Get Speakers
2. Top perspex.


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Materials and other things

So after deciding on MDF, i research how to get a high gloss look.

Its not easy! Google "High Gloss Finish On MDF" and there are loads of tutorials out there.
Al lot of hard work, and some good tools needed.

I am going to try numerous coats or primer. Rub down, paint, rub down, paint etc etc...
Then finish with a clear gloss lacquer (sprayed on).

I am going to test an off cut to see how good it is. If not, plan B, of which i dont have one yet!

What am I building

I saw this for sale for £995. Which is good value for money.
Not something i would pay, so I decided thats what i wanted to build, but for a fraction of that cost.

Whats this blog about

The reason i decided to write this blog was for two reasons.

1.
So I could keep a record of everything i need, and what i did to get there.
I didnt want to build another and go through the whole discovery phase again.

2.
So i could explain all my finding to help others in their quest.
I find it difficult to find exactly what i need.

e.g.
How to install Mala or MESS.
I found it really hard to get some simple instructions that a lazy reader like me could use.

And any neat tricks i find along the way.

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My first Cocktail Table blog

So, here we are. I decided to build a cocktail table....

I first built one 10 years ago and love every minute of it. It was something I always wanted to do, so i took the plunge and did it.

It wasn't amazing, but it worked and i had fun building it and playing with it.

It was made out of MDF, with a faux leather covering in black. Looked ok but rough on the inside as you will see from the pics. DO NOT attempt how i did this. I dont think it was very safe having a PC screwed to the wood inside.