My latest project: Custom Laptop / Tabletop Cab - DONE!

[mjmjr25]

DONE: Added new pics after some additional finishing and touchups. Looks a ton cleaner after moving up the bezel stops and another coat of finish.

Took some pics of it in my bedroom which is where i'll mostly play it.

This is how it looks from behind:


Supergun and TV plugged into one extension cord which gives plenty of room and allows all of those wires to remain in the back housing, so just one cord comes out the back:


Weighs 37lbs, I set it on the bed and just slide it up on my lap:

ORIGINAL POST:
So was bored yesterday and while browsing images for some cocktail cab ideas, I stumbled across the tabletop setups that are becoming more and more common, but the prices are just crazy, so decided to see if I could build a portable tabletop arcade with one of my superguns.

The final product should weigh in at under 35 lbs:
Frame: 12lbs
Supergun / Control Panel: 10lbs
19" LCD TV: 9lbs
Bezel: 4lbs
Arcade PCB: 2lbs or less

Frame construction is (1) 2"x4"x10' and (1) 4'x4'x1/2" plywood and consists of plywood base, 2x4 Control Panel and monitor Support and plywood decorative side panels.

Awaiting the monitor atm, so unable to build the bezel, which will be 24" square, fully house the monitor, fit into 2 grooves, and be fully rotatable.

Side Panels will be attached next weekend and i'll update at that time.

[noiseredux]

this is awesome Mike. As you know via PM, I'm playing w/ the idea of building some kind of cab for my basement at some point. But what? Cocktail cab is classy for the wet bar, and probably good for shmups. But not really functional for 2P stuff. A candy would look great, but a stand-up might give me a reason to stand up once in a while. And then a bartop is interesting cuz y'know... the bar.

[mjmjr25]

Plugged away at this a bit today, still awaiting the monitor on this particular one, so at a bit of a standstill in regard to the final cuts on the bezel and the bezel-stop, but everything else is done. So once I make those 2 final cuts, it'll be finishing steps and then bring it in the house.

The actual bezel itself is cut, just not notched out for the actual monitor, the bezel is 23" x 23" so fully rotateable. This will weigh under 30lbs w/supergun and monitor, so literally can be on my lap, though most times it will be on a table.

[mjmjr25]

Waiting on the monitor to arrive - everything is done but the final bezel cut.

Pretty excited about this project - truly portable and literally no excuses to not be able to find a way to play.

Last coat of tung oil today:

This is the bezel, after the second coat of oil (still wet), you can see the center is dry - I didn't oil that area as it will be cut out once I have exact monitor measurements

[LXL_Guy]

Looks good so far. Keep us posted with more progress pics.

[mjmjr25]

Ok, finished this up today (monitor arrived yesterday). Built a bezel real quick (monitor can be removed by undoing any 1 of the 4 sides (2 screws on the back).

I was pretty excited, so I still need to remove the monitor and do a second coat of poly (you can see some haze from sanded poly on the bezel).

I initially left room between the monitor and the control panel to be able to access wires, but upon testing, there'll be pleny of room to access from behind, so i'll move the bezel "stops" up flush with the control panel.

[noiseredux]

So fetch.

[mjmjr25]

Thanks dude. I added a second set of bezel stops; flush with the CP, gave it a much cleaner look.

What's that? Am I going to play EspGaluda in bed?

Yes.

[chupon]

Alright I can't take it. Just got back from a trip and am tired and there is no censor. Mike I love you man. I love your family, I love and am jealous of your collection, and you are one of the nicest guys on Racketboy. This is not meant as a flame but it's gonna sound like one.

The bar top looks cheap and unfinished. For someone who has such a meticulous collection with custom boxes I'm surprised you are trying to pass this off. The sides look like flimsy 3/8" ply and the frame round the monitor looks fat and gross. Thing looks ramshackled together - just saying.

I know you aren't an artisan master carver or even furniture maker. I know this stuff goes together in your garage with your kids help. ( which by the way is awesome ). But I want to see better. Don't settle on this. Start again. It looks like the wood got a half coat of stain. Put a few more on next time. Get wood without exposed knots and burls.

Arg. Again - sensor is off here so sorry. Not trying to pick a fight. I just want better for you. I'm going to bed now.

[noiseredux]

so the PCB sleeps next to you and the wife sleeps on the floor then?