Thread: Routing services to help an old arcade.

Hi, I don't think anyone here has yet to build a 1400mm long machine but if you can get them done in CAD most companies should accept a DWG or DXF format, when I got some stuff waterjet cut he accepted my 2D DXF file and used that.

MDF might be better suited to replace the Chipboard. (Would be best to seal it)

I think you'd be best using one of the side panels as a template from which you can make a new template from a piece of ply. Then with some sanding to the new ply template getting it all nice and neat, use the ply template to cut 2 new sides from MDF using a flush trimming router bit in a router.

Assuming it looks like this, (in french) use the existing sides as templates - it's not complicated enough/not high enough volume to really warrant going the CAD route (the amount of time measuring and making it into a CAD file would be greater than the time required to route around the edges with a template following bit in my opinion).

To throw a spanner in the works...if you are doing it for enjoyment rather than eventual sale as a collectable, you could save a fair bit by getting a semi-recent PC (last 3-4 years should be fine, it doesn't have to be all that high spec) and installing MAME and finding an Atati Star Wars ROM image to load onto it. This'll let you use nice cheap components rather than hunting up technology from 20+ years ago!

There are plenty of PC compatible game controllers (even coin mechanisms), and this'll give you a machine with not only the Star Wars game, but any others that you like the look of!

You'll also need to do the side panel artwork if you want to replicate the feel of an arcade machine; do a google for Star Wars vector art (this refers to vector art files, which open in something like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and can be scaled up without loss of definition) and find some suitable/tasteful images. These can be printed on self adhesive film by most of the places that do conference and exhibition display printing - probably cheaper than trying to find the original transfers.

See also: http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Star_Wars_Cockpit

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

Assuming it looks like this, (in french) use the existing sides as templates - it's not complicated enough/not high enough volume to really warrant going the CAD route (the amount of time measuring and making it into a CAD file would be greater than the time required to route around the edges with a template following bit in my opinion).

To throw a spanner in the works...if you are doing it for enjoyment rather than eventual sale as a collectable, you could save a fair bit by getting a semi-recent PC (last 3-4 years should be fine, it doesn't have to be all that high spec) and installing MAME and finding an Atati Star Wars ROM image to load onto it. This'll let you use nice cheap components rather than hunting up technology from 20+ years ago!

There are plenty of PC compatible game controllers (even coin mechanisms), and this'll give you a machine with not only the Star Wars game, but any others that you like the look of!

You'll also need to do the side panel artwork if you want to replicate the feel of an arcade machine; do a google for Star Wars vector art (this refers to vector art files, which open in something like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and can be scaled up without loss of definition) and find some suitable/tasteful images. These can be printed on self adhesive film by most of the places that do conference and exhibition display printing - probably cheaper than trying to find the original transfers.

See also: Star Wars Cockpit - BYOACWiki

I mean no disrespect when I say there is no way on gods earth I would commit the blasphemy of converting this original and highly collectable cabinet into a mame cabinet not disimilar to the one I am writing this email on. Wow that sounded more savage than I intended....sorry. To state an analogue it would be like putting a 250 crossflow into an original xy gt falcon. I do however defer to your opinion (very humbly so) that a template and copy bit in a router is probably the best coarse of action. Thats why I came onto this forum, to ask for the opinion of highly skilled craftsmen so I thankyou for you help. If there was a way to repair the old chipboard I would to keep as much original as possible. To far gone I suspect. I thankyou for your research into my woes finding new parts for a 27 year old video game thankfully those with more skill and patience than me have been working hard on resolving the problem. It appears also that I am not alone in my pursuits, have a look at the work these guys do RAM Controls - Reproduction Arcade Parts. Thanks again, just to clarify and evidence myself as a complete noob when it comes to woodwork, there is a router bit which can scribe out a desired panel from template? I do own a router but confess to having never used it before ( talk about blasphemy eh?). Thanks agin.

Pattern following bit -

Here for 'how to' - http://www.accesswave.ca/~derekn/rou...mplates%29.htm

and here for drooling over types/sizes - http://www.carbatec.com.au/flush-tri...ing-bits_c9459

If you are really keen on fixing the old chipboard, to preserve collectable value, it is sort of possible.

Basically you drill small holes, inject in epoxy adhesive to consolidate the weak stuff, clamp the thing down to the right thickness, and wait for the epoxy to set. All depends on how much damage there is. Post some pics!

Bewah

Have you visited Aussie Arcade - Australian Retro Arcade, Pinball and MAME Forum ??

There is a lot of people who have done this sort of thing there


Warrick

Originally Posted by warrick

Bewah

Have you visited Aussie Arcade - Australian Retro Arcade, Pinball and MAME Forum ??

There is a lot of people who have done this sort of thing there


Warrick

Thanks warrick, I am a member. Another invaluable source of knowledge for me to sponge off.

Hi Bewah

how did you go with your sides

Originally Posted by Ch4iS

Hi, I don't think anyone here has yet to build a 1400mm long machine

think again ch4is
if you still need sides routed and you can do the cad files i have a 15ft x5ft router
I am in horsham so it may be a bit of a drive for you but as a starwars and old arcade fan would be happy to help out

cheers
Harty

Harty,

I think your router only does 1250 x 3690mm
but that should still do it...


Jayson.

correct you are jayse was late when i wrote my post but with so many cnc machines its hard to keep track of what ive made

cheers
harty