Work has started....
Entry posted by EricDeLee
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OLD POST (Please look below for new pics and progress):
I'll be working on that Mini-Cade(the vectrex coinop) later.Right now... I've started my project that I've been planning for a long time but never got the supplies to do the actual work. It won't be as complicated as say a portable Atari that Ben Heck is famous for, however, it will suit me just fine.
I am building a stylish countertop/bartop Atari 2600 unit. I will not be including a coin slot for this. But I will be using actual arcade controls. ie: Gauntlet joystick that has the Atari symbol on top, atari start buttons... the classic cone shaped ones that glow red.... and beautiful orange pushbuttons!!! The paddle will be a modded atari 2600 paddle. More than likely the same type of knob as you can see below. I will be using this design below, I'll make things a bit tigter and of course I'll really get some measurements down. I'll add some nice artwork as well. I'm thinking of a black background with the orange tick marks that you see around the joysticks base. I'll show the artwork later. The two cone buttons will be for Select and Reset. I'm thinking of adding the difficulty sitches somewhere... but I'm not really sure yet. This will have a marquee that lights up ad everything! I can't wait to get started on the actual woodwork!
I'll add more info later. This is just a teaser!
Well... time sure does fly by when you are having fun. I've got a few different projects in the works. I just recently took a week off from work to relax and then decided to start on my Atari project that I had sitting in the shed, all etched out on MDF and Oak boards... just itching to be cut!
So... I began a bit of my work... and changed my plans quite a bit as well.
Take a look at the pics below, and then the descriptions! I'm not great at dealing with woodworking, and have never taken any 'shop' classes. So.. please ignore minore stuff and let me know how it looks from an Atari 2600 fan.
The idea:
Build a Stylish Counter top Atari 2600 Arcade. My goal is to use real arcade parts (buttons) and to basically have an Atari 2600 set up ready to play at all times (even if the wife is watching a reality show or something that doesn't interest me.
I wanted something fairly small... perhaps something I can even take to work to put on my desk. I also wanted to get a 'feel' for things, as eventually I would like to make my arcade cabinet.
So... I put away the Atari Portable I was working on, and decided to change course for a bit and then I'll get back to that.
I didn't take a lot of pictures to begin with. I simply dived in and went with what I knew and just kept working. Eventually I stopped and figured that I should take a few pics.
In the beginning:
The sides and stylish design I created (Kind of like Namco... sort of)
Here's a closer picture of the side of the control panel.
Notice the screw holes, all of them have been filled in with Wood Putty/Filler, and sanded down. The sides are ready for paint. 
A cool shot of it all...
Color Scheme: I decided to keep this one fairly nice:
Black on the sides, top and back panels, and the monitor bezel.
The control panel and the board that will go at an angle under it will be natural Wood Color. I'll sand that down really well and stain the wood a bit. Then perhaps use some of that Poly.... stuff for a nice thick shine. Not really sure about the last part... as the stain may be enough.
This is the somewhat beginning stages where I am actually putting pieces together and getting a 'shape' out of everything. Generally when things begin to take shape, you feel like you want to rush it and get things done right away. I'm trying to take my time and be careful with things. Last night I was REALLY wanting to paint. But i held off as I still have work ahead of me.
Most of the wood work is now complete (as you can tell by the pics below).
Some pics of where I am at right now:
Notice the control panel. I had to change out the joystick to a smaller one. That is a bit of a bummer, but it will look better I think. The orange fire button, and then the nice cone buttons I plan to use for Select and Reset.
All other switches will be relocated on the back panel. (difficulty switches and extra joystick ports).
I'll post more later....
Let me know what you think!
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