MAME Table: Main Table Construction {Stage 4}

Post Overview:

This post covers details of the construction of the main table used to house the major components.

Introduction:

This post details the creation of the main table, used to house the JAMMA electronics (PSU, Monitor, JAMMA unit).  Three IKEA 'Lack' tables are used to form the main table body. The internal strenghening cardboard from the tables is removed and the table tops combined to make a 'table sandwich'.

Links to the full photo set for this build stage are also provided, but they contain no context information and thus are best reviewed after reading the blog entry.

The blog entry closes with post-build thoughts and where possible, suggested 'next time' improvement ideas.

Main Table - Construction:

Overview/Background: References to the diffent table tops ('the layers') are used throughout this blog. The table top layers are as follows:
Table 1 forms the bottom base layer.
Table 2 is 'the sandwich layer' used to create space and height for the internal components.
Table 3 is the top layer, which holds the monitor and the glass top.
As noted above, the Lack tables are virtually hollow. They do have some strengthening cardboard on the inside, but as we'll see, that gets ripped out.





Here we see the top of Table One. As this is the bottom layer (where only the underside needs to remain in place) the top will be (roughly) opened up to get a better look at the insides.

As this was the first 'opening' cut, the width of the internal table edge was unknown.  The worry was that the jigsaw would cut into the core structure of the table and damage its integrity.

Thus, a wide margin was let around the hole, until a better look inside the table was possible.











Hole section removed.....














..... strengthening cardboard removed.....















...clear view of inside table one.

A further exploratory section was removed to gague the wide of the table support structure. The table side was only 8mm thick.

Both edges were widened to the maximum size, without cutting into the supporting 8mm edge.

While cutting this bottom layer, the jigsaw was held at 45 degrees (from the cutting edge) so that the blade didn't go thru the full depth of the table - this was to avoid cutting out the bottom of the table/layer.

The underside of the layer two.

Onto layer 2, 'the sandwich layer': a rough hole was cut thru the full thickness of the table. i.e. the jigsaw was held flat against the cutting edge.
















Layer Two, flipped the right way up and placed on top of layer one.

Layer Two, on top of layer one. Sawdust lines on the shelf.

Here we see a close-up of the above photo - layer two, on top of layer one.

The lines drawn in the sawdust highlight the 'shelf' - by making layer two's hole larger than that of Layer One, a narrow shelf has been formed (by the top of layer one).  Components will either be placed on or inside this shelf area

Looking closely, the screws used to fix layer two to layer one can also be seen inside the edge of the current 'top' layer.

And finally Layer Three.  Bottom removed, hollowed out, pegs inserted and ready for fitting.














Pre-monitor and before spray painting.  Also at this photo stage the table still had the ugly plastic control covers (which got removed here).












<interlude>
During the building phase, the plan was to make the top layer lockable and open via a hinge.  As can be seen (right), the constuction went as far as fitting the hinges.  The plan changed when the 'why is this needed' question was asked.  It simply wasn't needed, hence the above described fixed-top design was implemented and the hindges were removed.
<interlude over>





It's likely that the JAMMA board will need some control buttons ("CBs").  These CBs might be needed to drive the actual the JAMMA unit (e.g. to select games or drive the menus).

As these CBs aren't needed all the time (i.e. as part of standard gameplay), they needn't sit on the main control panels.  Thus, the inserted white blocks (in layer one) will be able to house up to eight control buttons on the underside of the table. 

The blocks are needed as the underside of the table is too thin to support the buttons.  The blocks haven't (currently) been screwed into place nor have the CB holes been drilled.  This can happen once the number of CBs is known.  Additionally, holes will need creating for the speakers and sound controls, this will occur after the monitor and JAMMA are fitted.





<interlude>

Two drill bits were killed during the making of this table. An internal memorial, on the inside of the table will be created......

<interlude over>

 

Secret release catch - insert flat edge to find.....

The top layer is a really snug fit and is simply a better design than the planned hinged, flip top.  At this blog stage, the main table construction is complete. 

Stage Review/'Next Time' Thoughts:

Recap photo: the shelf.

Like stage one and stage two there are no major changes to consider and at this point I wouldn't change the overall design. 

However, one minor tweak would be to the 'shelf' (between layer one/two), which I would have made wider by cutting a thinner strip from the top of layer one.  Time will tell if this is going to be a problem.

Links to photo set:

Similar to stage 3, the photo set for this stage contains many more extra pictures than the above post.

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