Arcade Project : Wheels & Base

After making another trip to the hardware store, I now have the additional supplies I needed to attach the wheels and the complete base for the cabinet. I didn't realize how many different types & sizes of caster wheels were available until I was standing in the aisle browsing for them. In the end I estimated that the total weight of the cab should probably come in around 500 pounds. That includes all that heavy MDF board, computer hardware, and a big TV/CRT. I picked out four 3-inch casters (2 swivel/lockable & 2 static), each of which is rated to support 225 pounds. I mounted the 2 static casters in the back, and the 2 swivel/lockable ones in the front. I have about 2 inches of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the cabinet kick plate. This is just enough room to reach underneath and lock those caster brakes when I have it in a semi-permanent place.

I also finally got to cut out the pieces to my control panel from the 1/2" MDF board. The photo shows the bottom of the control panel just perched in the place where it will go. I can't screw any parts to the control panel down yet, because I need to move this beast out of the garage first. If I wait until the control panel is attached, then the cabinet will never fit through the door in to the basement area. You can also see one of the speakers I'm planning to mount below the marquee. That will happen much later though. I just wanted to make sure some old speakers I had laying around would fit correctly.

We have our Holiday & Housewarming party tomorrow and I'm wishing this thing was finished.