11 replies to this topic

[77slevin]

Hi,

 

I've entered the wonderful world of Virtual Pinball and want to create my own custom sized cabinet. I already have the hardware and am configuring the software as we speak. Hardware wise, I already spent about a 1000 Euro ($1200) for PC parts, LCD screens and a virtual plunger kit. Buying a custom size lockdown bar would set me back an additionally 200 Euro ($250), shipping not included. Does anybody have a suggestion on what I can use a lockdown bar that I would be able to make myself, a budget lockdown bar so to speak?

Any suggestion is welcome.

[nickbuol]

I've heard of some people building a custom lockdown bar out of wood.  

 

Like most of us, we spend a lot on our cabinets, so it is one of those situations where do you go cheap now, or spend even more? 

 

I am going to buy a custom lockdown because I want everything to look "real," but I don't know if I will get the one with all of the pieces underneath as I too am having a hard time to justify the cost ($210 USD plus shipping for me) of the custom lockdown with the lockdown receiver.  I am also going to use SSF for feedback, and have more space to connect a 5th exciter to under the lockdown without all of the parts underneath.

[Brer Frog]

This build uses a single piece of wood.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=31092

Look at the photos near the end of message #2. This uses several pieces of wood or MDF & looks nice.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=11708

Here’s some different ways to fasten a real lockdown bar.
http://www.vpforums....27829&hl=fasten

Here’s some suggestions pertaining to fastening a wood lockdown.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=39505
 

[STV]

Seems like it's not too late to build the cab to a standard size.  Then just purchase the lockdown hardware and bar. Yes?

[77slevin]

This build uses a single piece of wood.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=31092

Look at the photos near the end of message #2. This uses several pieces of wood or MDF & looks nice.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=11708

Here’s some different ways to fasten a real lockdown bar.
http://www.vpforums....27829&hl=fasten

Here’s some suggestions pertaining to fastening a wood lockdown.
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=39505
 

Thanks, I'll check those topics out. I'm more confident to work with wood than with metal.

Seems like it's not too late to build the cab to a standard size.  Then just purchase the lockdown hardware and bar. Yes?

Standard cab size would be a solution (lockdown bar at 56CM only costs 90 euro), but my 27" monitor would look lost in such a big cabinet. I'm trying to scale down everything due to having too much hobbies and barely room to put it all

Edited by 77slevin, 22 January 2018 - 09:27 AM.

[Brer Frog]

Seems like it's not too late to build the cab to a standard size.  Then just purchase the lockdown hardware and bar. Yes?

Standard cab size would be a solution (lockdown bar at 56CM only costs 90 euro), but my 27" monitor would look lost in such a big cabinet. I'm trying to scale down everything due to having too much hobbies and barely room to put it all

 

 

Here's the thread showing the 27" mini cab that I'm working on, I just posted a couple photos of the homemade lockdown bar.

http://www.vpforums....ic=37954&page=4

[77slevin]

@Brer Frog

 

That wooden lockdown bar looks gorgeous. I will be making it out of wood too, I'm convinced now and I think I'll only use a clear coat just to show of the structure.

[Brer Frog]

@Brer Frog

 

That wooden lockdown bar looks gorgeous. I will be making it out of wood too, I'm convinced now and I think I'll only use a clear coat just to show of the structure.

 

Thank you for the kind words.

[tassie2]

Made mine from Stainless Steel from top of an old pie warmer in Oz.. Plenty of old usable metal in junkyards..
Idea.. Use strong modern magnets to hold down. Can just lift off for maintenance . If you glue onto underside of metal and sink the round magnets into wood underneath will locate itself in the same spot each time..



...

[77slevin]

Made mine from Stainless Steel from top of an old pie warmer in Oz.. Plenty of old usable metal in junkyards..
Idea.. Use strong modern magnets to hold down. Can just lift off for maintenance . If you glue onto underside of metal and sink the round magnets into wood underneath will locate itself in the same spot each time..



...

Thanks for the magnets tip, wood or metal, I can use this method for both as easy-to-remove option. Junkyards around my parts is a thing of the past, I'm afraid. Most around me closed down on account of environment issues. We have government run recycle yards, but there's a strict "no hunting for parts" rule in effect at those.

[tassie2]

Find a place that fixes eg catering parts, stainless counter tops, ovens.

Lot of them have spare bits out the back.

 

Many modern home fridges are stainless too now. Try a fridge repair shop?

get some old doors or cabinets they can't repair..

Sheetmetal shops also have loads of offcuts.

 

I always offer cash . Never ask for free. Most are happy to help.

 

Tell them your hobby.. Show a pic/ video  of your creation being built..

 

They often like to help inventors I have found.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

re magnets.. if round, bore into cabinet underneath and sink them in almost flush.

put double sided tape on top of magnet .. Sit metal coverplate on.. press down. Lift and will be exactly stuck in right positon.

 

Then glue on etc in that spot.

 

Good hunting. and building..

 

Nick Tassie.. Oz.

Edited by tassie2, 29 January 2018 - 05:55 AM.

[bpjacobsen]

Greetings. looking for some advice. I just completed my diy lockbar yesterday and very happy with the outcome. However, I'm wondering if I need to but anything on top of the glossy paint job for additional protection? I read somewhere that a gloss finish does not really need a clear coat. but since my hands will be on it playing pinball, I have to assume something should be added for further protection? See attached. Was considering some Acrylpro water based gloss finish. it's easy to apply and dries super fast and clear. Or I also wondered if a better option would be to heat shrink some clear gloss laminate film on it? Thought about getting a small roll and testing it out on a scrap piece of wood that I would also spray paint. Just looking to see what y'all think and suggest.

 

 

 

 

hmm, can't find the option to attach pics????

Edited by bpjacobsen, 10 October 2022 - 11:46 PM.