Art's Hobbies - DIY Acrylic Cases

Hello Newton!

It was at FedEx Fight Night.
The week before Farewell Party.

Warahk, Top 32 at EVO plays pretty hard.
downside really bangs on it.

Shizza, Top 8, well he didn’t play on it.
Laugh.

AndyOCR played it cool.
Tatsu, Top 32, was super soft.

Hey guys! Wow, Evo was a blast and very intense! Will definitely have to go again =).

For those I met in person, it was a pleasure and thanks again for your support!

I’ve got a lot to do before I’m off to Comic Con next week but I want to drop by a few words and try to answer a few questions.

First off, I want to show a BlazBlue case I made and brought to EVO. This is what people saw in person.

What’s particularly interesting about this design is top etching and I found having a Mirror bottom really brings it out. The reflection really gives the etching and other components added depth. It can get kinda trippy staring at it, lol.

Here are some pics I took with my Camcorder in the hotel, so not the best of quality but it will do.

Another interesting thing to point out is that bb’s were added to this case. For those who don’t want to visibly show the bb’s (or at least make them less noticeable) is to have a dark border/top, and on the sides either have a dark/opaque side or add artwork, like so.

And looking from the inside, I added another piece of art to cover the bb’s. A little hard to see here but you should get the point.

And mirror name plate:

There was a lot of great feedback for those who have seen the case, and many felt the added weight was just right (for those who are more interested in added weight).

I’m really looking to push these cases out soon as I can, but I still got Comic Con to prep for and a lot to do on my website to accommodate all the options. I appreciate everyone’s patience!

Additionally, I am still looking at a supplier for Transparent Purple. I’ve talked to a couple of places and working out pricing. I’m also trying to get Red, Blue and Purple Mirror material. Using them as the bottom plexi should really bring out your theme.

Oh and have you guys seen the new Madcatz Shaft colors/arrowed dustwashers? These will work great to incorporate with your color theme. I bought a bunch at EVO and will try to take some pics with my case designs when I get back from Comic Con. But check them out:

GameShark? Store - Arcade Sticks Parts Dust Covers

Alrighty, let me get to some questions and then off to work. Thanks everyone!

Lol, interestingly I did exactly that going to EVO just to see what happens. Now I didn’t get into any issues, but the guy security guy who controls the conveyor for the xray did take my carry-on, flip it on another side and ran it through the x-ray again in a different angle to double check, haha. Of course another option is to put it in a check-in, or take the case, components and bb’s apart and reassemble the case at your destination.

That’s what I did on the way back to CA. I had no room left after fitting the HRAP Premium stick in my luggage so I had to take apart my plexi-case to fit in my laptop bag.

Still working on which supplier to get the plexi from. I’m getting it for sure, just a matter of finding the right people to get it from. I doubt I’d be able to laser cut transparencies. They’re usually made with vinyl, pvc, or polycarbonate material which cannot be laser cut due to the harmful fumes.

The release is aimed at Mid to late August. Depending on how aggressive you play, maybe the version B may accommodate you. But plexiglass is not as strong as metal or hard wood so it can’t be expected to withstand as much abuse.

I will try to get some PSD templates up soon as I can. If can’t get them up before comic con next week, then I’ll get them up by early august. Sorry for the wait!

Thanks dude, I appreciate your support =). There will always be an ongoing journey to make improvements!

There are a lot of options possible, and every possible option may not be listed on my site, when the time comes. However, for options that are not available on my site, I can occasionally take some custom requests and I’ll work with you on it. Just email me when the time comes and I’ll see what I can do. Thanks!

Yes, artwork prints/cuts will be available for new plexi cases. As for the SE, the plexi issues have been mentioned in my FAQ. Thanks for your interest!

Well, depending on what you mean by “Child proof”, I don’t think acrylic will ever be child proof. I think of child proof as the stick surviving being stepped on, thrown against hard walls/floors. Plexiglass (and majority of any arcade sticks) won’t stand well to that type of abuse.

Now this case can survive certain drops and such, bit you also risk chipping the edges, and if that happens you could end up with sharp corners. So I really wouldn’t suggest these cases in the hands of a child.

With the support layer (version B), the top is a lot stronger for harder hitters, but again, these cases should not be compared to metal/hard wood cases. Once I get a video of the case I may be able to demonstrate how much abuse it can take.

Thanks for the awesome pics and showcasing, JDM! Great photography!

A flat RE mount directly on the plexi without spacers “should” work. Haven’t had a chance to report thoroughly on that. Either I, or JDM, will get details to you.

Yes you can actually interchange the name plates with the PCB holder. Just keep in mind that the PCB holder is there to help you mount your pcb and additional components. If you have another method to mount your pcb then feel free to put a name plate there instead =).

As for a button hole directly in the center of the front piece, that will not be an option right now. Because of the name plate, a center button will not fit. In the future, if enough people want a center button and don’t care for the name plate then I can create a version of that.

Lol, my gf and I got a good kick outta these =)

And nice narration, Nerrage… “steamed bun”… lol, exactly what Tao would’ve thought.

Yeah if you’re interested just drop me a line ahead of time. In the interest of not designing the exact same tao/noel, the design will be slightly different. We can talk details if you’re interested.

haha, could see that stick a mile away, had to meet the Taylor Swift Pimp=). Great stuff dude, and it was a pleasure meeting you!

Looking forward to working with you dude. Don’t forget to email me later.

Hey dude! Where did you go? lol. I got side tracked and then when I looked back you were gone =O. Wanted to chat with you some more. But it was still a pleasure!

Haha, Evo made my GF want to use Akuma and maybe participate in the women’s invitational next year or two. And I took her out to some shows and dining so she was cool, lol. Can’t wait to try out your TEasy board! Thanks again for such a great innovation!

It’s not that I don’t want to build the case against harder abuse, but it’s just the limitations of the physical properties of acrylic. Having 1/2" plexi would withstand a lot more abuse, but that would be a lot more costly, harder to cut, limited in color options, and limited to only screw-in buttons.

These cases can still take a pretty decent beating, but may not be for really hard smashers. Version B of the top may help a bit more, but it’s best to re-itterrate that these cannot be compared to metal/hard wood cases.

But as far as long term is concerned, I’ve been using my venom stick (TE with Top Plexi replacement, which is essentially the same as the top panel on these cases) for several months and no issues thus far.

Tao loves steamed buns! But not sweaty things, so any serious Tao fans would never cosplay her at Evo. Lol.

And I find it complete irony that your girlfriend made those awesome, awesome plushies. And now you’re making these cases. Love the Blazblue lovin’ (Even though I have to play Type?A =P). Still unsure of what awesome art job I want. My last one was kinda meh 'cause it was an SE, and I screwed up on the cutting. And I COMPLETELY forgot that the SE’s plate is angled. So, yeah, sorry about the noobish hassle. Glad that I’ll be able to get the printing, plexi, and case all in one place.

Got any other close family or friends I should know about that are going to make another thing that I’m going to want to buy? Lol. Because then there’s going to have to be another one, and I might as well move there to save on shipping. Lol.

:tup: And thanks for clearing the confusion. I’ll just have to see what the options are when they get here. Would hate to trouble you for an extremely custom job. XD.

Maybe, stick comes first.

Still have to find a way to coordinate and get the things I want for it and possible assembly for some of the bits. I wanna stick Arc-Eyes into that thing to make it glow!

This is looking very nice!

I like the latest “prototype/sample” base the best. The mirror base really makes it stand out!

Hey Art,

Could you make anything like this: Button Inlays ? NEW - ArcadeForge ?

This would be really cool.

Art’s Hobbies - NEW DIY Acrylic Cases! Weight adding options. See Post#2 for details.

That would be awesome beyond words. I’d buy one set for sure.

Take all the time you need to work on the case. I’m still figuring out the best way to get this + some Arc-Eyed buttons plus PCB and stuff shipped of to my preferred builder, then to me.

Art it was a pleasure to meet you at EVO.

Please stop by our gaming room at Comic-Con! Room 17AB on the Mezzanine level, if you have time!

It’s a very nice and heavy stick with the bearings(or bbs) filled into the new slot. I like the fact that the case is sturdy on both lap and table play.
I see you also got a Vlx too. :stuck_out_tongue:
Very nice seeing you and your girlfriend Art. I hope I didn’t get too caught up from my work, at least you were able to hang out at the salty suite.
Pleasure to finally meet you haha.

Hey guys, currently at San Diego. Just made it out here so my email/message correspondence will be minimal. Once I get back I should have some updates =).

Yes I can, and I already have. Stay tuned =)

The pleasure was mine, Markman! I will try to drop by your booth and the gaming room!

Yeah it was great to meet up with you, finally. It’s understandable with all the work you had to do, with your services in demand. I will catch up with you next time =)

Hello arthong!
Have fun at Comic-Con.

Couldn’t say anything about them when you posted.
I got to see them.
Laugh.

arthong has answered you.
So it is cool.

Gah, arthrong. You’re going to make me very poor. Don’t you not want me to ever go anywhere cool like Comic Con or Evo? XD

Thanks, I’m gonna take some cool pics along the way… maybe even show who I’m dressed as :wink:

Oh, and based on the inserts I showed you, I have some new designs coming up and I’m trying to setup a good way to make custom requests for them =). Thanks for confidentiality!

Lol, why you gotta make me feel bad. I guess I’ll have to cancel the product line drops head

Good night guys!

Seimitsu LS-32 with RE Mounting Plate using the new Spacers.

Makes for this short of Shaft.

The screws are a little tiny long even with the Spacers.

Here is the best way to use LS-32.

Mount without the Spacer.
Because with it, the Shaft would be too short as shown above.

Then use 1/4" Spacers for the screws to not go through the Acrylic.

Here is the Shaft Height.

Hi arthong…

I include one of your TE templates, in the mockup template I made for TE S.

link: http://shoryuken.com/f177/official-street-fighter-iv-te-se-fighstick-template-thread-175293/index578.html#post9237011

sample:
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3574/tesmockup13test.th.jpg

you don’t mind I include your template, do you?

NO.
Because no.
Haha, and I’m just exaggerating by a bit ;P.

Sweet! My determination to buy one of these is reinforced.

Hey Art, is there any way we can get shots of the other colors of plexi you’ve got? I’m really wanting to make a purple and gold one (I’m a Laker fan and I go to the University of Washington…it’s really convenient), but I haven’t seen any purple samples yet. It’d be a must-buy for me if it matches with a purple bubble top.

Thanks in advance!

Art, I’m hoping that your inlays are going to include BlazBlue style ABCD ;D.