Atari Football Woodgrain???

flynn54321

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Not sure if this has been discussed yet or not - but for those that have restored their Atari X's and O's football - what are you using as a source for the woodgrain side (2 player version)
I went to a few places locally and WHOA - way expensive
 
Good topic. My project is missing the base, so I'd have to cover that at least. I plan on building a base identical to the factory one, with locking casters underneath instead of levelers.

I've wondered - if I built an entirely new cabinet, in addition to the base - what would be the best way to cover it? The most durable would be a woodgrain formica type laminate - like would be used on countertops. Since woodgrain countertops sounds ridiculous, not sure if it's available, but I'm pretty sure it is - for office type furniture.

ArcadeShop sells the woodgrain vinyl. The proper vinyl isn't going to be cheap. If you find something cheap, it's likely not good. Don't even think about the type of speaker laminate, like PartsExpress sells. It's more like contact paper. I used it on the sides of a Pac cocktail control panel, and it worked fine for that..but the adhesive isn't great and it's not that durable.

Joey
 
Funny you mention that - I found a source for almost identical grain pattern and color material like you were talking about - countertop material - thin enough that it would work for the sides... just didnt know if there was anything else... IF not I will use this!
 
Did you find it at Lowes or Home Depot..has to be ordered from there? Curious what you found. Thanks for the tip.

Joey
 
a local guy that helps me out with woodworking stuff has a supplier that he can get it from.
Can do both sides with one sheet - but 125 bucks!
 
If you do not know anyone in cabinetry Home Depot can special order any Wilsonart laminate or Formica. Just go to their websites and match up as good as you can and write down the numbers and name. Don't go to HD and expect them to find anything for you. If you go in with the part name and numbers they can punch it in and make sure it is still available and order. Downside is it will probably cost you $60 or more for a 4x8 sheet.
 
I would expect it to cost at least that for the formica.

For a reproduction woodgrain cabinet, chances are you'll never get EXACTLY the material originally used, so why not just go formica? It might look slightly different, but probably not much. With formica, you'd have zero issues with adhesion or edges, if done as cleanly as a pro would. You'd have to use a flush/trim router bit, THEN center the slot bit (for t-molding groove) based on the cabinet+laminate thickness, if making new cabinet. Sounds easy, I just need more space to lay it all out.

Joey
 
This topic has come up before, and I think some people use woodgrain contact paper with a clear coat, and were very happy with the results. IIRC Frizz was one of the people who have done this. So if cost is a driving factor then look for the prior discussion. I think it had pics too.
 
yep if this was easy and out there Id be carrying it
cause it aint cheap :D
especially now that the football sideart is done
 
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