Restoration, is it Relaxing or Stressful to you?

Gaetznes

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Donor 2012, 2020
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I do have to admit, trying to find certain parts for my arcades online has been a bit stressful. However, after seeing a few people on here tear down and rebuild their joysticks. I gave it a try, or at least started to. I was having a bad day yesterday. So I decided to disassemble 6 or so of my vs joysticks I had. As I disassembled them, I just did a quick cleaning of the larger grim. I have yet to clean it with WD-30 or do any of the polishing that I've seen with a drill press.

But all and all it was an relaxing process so far. Not enjoyable but relaxing. Does anyone else feel this way, or is it more of a chores?
 
It's stressful when your on-going search across the entire world for 4 years ends with no one being able to repair your STUN Runner sound board. Otherwise it's a blast!
 
It's a double edged sword for sure. I really enjoy building the games and working with the artwork but the stuff that's out of my control (electronics) can be very stressful. I hate grumpy boards, power supplies and monitors but once it all comes together its very rewarding.
 
I see basket-case cabinets turned into absolute beauties via original and reproduction parts. That's relaxing.

But then I see original cabinets with attractive, perfectly acceptable wear on original parts getting "restored" with reproduction parts. That's stressful.
 
I find it very relaxing honestly to paint my Ms. Pac and the results are very rewarding. Jr. Pac-Man's CP....... not so much. The harness and wood are just crap. I have always pondered why they went the extra mile to add wood, but the game was free so I can't complain! :D
 
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Relaxing..
I find working on the electronic side relaxing. I find doing detail touch up painting fun.
I like putting time and effort into a water swelled cab. I find fun cutting sheet of wood to patch in damage areas. I love finding arcade deals. I love see friends faces light up when you give them their arcade grail. I love teaching someone who has a real interest in working on

Stress..

What I don't like is the drama issues that some people delight in creating. It pulls away from the fun factor for me.
I do not like those who talk garbage behind my back and smile at my face.
 
It's a double edged sword for sure. I really enjoy building the games and working with the artwork but the stuff that's out of my control (electronics) can be very stressful. I hate grumpy boards, power supplies and monitors but once it all comes together its very rewarding.

Funny that you say that. The cabinetry and artwork are a pain for me. I love fixing the electronic parts. Just all matters where our skills lie.
 
When I do a cap kit or any other routine restore/repair/upgrade and I can get the time set aside to focus and zone in, it's the best feeling in the world even if it doesn't work the first time. Fiberglas and Bondo, wood filler, primer and paint leading up to a major improvement feels great. Having a game I can't find a part for, or that gets fixed in one area and blows something somewhere else (damn Tempest) is stressful. Overall I feel like the rewards outweigh the stress.
 
+1 exactly!! Love the cosmetic repair aspect...but when it comes to electronics, I am an idiot. It can at times be both relaxing and stressful. I can't sit still, so having a project occupies my mind, but when things just aren't going right...or one problem after another? I can hear the chainsaw starting up in my mind! I have honestly almost quit the hobby a few times cause shit just wasn't going right at all, but in the end it always works out, and looks beautiful when finished.


It's a double edged sword for sure. I really enjoy building the games and working with the artwork but the stuff that's out of my control (electronics) can be very stressful. I hate grumpy boards, power supplies and monitors but once it all comes together its very rewarding.
 
I love every aspect of it. From the monitors to minor board problems to cleaning and painting. I just can't wait to get back out in the garage this coming spring to work on my Gyruss I picked up a few weeks ago. I also really like it cause i can't sit still on the weekends and working like mad in the garage is a great way to unwind and get your mind off of work, etc.
 
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