Build Log (Part 6)

Entering the home stretch now.  I had a Sunday with six hours free and I knew that today was going to be the day I get this done.

Here is how to make a glass top for an arcade cabinet.

Step 1: Get Glass.

This is a 2'x3' sheet of 1/8" thick glass, straight from the hardware store.  I'm actually somewhat afraid of this piece, because it's about the thickness of picture frame glass, while normal cocktail cabinets have 1/4" thick tops.  I don't know how well it would stand up to any kind of abuse.  Eventually I rationalized this away, because it's a machine for Home Use Only and I'll be careful.

Step 2: Cut Glass.

What a nerve-wracking experience this was.  I have never used a glass cutter before, so I wielded it with great fear and hesitation.  After the first snap I was a little less worried but still uncertain.  In the end, I made some big cuts to size it right, then cut the corners at 45 degree angles (and screwed up one of them, bummer) - and then just used the little key-shaped nibbler tool to shape things right.  Once that was done, I used some sandpaper to smooth all the ragged edges down.  It has a chip missing in one corner, and there are some rough looking parts, but it is smooth enough to run fingers around the edge and not injure yourself.