I want to build a couple of cabs - but I'm probably insane. is this a good idea?

bollocks I had written out this whole post and then this stupid computer told me I wasn't logged on (??).
anywayz..

so here's the deal - I have a cab. it's ugly, and it has issues. Ideally I'd like to take it upstairs where I'm setting my stuff up (not a gamesroom as much as a place where I can have my own space). problem is it's impossible due to the sheer weight of it, it's just not worth the effort.

so what to do? play roms on a computer or one of those smaller mini cabs?
build a cab from scratch upstairs?
use a supergun with a TV and be done with it?

all those issues have their good and their bad in so far as what I want.
I don't want to play roms (I just don't enjoy the experience enough), but a tabletop cab would be awesome.
I can see myself building a cab but a fullsize one would be overkill and I just don't think I could handle the technical aspect of it (wiring etc.)
as for a supergun - I love those little things, I just much preffer playing arcade games on an actual cab.

so I gots to thinking. guess what? I had an idea. yes it's true. how about I combine aspects of the three options? I build my own cab - make it a little bigger than your average tabletop (want a 20" monitor inside if possible - and the controls panel to be confortable - also the PCB or whatever would have to fit inside neatly - not too small - but it'd still sit on a table/desk/thing) - and stick an all purpose D-Lite style supergun inside for good measure.

ideally I'd have 3 cabs built this way - and one supergun - the first would have a normal RGB monitor, the second a tate monitor and the third a High Def monitor (bollocks, maybe in fantasy land where I now permanently reside I'd also have a HD tate/widescreen monitor for good measure too).

it'd save space, be simple and clean, and just be really cool. kind of taken by the idea. not sure if if it's a good idea - purpose of this thread is suggestions - but as a project idea I like it alot.

so what do you guy's think? the tate cab - that would have to incorporate an actual arcade monitor I think (accessible here) - is it possible to hook one of these up somehow to a supergun? or.. something? I have no clue - not one. but I want to make these out of things I could get my hands on and put together mystelf without a ton of technical knowledge (not more than an ounce or two).

Go look up some of the table top / bar top cabinets that various people have for some inspiration, that seems to be exactly what youre looking for

I'd also suggest a cocktail style cab, you can use as a coffetable and still play your neo games. I would use a Joust table as a good reference. You can see it here:

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=J&game_id=8243

you can get a 19" monitor in there no problem. I plan on starting a similar project down the road, have to finish paying a few things off first.

thanks guys some good info right there. I'm not commiting myself to this just yet as my life is a shambles right now, but I think I just might get something done in a couple of months.

best of luck to ya mate

it doesnt have to be terribly complicated, just try to get everything down on paper first, gets kinda daunting to have it allspinning in yer head while constructing.
id say your first priority would to get a good and easy power supply capable of powering anything you might want to throw at it, makes things alot easier.