Here are instructions on how to build an upright arcade cabinet. I have built a couple of arcade cabinets and have enjoyed learning how to build them and customize them.
a preview video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FZYUdghI
I wrote these instructions to assist those who are not yet comfortable in taking on a project like this singlehandedly. I tried to make it as inexpensive as I could, while making it easy to design and construct one with the minimum required skills. I will not be talking about programming or where to download videogame files from, but I’ll offer references to sites that will.
I believe this is a great first project to pick up because not only do you get something awesome at the end but you get to learn about: electronics, soldering, construction, and designing. Once these skills are picked up, they can be applied to other projects.
I used a jigsaw, router, and drill to build this cabinet so the tool requirement is not out of reach for a beginner.
Before starting this project please read though the whole instructions, because there are many different things that can be done.
a preview video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FZYUdghI
I wrote these instructions to assist those who are not yet comfortable in taking on a project like this singlehandedly. I tried to make it as inexpensive as I could, while making it easy to design and construct one with the minimum required skills. I will not be talking about programming or where to download videogame files from, but I’ll offer references to sites that will.
I believe this is a great first project to pick up because not only do you get something awesome at the end but you get to learn about: electronics, soldering, construction, and designing. Once these skills are picked up, they can be applied to other projects.
I used a jigsaw, router, and drill to build this cabinet so the tool requirement is not out of reach for a beginner.
Before starting this project please read though the whole instructions, because there are many different things that can be done.
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools:
Tools:
Here is a full list of tools that are needed to construct this arcade. If you don’t know what these are you can go to your local building supply store and ask because they will know.
You will need:
� Drill
� Drill bits
o 1 1/8th spade bit – I got mine from Wal-Mart in a set for $10 (it needs to be this size for the buttons)
o A drill bit set for various holes – again Wal-Mart for about $14
o A Philips screw bit – usually comes with the drill
o A countersink bit- (used to make the screws flush with the wood)
� Router
� Router bit – I bought it for around $17 (it’s a slot cutting bit and ill post a picture , I used a 1/16 th inch)
� Knife – (to cut the t-molding)
� Soldering iron
� Hot glue gun
� Wire cutters
� Hammer
� Jigsaw- I bought mine for $20 at Wal-Mart (make sure you can cut angles, meaning the faceplate can bend at least 45* degrees)
� Jigsaw blades- cheap like $3 for a couple (buy fine saw tooth or smooth wood)
Here are a couple of pictures that go along with the tools:
Here is a full list of tools that are needed to construct this arcade. If you don’t know what these are you can go to your local building supply store and ask because they will know.
You will need:
� Drill
� Drill bits
o 1 1/8th spade bit – I got mine from Wal-Mart in a set for $10 (it needs to be this size for the buttons)
o A drill bit set for various holes – again Wal-Mart for about $14
o A Philips screw bit – usually comes with the drill
o A countersink bit- (used to make the screws flush with the wood)
� Router
� Router bit – I bought it for around $17 (it’s a slot cutting bit and ill post a picture , I used a 1/16 th inch)
� Knife – (to cut the t-molding)
� Soldering iron
� Hot glue gun
� Wire cutters
� Hammer
� Jigsaw- I bought mine for $20 at Wal-Mart (make sure you can cut angles, meaning the faceplate can bend at least 45* degrees)
� Jigsaw blades- cheap like $3 for a couple (buy fine saw tooth or smooth wood)
Here are a couple of pictures that go along with the tools:
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also ask jthroop he CNC his whole Cabinet, he should have some files.
out of curiosity what is the table size of your cnc machine. i was also wondering how well the 3/4 th inch melamine works. i live on a third floor and didn't want to pick up such a heavy cabinet, but I bet it is more sturdy using the 3/4th. the speaker holes look amazing I wish I did the same thing.
it look amazing i hope it brings you lots of enjoyment if you have any questions feel free to ask! :)
To answer you question quickly : the design only covers about 50% of the back because i ran out of mdf stock and i needed room to remove and place a whole desktop inside. ( watch the youtube video i go behind the arcade)
If you don't mind me making suggestions:
The problem with this design is when potential students ask questions about it, i couldn't just open up the arcade and show them. Another problem is to move this thing around was a pain in the a$$ because i had a free floating computer inside. ( what ever you do just get rid of the desktop case and mount components inside the arcade!!! ) to solve these problems i would recommend making a bartop arcade. It is smaller and cheaper on material cost. Second i would make a side plexiglass. This will allow people to see all the wiring. Pretty much think of it as a custom desktop with a screen and arcade sticks.
and also i have really wanted someone to install these on the sides of an arcade: http://www.amazon.com/MengYi-Luminglas-GREEN-Plasma-Glass/dp/B006L7CYIC
They are just suggestions lol. but hey if you have any questions let me know! I will reply as soon as i am able to, and i love helping with this type stuff. If you have any questions about games, emulators, front ends, or light guns. shoot me a message.
http://imgur.com/a/ben8H
I am working on designing and building a claw machine game right now. Because of my new job i haven't been able to spend time on it, but this have rejuvenated my interest in finishing the project.
as for the trimming. i think i am going to get the flat LED strips of light. i found a bunch for pretty cheap from china on ebay.. i uploaded a pic with the others from google image search.. something like that, i think it would look cool.
cheers! thanks again uitechclub. will update ya soon.
-josh and marc
Also, try using Bootskin to change the Windows XP boot screen to something more arcade-like (or make it not even show up at all, although I don't recommend it).
(This may be just a coincidence, but it seems the design is based on the Centipede arcade cabinet...?)
After I built my first arcade machine, I built a bigger, better MAME machine based on the exact specs of the Mrs. Pac Man/ Galaga machine. It plays everything... Except the exact Mrs. Pacman/ Galaga game it was based on. Oh, the irony...
bootskin ill have to give that a try. i am in the process of reorganizing my Whole arcade programing wise. the front end i am using is called Hyperspin and it is the best front end i have experience by far. i will do a instructables on it if there is enough request for it but the site itself does a great job of making it user friendly.
i just now took a look at the Centipede arcade cabinet, and it does have similar angles. i designed mine to fit on two sheets of MDF and have enough stock left over to make it 2' ft wide. After a couple trials this is my refined design.
i made this instructables to give people confidence to build and design there own. i hope they use this as more of a guide then a step by step. I am excited to answer anyones questions :)