Some would argue that an arcade cabinet doesn’t need a frame, or that it makes it too heavy. I disagree. The frame will give additional weight on the bottom, to prevent the machine from being too top-heavy. Also, it’ll provide a skeleton that should make it less likely that I’ll build a crooked cabinet.
Arcade Cabinet
Making a Sawboard for a Circular Saw
I don’t own a table saw, and I’ll need to make a lot of long, straight cuts in MDF to build my arcade machine. Rather than drop a few hundred bucks on a table saw, I made a sawboard for less than $20.
Fun With Google SketchUp
Here’s what my arcade cab will eventually look like, once I get a chance to start working on it.
Arcade Cabinet Update: 2/2015
Not much progress yet.
I did manage to use PhotoShop to make the sideart for my cab. I had some empty space to spare, so I made a brushed metal-like surface for where the keyboard & mouse will sit when that panel is installed.
Arcade Cabinet Update: 1/2015
The winter weather has not been cooperating with my plans to go outside and cut wood for the arcade cabinet. So, I decided to start designing some of the graphics that I’ll use for the marquee, admin panel, and control panel.
I think I’ve settled on an Avengers theme. Here’s what my last couple days have been spent creating…
Arcade Cabinet Update: 12/2014
I’ve finally bought some of my building materials to get started on construction. I’ve also completely redone the original Sketchup plans, taking into more careful consideration how I’m actually going to assemble the cabinet (placement of furring strips, making sure all of the electronics will fit, etc).
Arcade Cabinet Update: 10/2014
I’m slowly making some progress on my arcade cabinet…
In the last couple weeks, I downloaded Google SketchUp, watched the first few demo videos, and jumped in on the design. I think I have a pretty good idea of how my cab will look now.