Kind of Overwhelmed and Unsure of Where to Begin an Arcade Project

[awesomesauce22]

OK,

Here's essentially all of my knowledge when it comes to this topic at this point in time:

1.  I am going to order the Project Arcade book within the next day or so so I can read up on starting a project.
2.  I live in Northern New Jersey and so far the only place that I've heard of within 2 hours away that sells gutted arcade cabinets is TNT Amusements in Southampton, PA (granted that's still not the closest place in the world)
3.  I have a friend who will probably be able to give me a PC with (not 100% positive about specs) a 20GB Hard Drive and 512 MB RAM that's currently running Windows XP.
4.  My budget is currently set at $200-$300
5.  I'm a High School Senior who's not particularly handy to say the least so I would prefer a project that's relatively simple.

And that's pretty much what I'm looking at so far.  Like I said, I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed right now since I know that there are almost an infinite number of ways that someone could go about building their own arcade machine.  So that is why I would definitely appreciate some advice as to where I should start, what items I should buy, where I can buy these items, etc...  So if there are any tips and/or  bits of advice that anyone can offer me it would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks again (and sorry for all of the questions),

awesomesauce22
 

[drventure]

Go slow, take your time, scrounge what you can (there are guys around that have built cabs almost exclusively from stuff they found in the trash)!

If you can source a TV/monitor and  a PC, the rest is fairly inexpensive unless you start talking 4 player control panels with LED lighting (ahem  )

Tools, might be an issue but maybe there's someone in the neighborhood you could borrow from (or who might throw in a little help from time to time, esp if you've never worked with, say, a router before).

Or shop class at school?

Good luck!

[DNA Dan]

I'd recommend you build or purchase a bartop style cab. This way it's a lot more portable and you have more options when it comes to placement or moving it. Also you will save on material costs, installing a keyboard tray, t-molding, coin door, etc. You're just a senior in high school, and although the idea of owning a huge full sized CRT arcade sounds cool, what are you going to do with it when you move? Leave it at home? Take it with you? You'd be taking on a "furniture" burden and it costs money to move these things safely.

I really like these cabs http://gaminggear.com.au/2-player-bartop-arcade-cabinet-paintable.html

You could also build one fairly cheap. The controls will probably be the most expensive part. But if I were you I would think "portable" at your age. Just my .02

[quadrider1]

hey man, im 17 and a senior in high school to so i know its hard to come around money and tools. My first cab was a head to head cocktail, 4/8 way joysticks, 6 buttons per ( Witch is an over kill), computer off ebay, and a decent lcd monitor. This project cost me $450, parents made me sell it but i have built 4 cabinets since, 3 cocktails and refurbing a showcase. First advice would be to get the control prices down and the monitor, good two player control panel should cost you around $100, monitor=$60-$80 off ebay, and then 200 for wood, plexi,overlay, and all that good stuff. You want to go cheaper buy the control packet off ebay, $30 bucks and you get two 8 ways and 6 buttons per. Theres many options. Good luck bro
PM if you need more help

[Crono22]

Northern New jersery? Well in south Jamaica queens there is a arcade shop. He sells all sorts of cabinets. If your interested I can get address and phone number.