Bartop build help for a complete beginner

[nierlaika]

Hi guys!

I'm wanting to build a bartop arcade cabinet.

Basically it's going to play games right up to dreamcast (maybe stepmania with a USB out) so will have a kinda beefy computer, have a slide out tray for a keyboard, space for two players and I'd really love a coindoor on there.
A 23" flat screen monitor is what I'm aiming for but I can go smaller.

Trying to find all the information I need from the fragments and broken links is making me want to do something akin to - 
After browsing the links provided on here for a while I can't find many schematics for what I need.
Is there any website that works where I can build my own schematics or is this going to be a paper and pen ordeal?

Also does anyone have any general hints or information I can use on this build??

Thanks for everyone's time and patience!

EDIT: Do I also need to put my computer inside a case? or is there a better space saving option that you use?
EDITEDIT: Also got a link sent to me regarding this post. I'm in the UK, unfortunately I can't/won't order from the US due to shipping costs

[Drnick]

If you go down the Bartop route don't worry about the Sliding Keyboard Tray or the Coindoor.  There isn't really room for them, and whilst a single coin mech can be fit to the side it does seem a little odd.  Being in the UK is not really an issue for you.  Ultimarc and others are UK companies so parts will not be an issue

There are no hard and fast Schematics for bartop designed round a 23" Monitor,  there are many ideas though.  See the following.

http://bartoparcade.katorlegaz.com/

This has many different designs for Bartops.  But you will have to use a Piece of paper and a pen ultimately as you should really base the size of the unit around the Screen size.

Computer can be left in or out of a case,  This has been discussed previously with no overall winner,  Out of case for smallest possible footprint.

I would advise getting sketchup and watching a few videos on how to use then have a go at building a 3d square box, from there you should be able to get a handle on designing an arcade machine. 

Failing that do a search on Ebay for Bartop Arcade,  There are a couple of people that knock up cnc'd flat pack machines.  Just be aware that quality does vary.

Building your own Arcade is not a simple thing to do, But the sense of accomplishment when you finally finish the machine and play your first few games can't easily be beaten.

[nierlaika]

I think what I'll do is get a quote from http://www.arcadewarp.co.uk/ before I start anything.
I've done plenty of woodwork before and it's not something I enjoy (I'm very bad at it haha) so if these guys are reasonably priced then I'll just get them to do it.