[Sanity/Cost Check] About To Build My First Cabinet

[RayChaos]

Hey guys, I've been lurking around here for a long time picking up tips and info, and I'm finally ready to construct my first cabinet! I'm going for cheap and simple on this one - basically it's a practice cabinet. My design is based on the Vigolix (https://www.instructables.com/id/A-Super-Easy-Arcade-Machine-from-1-Sheet-of-Plywoo/), as well as this two-player variant (https://forums.overclockers.com.au/threads/build-log-vigolix-inspired-arcade-machine.1227736/) of it.

I created a pretty comprehensive spreadsheet of materials I'll need as well as some step-by-step directions for myself (and my Dad!), which I uploaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Kg4C8AyQmfty12akf47IFcBUCmitA8q.

If you don't mind, I'd really appreciate any comments about anything I may have missed, or anywhere I might be able to cut costs a bit. Thanks in advance!

[Mike A]

One way to save money is to use a free frontend. You don't need to pay 50 bucks to launch your games. I didn't see where you mentioned what games you would like to play on the machine. That will determine how many buttons and what kind of joysticks you really need.

[RayChaos]

Thanks for responding. It will be a MAME machine, with some select beat 'em ups, fighting games, run and guns, etc. from consoles, so I was planning on making it six-buttons per player plus a coin and start button per player. I've already been using the free version of LaunchBox on my PC, but I'm not sure how easy it is to use with arcade controls.

[yotsuya]

Awesome! If you or your dad need help, just ask!

[Gilrock]

I use Big Box and really like it but I only paid $20.  I don't think you really need a lifetime license and if you really want it later you can upgrade it.

[leapinlew]

Is Mala still a thing? I liked it for a while.