Build vs Buy

[MARINE1142]

I was checking if any one has that arcade legends it suppose to have something like 50 games and is expandable but it does not have all the games I want there for I m still thinking about building one and was check on what the experts think about it.

[RetroJames]

Depending on what you want, you might consider this one also:

http://www.mybiggames.com/index2_003.htm

I am not a fan really, but it would give you a working cabinet that you could (presumably) "upgrade" i.e. Mame so you can play all the games you want.  It is much cheaper than the AL cabinet.

That all said, I put together my first personal cab, the Omega Mame for less than $150 at the end of the day.  Free cabinet, artwork help form the community, very cheap PC, monitor, etc.

[MameJunkie]

If you have woodworking/electronic skills & time = build it yourself.

If you have $$$, no time = buy.

[javeryh]

If you have woodworking/electronic skills & time = build it yourself.

If you have $$$, no time = buy.

I had none of those skills when I started (and I'm not exactly finished yet) but I'd say if you like building things yourself and don't need it right away (these things take time) then I would definitely build one.  Everything you need to know is in Saint's book or available on these forums...  It's very rewarding and I think I like the process of designing and building better than actually playing!  No, wait... forget that last thing...

[MameJunkie]

Yea didn't metion it before. 
Building it yourself is probably the recommended option.

Its very rewarding when it starts to take shape.
It may not be perfect but I guarante you'll still love it.

Use the designs & hints you see here but don't be afraid to try your own ideas/hacks.

[RetroJames]

I should also mention that the Big Game cabinet sideart caused siezures in 6% of all attendees in the marketing focus groups.  There is a warning somewhere on the cabinet but you would be driven to madness before collapsing while looking for it.

[rchadd]

lot of fun is actually making your own cab

[mahuti]

Dude, that big game cabinet is junk... look at that thing.. that dude is bent in half trying to play. They should stand that thing on a step stool or something.

[RayB]

lot of fun is actually making your own cab

And it makes you look like a genius to the average person.

[grueinthebox]

No one's mentioned yet that buying an Arcade Legands machine helps line the pockets of an evil bastage?  You people are falling down on the job. 

[zaphod]

And it makes you look like a genius to the average person. 

AMEN!

[MARINE1142]

Very good points. I think I will start to build my own hopefully with the help of all you guys it will go smoothly. Thank for the insight and help.

[Glaine]

Do it for the braggin rights. It so very ownes to have something like this you wired up yourself. There is very little one can do that gets the WOWZA factor anymore. But this is one such thing, and just buying one won't get that. That gets you beat up for being the rich kid.

Have a good one.

[Mark70]

I'm only at the prototype control panel stage, but my preliminary calculations are as follows:

Buying vs Building - the cheapest option is somewhere in between.

It would be cheapest to get a used cabinet.  Possibly in working condition.  You should be able to get one for about $200-$300 working if you look in the right places and you're patient.  Then all you need is an old PC and monitor, some wood filler, painting supplies.

Compare this to building from scratch with new materials.  I paid 250 for control parts, and I'll have to pay $100 for wood.  350.  Plus wood filler screws, painting supplies.

If you can keep your used cabinet purchase to 250 or less,  you can buy replacment controls, switches, coin mechs etc and still come out cheaper than building from scratch.

The trade off is, if you design your own cabinet and build it from new materials, you can get the exact design you want.

[PetitMorte]

The name of the website being Build Your Own Arcade Controls, the general answer you'll get here is build.

It really is satisfying to have built a thing yourself, and the kudos from others are just extra gravy.  jucy jucy kudo gravy... slipping squishily between your toes, warm and lumpy inside your socks.

[Havok]

Definitely build. In the end, it will be more satisfying. If you think you are in over your head, just check out the search option in the forums: most likely it's been already covered here.

[Cameronj]

My first cabinet that I built was almost successful. I didn't feel too great about that one. The second one was really awesome. I cheated on that one and did everything myself except added a slikstik. It turned out great. My third was a standalone control panel completely from scratch. It turned out awesome too. I have sold the first two however and now all I have is the standalone CP. I am probably going to go the prefab kit route for the cabinet on the next ones and add the controls myself. My problem is that I need a cocktail, a bartop and an upright. I guess I will build some and buy some stuff predone.

[Bones]

Although my scratch built cab is not yet finished, I would recommend the scratch build method to anybody regardless of their level of skills. What you don't know or understand you can learn with hands on practice.

The decision to go this way is not financially viable compared with the alternatives which may or may not be a consideration, but it is a challenging enjoyable project to throw yourself into.

Good luck with whatever you decide is best for you.

[tommy]

Next time i will just buy the cab that is right for me, you just can't beat a dedicated "real" cab(with nice art) and then do what you like with it.

[Xiaou2]

  A prebuilt may be ready..  but it may also be configured in a way that is uncomfortable to your size,  does not have the control panel design  - size- layout..ect,  does not have the look you like.

  A person can in fact make a better cabinet than an arcade cab.  Its all in how
much effort and planning go into it.

 Making your own cab will take a lot longer, be more expensive, and may require the purchase of many tools  (unless you can borrow them).   

 But,  when you play your cab..  do you feel upset that its not the way you want it?  Do you wish it had a more exciting artwork scheme?   Ect..   If so,  then youve just realized you should have built your own.