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First DIY Arcade Machine Construction

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DIYROMArcade:
Hey all, I am new to the forums but have been reading the site for awhile now. Of all the resources out there I have found Arcade Controls is by far the best for the sheer volume of information available on the site.  :applaud:

I have been doing a lot of research and planning for my first arcade machine and a lot of the cabinet examples that are linked to from the site have been a great inspiration. So much so that I already have about a thousand ideas for other systems I would like to build down the road.

For my first project I am shooting for a smaller profile Arcade Machine that feels authentic and is capable of running most console emulators in addition to the arcade emulators.

I will hopefully be starting on the build this weekend (time permitting). I have been planning the system for years, but only seriously planning and following through in the past few months. (I never had enough room before in the apartment, but now I have a house and game room!)

My friend is helping me construct the cabinet and he is a commercial carpenter so he has a lot of suggestions, but I still have some nagging questions in the back of my mind. Do most people use MDF when constructing their cabinets? I have seen people do this on several sites. What do you think are the advantages and drawbacks of MDF over a lighter wood? Also what do you think about using laminate over the MDF or is there a better, easier way to do this to get a smooth professional finish.

I tend to over think things, and I am more versed in the computer side of this type of project than the construction of the cabinet itself. Any suggestions people have for initial build tips are greatly appreciated. It seems like it’s one of those things were book knowledge vs. actual experience are two entirely different things. Thanks.

Spinach:
I am in the process of building my first cab.  I'm using MDF myself.  Once primed and painted it should never warp, plus it will add a bit of stability for those overzealous moments of button smashing.

My advice: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)  I have read many posts, as you, and the one reoccuring note seems to be "on my next cab I won't, , , , " or "Here is what I would have done differently".  I consider this a starter cab so I'd like to make it right, but I'm also a realist, there will be mistakes made.

How will you be doing the side art?

Spinach

ghettodish:
MDF is easy to cut and shape, it's smooth compared to particle board or plywood, and it's heavy. An arcade game can get tossed around pretty good during play if it's too light...believe me, I know!

wooowman93:
Those stickers look awesome but 75$ i would rather paint it myself

Turnarcades:
Congratulations on starting your first cabinet. It's a learning process and whether this is your only or first of many you will find yourself doing things you may not have thought you could do in no time at all.

MDF is a popular choice due to the fact it is suitable as an 'all-round' wood that can be used to make strong panels, be moulded with routers and hand tools easiliy and is fairly cheap to pick up. Though there are probably better solutions for the individual sections of a cabinet, it's easier to part with £50 for a load of wood that can be used in any way, than it is to hand-pick suitable woods and spend twice the time and money just getting the materials and appropriate tools together. We are simplistic cabinet designers and I can tell you that:

For a basic cabinet you will only need:
- 2 or 3 sheets of 8'x4' 3/4" MDF
- A trade pack of decent 2" woodscrews
- hinges, barrel locks, wheels and assorted smaller screws
- A tin of suitable paint
- Some timber and acrylic sheeting
- A well set-up PC, monitor and a decent set of controls
- Drill/driver, circular/jig saw and router

Obviously that's a loose list with a few bits missed off, but when you look at it like this you see how simple cabinet building really is.

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