How to build an arcade games cabinet

MitchellMc

Difficulty: Expert

An arcade cabinet can provide countless hours of fun for all ages. You can play classic video games for a hit of nostalgia or the latest releases.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a full-size retro-style arcade cabinet. It includes a comprehensive plan that you can refer to for measurements. We installed a 32-inch widescreen monitor which determined the dimensions of our cabinet. You can obviously install a smaller or bigger screen, and use whatever is your preferred gaming hardware and software inside the cabinet.

As this project involves powered equipment, please follow all safety guidelines provided by manufacturers and use the recommended protective gear.

Let us know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to assist and would love to see your own arcade games cabinet builds.

Steps

Step 1

Mark out the cabinet segments on MDF panels.

Refer to the plans provided below for measurements. Mark out these measurements on your MDF panels using a tape measure. Pay particular attention to marking diagonal lines and their intersection points.

1.1 Sheet marked out.png 1.2 Sheet marked out.png 1.3 Side panel sheet positions.png 1.4 Diagonal plot points.png 1.5 Segment positions.png 1.6 Segment positions 3D.png 1.7 Mark out the sheets.png

Step 2

Cut the cabinet panels.

Use a circular saw to cut out all the marked segments on the MDF panels, including the cabinet's top, rear, side, front, and base segments. Make sure to clamp down and secure the panels before cutting. Don't forget to use protective eyewear and a dust mask.

Note that the cabinet's base and side segments have square edges. The front facade and hood of the cabinet require angular cuts. Square cuts are required for joining the side segments. I recommend cutting all square cuts first and then re-cutting where required to create the angles.

2.1 Clamping sheets down.png 2.2 Cutting segments.png 2.3 Cutting out segments.png

Step 3

Round the edges of the cut side segments.

Using a router and rounding bit, round over the edges of the cut side segments. As in the previous step, clamp down and secure the side segments before routing. Use protective eyewear and dust mask.

3.1 Routing segment edges.png 3.2 Routing segment edges.png

Step 4

Attach the back, front, base and side segments of the cabinet to create a frame.

Using a drill driver and countersink bit, place pilot holes around the side segments' edges as seen in the first image below. Space the holes 100mm apart and place them 8mm from the edge.

Apply PVA glue to the edges of the rear and base segments. Now clasp the two segments firmly using Sash clamps. Screw the segments together using a drill driver and 50mm timber screws as per the second photo below.

While waiting for the glue to dry, apply timber filler over the screws to fill the countersunk holes. You can see the filler applied in image three.

Continue this process until you have attached all the panels together to create a cabinet frame. Once done, flip it to a standing position and ensure it is steady.

4.1 Pre-drilling and countersinking holes.png 4.2 Screwing segments together.png 4.3 Back segment attached to sides.png 4.4 Back and bottom segments attached to sides.png 4.5 Render back, side and bottom segments.png 4.6 Front segments attached to sides.png 4.7 Render front panels.png

Step 5

Attach the cabinet's top segments.

Repeat the instructions in Step 4 and connect the top segments of the cabinet together to create a separate section in the top of the cabinet frame. This section of the cabinet will contain the monitor and marquee.

Apply PVA glue to the edges of all cut top segments and screw into place.

5.1 Positioning top segment of cabinet.png 5.2 Render top sections.png 5.3 Render top sections close-up.png

Step 6

Create an access panel door in the cabinet's rear segment.

Mark out a rectangle measuring 550 x 700mm with rounded corners in the lower back half of the cabinet.

Use a jigsaw to cut the marked rectangle as shown in the first two images below. The cut-out rectangular piece will be the access door. The rectangular hole in the cabinet is the door panel. Sand the edges of both the door and door panel to remove any coarse timber.

Next, use a drill driver and 16mm timber screws to fix four hinges to the side of the door and door panel. Connect them together. Ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly.

Now add one side of your magnetic cabinet latch on the door by screwing through the door with your 16mm screws. The other side of the latch is attached to the cabinet's rear segment in a corresponding location so the two will meet when the door is closed.

Finally, drill a 25mm holein your door opposite the hinges using your spade bit. This is the fingerhole that opens the door.

6.1 Cutting access panel in rear segment.png 6.2 Cutting access panel in rear segment.png 6.3 Access cut in rear segment.png 6.4 Rounding corners of access door.png 6.5 Sanding edges of access panel.png 6.6 Attaching magnets to access panel.png

Step 7

Install castor wheels in the cabinet's base segment.

Flip the cabinet on its side and mark the locations for installing castor wheels in all four corners of the cabinet's base segment.

Now use a drill driver to drill 6mm holes through the base. Attach four castor wheels using M6 bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten the nuts with an adjustable spanner.

7.1 Attaching castor wheels to cabinet base.png

Step 8

Drill the button holes in the control deck.

For this step, you'll need a template of your button and controller positions. There are many different options and your choice might be affected by your hand size and the types of games you like to play.

The control deck protrudes inside the cabinet, providing a surface for the monitor to rest on. Refer to the provided plans for the position and size of the control deck.

Once you've cut out the segments for the control deck as instructed in Step 1, place a control button positioning template on the deck. Secure it in place with masking tape. Now use the tip of a 25mm spade bit and mark the drill locations for the buttons. Remove the template and drill the marked holes with the 25mm spade drill bit as per the final image below.

8.1 Checking angle of control deck.png 8.2 Render control console.png 8.3 Control console close-up.png 8.4 Positioning template for control buttons.png 8.5 Drilling button holes.png

Step 9

Create the monitor frame.

Once you've cut out the segments for the monitor frame as instructed in Step 1, carefully remove the monitor from its packaging and place it face down on the cut MDF segment. Trace the perimeter of the monitor screen. Remove the monitor and keep it in a safe place.

Now mark a secondary line 10mm in from the traced line. This will be the cut line. The frame is intentionally built slightly smaller than the monitor to ensure the screen doesn't fall out.

Cut out the monitor frame. Install it in the cabinet's top half by screwing through the cabinet's side panels. It can be easier to do this from inside the cabinet. Screw up through the control panel and into the base of the monitor frame.

Note that the monitor will be tilted backwards to ensure an optimum viewing angle, so ensure the segment directly above the monitor frame is angled appropriately.

9.1 Measuring frame for monitor.png 9.2 Monitor frame cut out and primed.png 9.3 Render monitor frame.png

Step 10

Prime and paint the cabinet.

Apply two coats of primer to the cabinet. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Once the primer is dry, you can apply two coats of the topcoat.

10.1 Priming cabinet.png 10.2 Cabinet primed.png 10.3 Painting cabinet.png 10.4 Painting cabinet.png 10.5 Cabinet painted.png

Step 11

Install brackets for the monitor screen and test-fit the monitor.

Measure 15cm of your mending bracket. Bend it at the 5cm mark and again in the opposite direction at the 10cm mark. This will create an S-shaped bracket. Adjust your bracket’s shape accordingly to suit your monitor. Create four brackets in total.

Affix two of these brackets on either side of the monitor frame using a drill driver and 16mm timber screws. The remaining two will be used to fix the top of the screen later.

11.1 Making monitor brackets.png 11.2 Monitor brackets installed.png 11.3 Test fitting monitor.png 11.4 Monitor in position.png

Step 12

Install the marquee display.

Cut a rectangle from the acrylic sheet using a circular saw. Make sure the rectangle is slightly bigger than what you need for the marquee opening. You can then easily sand the edges back to get a perfect fit.

Run a thin bead of silicone around the perimeter of the acrylic rectangle to secure it into the cabinet.

Next, fix an LED batten light to the rear wall of the cabinet, so it is facing the front marquee acrylic sheet. Follow the instructions on the label for installing the light.

Finally, print your design for the marquee and secure it to the rear of the acrylic sheet with tape. You should now have an illuminated marquee display.

12.1 Acrylic and backlight installed.png 12.2 Backlight installed.png 12.3 Marquee installed.png

Step 13

An optional step (depending on whether your monitor has sound output) is to install speakers in the cabinet. We chose to install speakers and grilles just above the monitor for "in-your-face" sound.

Drill two holes measuring 100mm in diameter directly under the marquee using your hole saw. Screw the 100mm speaker grilles over the holes.

Next, make a hole in one end of Velcro tape. Place a screw in it and then screw it inside the lower section of the marquee behind the speaker hole.

Secure the speakers behind the grilles using the Velcro tape.

13.1 Speaker location drilled out.png 13.2 Speakers and grill installed.png

Step 14

Install the control buttons.

Wire the control buttons in the cabinet as per their instructions. Make sure to follow all listed safety precautions.

An optional coin slot can also be added by cutting the cabinet's front panel.

14.1 Control buttons ready for install.png 14.2 Start and pause controls ready for install.png 14.3 Installing control buttons.png 14.4 Wiring controls.png 14.5 Player one control buttons installed.png 14.6 Start and pause buttons installed.png 14.7 All control buttons installed.png

Step 15

Mount the monitor and power-up your cabinet

Once the controls are installed, mount the monitor and secure the top in place with the two brackets created earlier. Ensure the monitor is secured. Do not overly compress the screen. Make sure that only the monitor's perimeter is touching the front screen frame.

Place your chosen hardware inside the cabinet and connect all controls. Power-up your components using a power board.

Your arcade games cabinet is now ready for use. Have fun.

15.2 Complete cabinet.png 15.3 Complete cabinet.png 15.4 Complete cabinet.png

Materials

Five panels of 16mm MDF measuring 2400 x 1200mm
One 2400mm length of 40 x 18mm Tasmanian Oak DAR
Standard sanding sheets
PVA glue 500mL
Timber filler
Undercoat 1L
Black water-based enamel paint 1L
Masking tape
Four 25 x 20 x 1.6mm brass butt hinges
Magnetic cabinet catch
Four 75mm swivel castors
16 x M6 bolts x 25mm, washers and nuts
Timber screws 4G x 16mm 45 pack
Two packets timber screws 8G x 50mm 100 pack
Four pieces mending plate Make-A-Bracket
Clear acrylic sheet 900 x 600 x 5mm
One tube clear silicone
100mm speaker grilles (optional depending on choice of monitor and sound output)
Velcro hook and loop tape 1000mm (optional - for securing speakers)
LED batten light 20W (optional - for lighting up marquee)
Your preferred electronics such as monitor, computer, speakers and powerboard.

Tools

Circular saw
Jigsaw
Drill driver
25mm spade drill bit
Router
Sander
Paint roller and tray
Paintbrush
Pilot drill countersink bit
5mm rounding over router bit
6mm drill bit
900mm sash clamps
100mm hole saw
Adjustable spanner
Carpenters square
Safety glasses
Dust mask.

Images

1.1 Sheet marked out.png

1.2 Sheet marked out.png

1.3 Side panel sheet positions.png

1.4 Diagonal plot points.png

1.5 Segment positions.png

1.6 Segment positions 3D.png

1.7 Mark out the sheets.png

2.1 Clamping sheets down.png

2.2 Cutting segments.png

2.3 Cutting out segments.png

3.1 Routing segment edges.png

3.2 Routing segment edges.png

4.1 Pre-drilling and countersinking holes.png

4.2 Screwing segments together.png

4.3 Back segment attached to sides.png

4.4 Back and bottom segments attached to sides.png

4.5 Render back, side and bottom segments.png

4.6 Front segments attached to sides.png

4.7 Render front panels.png

5.1 Positioning top segment of cabinet.png

5.2 Render top sections.png

5.3 Render top sections close-up.png

6.1 Cutting access panel in rear segment.png

6.2 Cutting access panel in rear segment.png

6.3 Access cut in rear segment.png

6.4 Rounding corners of access door.png

6.5 Sanding edges of access panel.png

6.6 Attaching magnets to access panel.png

7.1 Attaching castor wheels to cabinet base.png

8.1 Checking angle of control deck.png

8.2 Render control console.png

8.4 Positioning template for control buttons.png

8.5 Drilling button holes.png

9.1 Measuring frame for monitor.png

9.2 Monitor frame cut out and primed.png

9.3 Render monitor frame.png

10.1 Priming cabinet.png

10.2 Cabinet primed.png

10.3 Painting cabinet.png

10.4 Painting cabinet.png

10.5 Cabinet painted.png

11.1 Making monitor brackets.png

11.2 Monitor brackets installed.png

11.3 Test fitting monitor.png

11.4 Monitor in position.png

12.1 Acrylic and backlight installed.png

12.2 Backlight installed.png

12.3 Marquee installed.png

13.1 Speaker location drilled out.png

13.2 Speakers and grill installed.png

14.1 Control buttons ready for install.png

14.2 Start and pause controls ready for install.png

14.3 Installing control buttons.png

14.4 Wiring controls.png

14.5 Player one control buttons installed.png

14.6 Start and pause buttons installed.png

14.7 All control buttons installed.png

14.8 Coin slot installed.png

15.2 Complete cabinet.png

15.3 Complete cabinet.png