Arcade Machine Build

Today is all about the Arcade Machine Build! I've wanted to revisit that 80's nostalgia of the Arcade for a long time now, and finally had the perfect excuse to build a machine. So jump in and join us as we try and build the ultimate Star Wars Arcade Machine!
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TheSmugglers...
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A big THANK YOU to Ron the CG-RTist, have a look at his awesome Arcade Cabinet. • DIY Arcade Machine Build
Awesome Stickers from Aedo and Derek:
www.etsy.com/shop/VanOaksProp...
Below you will find a list of equipment and materials used on this project. The list does contain affiliate links for some products, this does not add any additional cost to you, however it does help support the channel.
Stainless Steel Hex Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts Hex Nuts Kit
amzn.to/3XmMAiS
Arcade Supplies
www.thegeekpub.com/
Acrylic
www.delviesplastics.com/c/las...
Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
amzn.to/3isSEHz
Pica Green Pencil with Refills
amzn.to/3k1tLTX
Simply Juice Lid - Pick a flavor!
amzn.to/3ZkWjYz
Self-Healing Cutting Mat 36”x48”
amzn.to/3GUWWkq
Blue Shop Towels
amzn.to/3IDvs4c
Glue:
Bob Smith Industries 2oz for wood, glass, plastic, metal, rubber
amzn.to/3X0W57p
Bob Smith Industries 8oz refill
amzn.to/3ZpfBMn
Bob Smith Extra Tips for CA glue
amzn.to/3CxezEi
Wood Glue Dispenser
amzn.to/3jQZrLs
Wood Cabinet Scraper
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Big “Bessey” Jaw Clamp
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IRWIN (blue) quick grip clamps 6” 4-pack
amzn.to/3vS0qOf
DEWALT Yellow 12” 2-pack Bar Clamps with Triggers
amzn.to/3IFzrxg

[@CGRTist]

That is a true work of art! I know your nephew is going to love that machine! Hey, thanks for the shout-out too!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much my friend. Could not have done this without you!

[@blackmarketoutpost]

Oh my how I have missed you guys!! Fantastic build and the skill are outstanding but more importantly I am especially happy to have you back. Build on good sir build on!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you my friend. Very much appreciated!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@TheMartinGage]

"I'm gonna use plans and winging it and combine them together" is my new outlook on life! I need to print that on a t-shirt for myself 🤣

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Right man? LOL, the stuff that comes out of my mouth sometimes . . . LOL

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@AlmaPerry]

I love this! I built an arcade cabinet almost 20 years ago now. My kids were able to grow up playing the same games I grew up playing. Love that you are passing that joy on!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That's awesome. You deserve a "Good Parent" award for that! All kids should grow up playing the vintage games we all enjoyed.

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@JediGeronimo]

You're definitely getting the cool uncle award too!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

WHOOOHOOOO!!! Thanks!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

💯

[@props88]

This work of art is BEAUTIFUL! AMAZING! PROFESSIONAL! Wow factor x twelve parsecs! You are the coolest Uncle Brian!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wow, thank you!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

The best

[@RebelBaseBuilds]

Fantastic, great to have you back on the tube!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you my friend!

[@templeton2048]

The best

[@JediGeronimo]

I can see your expression in the intro being a gif called "geek joy!" Great build Brian!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@sandragon2714]

What a great way to wake up. So glad to see you back friend. Thank you for sharing your projects with us and looking forward to what you have in store for the future.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@cnaegle]

Loved this build! I agree. The stand up arcade game (along with pinball) was the ultimate entertainment when I was a kid. I had to walk down to the local Circle K to play Star Wars. They got a lot of quarters from me.

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

right?? My arcade of choice was the corner "Loaf and Jug" LOL

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@sharliecarma4044]

Not sure that your geeky expressions will top that of your nephews when he receives this AMAZING gift, but good try my man. 🤪 And of course... glad to see a smile on your face. It brings "joy joy" feelings!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL, thank you so much!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

As another child of the 80s, I appreciate all of this!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Awesome

[@DougPalumbo]

I love living vicariously through you and your builds! We moved out of our house and filled my shop with a lot of our stuff while work is being done on the house. I miss messing around with my projects. Thanks for the continued entertainment and inspiration!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you Doug. Hope the house is done soon so you can get your shop back!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@brokenthought1102]

the great part about your builds is that even the off cuts and the "trash" bits from doing your laser cutting can find new purpose in another part of the build or elsewhere in the project

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

You bet! We save ALL of those bits. So useful!

[@sillysausage72]

Great to see you back! Love my arcades!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

Love it

[@Natedogg2120]

Welcome Back glad to see a new video sorry about your loss

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film and editing. Cabinet is gorgeous. Work of art. Mahalo for sharing! 🙂🙏🐒

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

Love it

[@A2ZGeek]

building an arcade in a KZbin video gained you a follower today. I have built maybe 20 cabs and knowing how much work goes into them I can't imagine adding in filming it to the mix so kudos to that.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Very much appreciated! Thank you for having a look and joining the community!

[@ScottKraft]

Another good anti-blowout tip for a forstner bit: If you carefully drill to where only the little point comes through the other side you can flip the piece over and drill the rest out. alternatively you can put a small pilit hole through the whole piece so that both sides show where you need to drill. Either way, the main body of the forstner bit never comes out the other side.

[@ScottKraft]

Ha, I see you did that later in the video for the button holes

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

;)

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Great tips all around!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@ericortiz3284]

Oh the good old days of taking my Dad's quarters and pedaling my bike to 711 to play Shinobi all afternoon. Great build and video!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Right bro??? Lol

[@PrimalEdge]

Awesome first build for 2023!!! Welcome back!!! Your nephew is so lucky!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Happy new year! Thank you!

[@lucho3410]

80s and 90s were absolute golden eras!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

AMEN!

[@brendandearie5597]

It was the best time to be a kid and you are right, there was special magic there.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Indeed!

[@liammc47]

If you use a lot of stickers/decals, etc with rounded corners, then I can highly recommend investing in a cutter for a clean, consistent finish. Search ‘corner cutter’ or ‘corner clipper’ on your favourite retailer 👍🏼

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks for the tips!

[@TheAuldGaffer]

YES!!! 1983 Star Wars Arcade Game opening! Gotta love/hate it!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL! Right???

[@Mikey-Likes-I.T]

As a child of the 80's myself I agree with you it was great!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Totally Rad! 🤣

[@adamb6472]

Absolutely love, you deserve so much more on KZbin

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!!

[@templeton2048]

Love it

[@tonyrusso9126]

My God. The detail work is so amazing!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@BittahGenius]

Wow! Helluva build to remind us what we’ve been missing and why we subscribe.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@DHGamerMR]

Awesome! Another amazing project and a great video to start my day right with my morning coffee. Good to see you back, and I hope all is well for you both.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you my friend. Good to see you are still here. Much appreciated!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@BruGaleen]

Just when I was saying "Wow, he sure is using a lot of those bolts", you actually stopped to address it, LOL. Cracked me up. Love this build! \m/

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

🤣🤣. Glad you enjoyed it

[@philabot]

Awesome build, hope all is well!❤

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! 😊

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

Awesome

[@shampoovta]

This was so great. So nice to see a really talented maker do a cab. Think about maybe a virtual pinball table. There are a lot of great Star Wars tables available. It is way better than playing on a tablet. Plus the table can play more than just pinball if it's a touch screen and you keep the joystick that come with the button kits. It makes the verity of games wider the more options you have. Also look up how to make a marquee and remember the magic that is an infinity mirror. There are a lot of fun tricks that can make the cabinet irresistible. When it's let up you are just drawn to it. You can make mini tabletop cabinets too. I did a small Skyrim pinball table that is really just a huge tablet stand and controller. Literally plug and play but I threw in an infinity mirror marquee and some LED's and hid a power bar inside the cab for it all. The games are all pinball aps and other games. I would have added a larger screen but I liked the tablet fine I just hated the controller feel and needed real buttons and a sturdy table. Plus sometimes you have to swipe the screen for some abilities in the game and that ads more skill to the game. This was really lovely to watch.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wonderful Kelley! Yes, Ron and I were discussing the pinball tables. Those are incredible. I had no idea, it's a crazy word of pinball. Love all your other ideas as well. Might have to try them all!!!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@FabWorks80]

WOW!!! This came out AMAZING!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Great tip on preventing blowouts; I did not know that...Love you, guys!!!

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you bro! Love you guys too!!!

[@eclarkmx]

Great to see you back!! Always look forward to see your projects!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@illustratedlefty213]

I didn’t know I needed an arcade machine until now. Imma have to check Ron’s videos out in it. Thanks for the side mission.

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Right? It's so much fun!

[@templeton2048]

The best

[@weareone4931]

Watching theses vids reminds me of hanging out at the boardwalk back in the late 70 to the death of arcade rooms the arcade was my home away from home

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

right??? So much nostalgia

[@jbprospector3638]

I'm so glad that I cought your video, so happy that you posted it. Love you guys.👍😎

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Hope you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@jbprospector3638]

@@TheSmugglersRoom As always, yes I did.

[@templeton2048]

The best

[@WiKiTWoNKa]

She turned out freaking beautiful ❤

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thankyou!

[@sns-media67]

Hi Brian. I felt like Obi Wan when Aldaraan was detroyed when in your last video you said goodbye, but just like the Jedi's you have come back bigger, stronger and more powerful. This build was truly amazing, and i can imagine the look on Brodie's face when he received it. Welcome back, and long my your videos inspire me and continue to bring a smile to my face. Big love to all for 2023 and beyond.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much

[@ryanbagby7153]

With this build I think you just won best uncle ever!!! fantastic build as always.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you 😀

[@Calumetto]

That looks amazing, As usual, when you start weathering, I go "NOOO." And then, when you're done, it looks even better.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Yeah, the weathering is always the most terrifying part.

[@JD-be7ys]

Welcome back, friends. Glad the world has stabilized enough for you to get back to where you need to be.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!

[@gambo302]

This is next level… your nephew better be happy lol… this is like a 20,000 dollar cabinet

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! He loved it!

[@richardkirkland6805]

Honestly this being empire themed makes sense, it's good morale for imperial naval officers and stormtroopers alike.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

HA!!! That's awesome!

[@sharki-in-space]

The Return of the Geek

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

We're back!!!

[@sharki-in-space]

@@TheSmugglersRoom love seeing you back in the workshop!

[@akc5150]

Rather than the super sticky double sided tape, try the masking tape and superglue trick that a lot of us guitar builders use. Stick a strip of tape on one surface, run a thin bead of super glue (C.A.) down the centre of it and then stick another piece of masking tape to it, adhesive side up. Much easier to separate than the DST and holds just as well!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

great tip! Thank you for sharing.

[@erickraus1305]

So good to see you baaaack!!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@templeton2048]

Love it

[@bcrispchannel]

This work needs more love! Excellent skills and passion to your family with such one-of-a-kind gifts they will enjoy for decades. Well done!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wow, thank you!

[@hanger6740]

Seriously man!!! I gotta stop watching your stuff I want to build everything. Excellent job as usual sir. Love it

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you kindly

[@MicaMakes]

Awesome build! Love it. Currently building 1 of 2 lightsaber display panels for my 2 nephews who just went to Galaxys Edge and got themselves some legacy lightsabers.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Fantastic!!! That sounds awesome

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@gzaros]

Looks great!

[@rluders]

This is freaking amazing!

[@pennyo8674]

Hello~ I am glad to see you again. 🤗

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@arthurp4857]

I’m practically weeping as I watch this come together & how totally amazing all the elements come together. That cabinet is truly a thing of beauty! Thanks for sharing .

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@WiKiTWoNKa]

FOR MANDALOR!!! I am loving the skully

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@GalactiVids]

Really great build video. This is honestly one of the coolest projects and the final look is awesome. Be very interested to see what the one you add to your space will look like.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Yeah, i have all kinds of ideas for the next one. Should be fun!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@danielrhodes7594]

It looks really good! Star Wars video games are always fun.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

They are! Thank you

[@jdomyan01]

After watching I wanted to add another comment. You've made some nice things but this is really amazing. The attention to detail! Great job.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wow, thank you!

[@retroconsole_]

It's nice to have a handy knowledge of carpentry and the tools..you can do so much..

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

It's taken a long while and I still constantly learn!

[@ekij133]

That looks great. Two comments: 1] I think your speaker might work better if they were in enclosures rather than open at the back 2] All those lovely orange acrylic obrounds. I'd have been very tempted to put some LEDs behind them (that said I'm tempted to add LEDs to most things).

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks. I should have gone back and shown the final rear of the cabinet. I actually did enclose the speakers. They each have an insulated enclosure that drastically improved the sound. As far as the orange LED's, i was very tempted to add lighting. On the next one I probably will, i was just under the gun to get this done for this week. But it's a great idea.

[@emilivarsson2420]

Jesus, I'm super impressed over the details, I am currently building mine, and sure to say, I have been inspired!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Great to hear! Good luck on yours!

[@liteguy38]

Fantastic project! I love all the detail and the weathering is on point! Great to see you back, but more importantly, it's great to see you smiling again. Happy New Year!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much!

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@eugenb.8448]

Wow. That’s awesome!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank You!

[@the_makersden]

Awesome build! And you are so right on how expensive plywood has gotten! It’s outrageous! At least you were able to use your excess MDF for it though

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

it totally is. So sad, as I really love Plywood for builds too.

[@Mr_Craftician]

THIS IS NEXT LEVEL STUFF. Just incredible. Breathtaking work (as always). Kudos to you and Ron.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wow, thank you!

[@JasonPatz]

What an excellent project and expertly built!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Many thanks!

[@HLR4th]

Tremendous! Seeing the game brought me back to many a trip to Penn Station’s Arcade to play. The game was housed in a cockpit like cabinet. Many quarters (as I recall it was a 50 cent game) were spent crashing into girders while attempting the “Trench Run”. Funny intrusive thought- as you were weathering, I was expecting Dolores from Empire HR to appear, writing you up for a cleanliness violation!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

HA!!! I love Dolores! Thanks for watching, glad it brought back memories for you.

[@roccomanno4501]

Another spectacular work of art!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@Parksforfun]

man, you are just the best uncle!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@rayneraccoon]

So great to see another Smugglers Room video. Love you guys so much!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Yay! Thank you!

[@marcurbanski6187]

That is one incredible build! Impressive, most impressive!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much!

[@davidrichmond7750]

Dude this is the best thing you’ve ever made! As a product of the 80’s myself, this is right in line with my wants and need to make. I am certainly glad you’re back. I will share this all over.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Very much appreciate it! So glad you liked it. I can't wait to build another one for us! LOL

[@thewebexpert3311]

Glad to see you back.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@CarlosAlvarez-dv7um]

I’m so happy to see y’all back!!!! As always, great video! 🎉

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!

[@D4ftChunk]

What a great build fantastic work

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you kindly

[@jesuspincho2201]

Una pasada, un gran trabajo si señor 👏 🙌 👍

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Gracias!

[@jakewilson1070]

Holy carpel tunnel Batman! Look at that control panel angle!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fretburner8981]

Epic build man. Awesome!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks a bunch!

[@M6Props]

So glad you have new content out again - missed seeing the regular instalments of the Smuggler's Room. Such an awesome arcade game! You are so right being a child of the 80's really was the best time. Thanks for another awesome video - keep up the great work.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

More to come! Thank you!!!

[@frankenmonkey87]

what a fantastic build Brian! Love it. Can't wait to try something like that myself!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! We can't wait for you to give it a try!

[@DagrtOne]

So amazing. 😮

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank yiu

[@dsawyer8]

Crazy mad skills bro , just beautiful. (The force is strong with this one. )

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much 😀

[@garlandsworkshop]

Fantastic Build Brian. I remember Bob doing a series on this a few years back on his channel "I like to make stuff". He then made a bar top version. I think you definitely took it to the next level...and a great rendition of "can you star wars this?"

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks Garland. Yes, Bob was a huge inspiration for this. I love all three of his arcade builds.

[@compextremes]

This has to been one of the best looking graphic concepts I’ve ever seen. Amazing custom cabinet build and video man! Thank you for posting this up! 😎👌🏼❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@breannar8514]

I love your channel so much! It makes my day when I see a new video!!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!! We appreciate that so much!

[@gigaphonicon]

I've wanted to make one since I got a raspberry pi but I had no idea how much cooler it looks with the acrylic cut outs. I need a laser cutter now lol. Great build.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks! Yeah, the Rasberry Pi makes for a great gaming system!

[@DockingBay327Build]

A most excellent arcade my friend!!! Love everything about this!! And yes, the 80’s were definitely the greatest time to grow up in!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks man! Much appreciated!

[@fursphere2]

Amazing build.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

I'm glad you like it! Thank yiu

[@trooper-je4iw]

I love the IMPERIAL CREDITS ONLY!! 👊🏽

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!! Thanks

[@bryanmadewell8896]

Absolutely beautiful. You do such awesome work. I would love to learn from you. You are an inspiration. Thank you for such awesome content.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much! That is so kind of you.

[@billlumburg7594]

Awesome craftsmanship 👍🏽

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you

[@TheDanielSpies_Arcades]

Beautiful build 🙌🏻

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you

[@presidentsnow7315]

What a cool uncle!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks!

[@tobymilo8625]

I’m a big fan of the channel! You always do amazing work and the attention to detail is impeccable! Great job as always!

[@adamb6472]

❤️

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much 😀

[@templeton2048]

❤

[@RevenantManor]

The end result exceeded my already sky-high expectations....the design and execution here is bordering on flawless, and the fact that it turned out to be a gift just about floored me. Thanks for sharing this incredible build!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

The k you very much for the kind words.

[@benjamindunlop9057]

this is incredible.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you

[@geoflyer15]

wow! mind blown!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks!!

[@george7040]

Sooo awesome and such attention to detail! Would have loved to see his reaction to it!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! He absolutely loves it

[@alfredwalters5962]

You inspired me to upgrade my Mandalorian arcade cabinet. I’m also working on a Star Wars theme arcade claw machine. I’ll be sure to add some pics in the Star Wars room builders page.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

That's awesome!!