Cocktail Table Arcade Part 2 - Making it Better!

[@shoebkhan8459]

Gotta love it when content creators “dumb down” the tools needed to get a job like this done! Thank you for considering those of us without a fully stocked workshop!

[@martinhodge394]

"profit enhancer" - That is my favorite new vocabulary addition. :)

[@Colaholiker]

Brother's profit enhancer made me laugh. This "feature", which has been around with those P-Touch label makers for ages, is my biggest complaint about this kind of device.

[@StephenHoldaway]

Yeah, it's unclear if it's an engineering compromise or a sneaky trick. The wasted tape is the distance from the print head to the cutting head, with the space in between being where the layers of the label get sandwiched together. They certainly charge a ton for the official label cartridges though

[@Colaholiker]

@@StephenHoldaway With the design of the print assembly that they use now, there was no way to avoid it. After all, the printing happens on the back of the top tape layer and then gets the backing attached. But I also wonder if they just accepted it with this "nice drawback" or if there was really no other way to do it.

[@ACRPC-dot-NET]

Just a drawback to the way the tape path is on these, with the print method, there's just no way around it, though, most their label makers have a "chain" feature to minimize wasted label tape so if you're doing a bunch of label prints in a row it doesn't waste that big chunk with every print, only the first and last chained prints waste any tape. I have always had mine set to chain print, then just do a "feed and cut" for the last label, the minimal label waste is worth it for the high quality laminated, non-fading labels.

[@Madkoifish]

@@Colaholiker It used to be worse in the 90s as they would waste double or more than what he showed in the video.

[@Colaholiker]

@@Madkoifish Wow, didn't know that. Back in the day we still had the label makers that mechanically embossed the letters into the plastic tape.

[@vincentferrari]

Moving the monitor up was an absolute homerun. My only quibble on this table would be to make it slightly lower so it's easier to see, but I really like this build a lot. It turned out great as all your cabs do!

[@TheGeekPub]

I guess or a taller chair. ;-)

[@vincentferrari]

@@TheGeekPub The snark is strong with this one 🤣

[@willierants5880]

Well at 6' 5" I'd disagree with making it lower. Don't forget about us tall people. I know we are a minority, but honestly getting a chair the rise up is a lot easier than forcing a tall person to sit on their knees to play games. I've been in hotel rooms where I had to do just that, get on my knees, to brush my teeth. No joke.

[@doubledecker1094]

Your attention to detail is inspirational!

[@KevboKev]

The "A" button is bothering my OCD because it's cut flat on the bottom. :-) Great build and great video!

[@Lensfort]

Not to mention "3" and "4" instead of "L" and "R"

[@knightcrusader]

On the P-Touch printers, use Chain Printing if you plan on making a bunch of labels. It will get rid of the wasted tape between labels.

[@paulbickley7962]

I was thinking if you sprayed the inside of the speaker holes yellow (spray the back of the wood) that would carry on the two tone yellow/black theme 🤔

[@TheGeekPub]

LOL! I so should have done that!

[@techrev9999]

I have an RV. I'm, actually, thinking about replacing the table in the RV with a cocktail type setup, and probably still allowing it to be used as a computer while sitting at it with a k400 or something. Seems like a fun project. Seriously considering a PC instead of a Pi, but building the motherboard into the bottom of the table. Then having joystick consoles on the other side. Loving the way this is coming together. One of the difficult decisions for the RV project will be aspect ratio for the monitor. It's entirely possible, if I decide to also use it as a PC, that I try to use a bigger monitor and try to blend the black of the borders while playing as well as possible with the table. Dunno. Fun stuff.

[@swaffdog6521]

If I was to build one of these, the only things I would add would be a second piece of glass in the monitor opening and a lock on the door instead of the knob (just to make it look a little more authentic). Otherwise it looks awesome!

[@rohanventer2010]

Yes, or add some overlapping trim on the door to hide the gaps on the sides

[@hydrolisk1792]

Absolutely fantastic now! Moving the monitor was a good choice as well. "Looks like you bought it in a store" LOL Pay no mind to any one who wants to complain about what should be glued and what shouldn't. Build how you want, that is what it is all about. You have to remember, you build it, you fix it! I prefer the more modular the better! Also easier to move if it is a larger machine that you are building! Break it down more compact for easy transport and maintenance! Keep it up!

[@UnreasonableSteve]

The "profit enhancer" exists on pretty much every label maker now - regardless of brand. You found the workaround: print all your labels without cutting and then manually cut later.

[@Flannel_Bandit]

Wow and I thought it was already great but wow 😳.

[@meleniumshane90]

When I did my cabinets a few years back, I bought a pack of "Avery Printable Round Labels with Sure Feed, 3/4" Diameter, Glossy Clear, 400 Customizable Labels (4222)“. For less than $10 you get several sheets with 80 labels per page. Avery has template files on their website for various editors, including Office. It worked fine on my 10-year-old Samsung monochrome laser printer. It's a good idea to take a blank piece of paper, draw an arrow on it, and print your design on that first so you what orientation to put the sticker sheet into your printer.

[@RadDadisRad]

The quality of this is so good.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Nice build. So many games in MAME support cocktail flipping in two player mode. It's a really cool feature.

[@IanTheWoodchuck]

I'm looking at doing a version of this, but because of the low profile nature of LCDs and RPi, I'm planning on building an open-base design, removing the cabinet base and ticking everything up under the tabletop. The only thing that will extend down a bit will be the control panels. Not strictly a traditional design, but I also want to be able to collapse/remove the legs for easy transport. I'll probably hit you guys up for controller parts when I'm ready. Have you ever thought about making those vinyl button labels available for purchase on the shop along with the button kits?

[@puzzud]

Awesome idea for a followup upgrade video. I can't wait for Part 3!

[@eformance]

I would be inclined to install latches on the top instead of corner brackets, because it's meant to be removed for service and latches would be much easier.

[@TsuNAmI2069]

Man... I loved the cocktail video on the first video and now, with the new finishing touches, it looks even better. Great video. The only thing I saw through the entire 1st and 2nd parts that I would like changed was how i'd like for the joystick little yellow balls were also semi-transparent with a light, to mimic the buttons. Keep up the great work, love the videos...

[@JorisV1983]

So… I was looking around at some retro gaming cabinets. That came by via a ad, And then tought of the pac man table that i used to play on in a restaurant when we where on vacation in Switserland. Years ago with my parrents. Started looking at some videos on KZbin. And then came across this. Yes i wil have to build one of these. This thing is awsome.

[@rohanventer2010]

Now just to make a custom yellow translucent joystick nob (maybe epoxy casting?) with an LED inside to match the buttons...

[@ColorMeMozart]

Loved it before but these changes took it to a whole new level! 🕹👾

[@mluna]

Modern Vintage Gamer likes this video.

[@patjackmanesq]

When you routed the screen I said "oh man, that's so much better". Then you said the exact same. Not kidding, it was spooky!

[@robertshowe2417]

Having an ick day, needed a video like this. Awesome.

[@skeezixcodejedi]

Many (real old school) cocktail arcade machines have a flip lid - hinge one side, and a latch or two on the other; no need to bolt it down, especially for basement use; just reach in through the coin door (say) and hit the latch and pop it open. Just a tip.

[@Wall-ID]

Fantastic job !

[@JopieHaargel]

Made an awesome table better. Nice work.

[@brianspears4277]

Awesome job! Also the new shop is coming along great!

[@bebo995]

Bravo...good follow-up from a new subscriber. Keep them coming.

[@eformance]

The only thing you don't get with the LCD is the bloom!

[@95ZR580]

Maybe you've already done it, I will check your video after this... have you made a "coffee table" version of this? That would be super sweet in my den!

[@ricklakes9405]

Wow man don't know what to say except . Dang bro that looks awesome.!!!

[@Dukefazon]

And you can be sure, the audience will spot the mistakes :) 8:28 - the A print is slightly shifted down so the bottom of it is not printed right. At first I wasn't sure about the label printer but when the buttons are illuminated, they look neat!

[@TheDainerss]

I wonder if you have thought about adding graphics to the top surface? Nothing over the top, just a few graphics to break up the black surface. Just a thought, some might like the full black surface, but my memories of cocktail table arcades was with graphics under the glass surface.

[@TheGeekPub]

Of course, but I generally don't show that in the build videos. I want the cabinet to be a blank canvas and not stereotyped for the viewer.

[@philsbbs]

I so love it.

[@POkErr-od6ni]

Very nice job! I wish I had all this Tools . I tried with my own arcade machine, but it isn’t so good as yours. Greetings from Berlin

[@vincentferrari]

Better tools just make the process faster. You can do anything done here with basic tools you’ll just need to spend much more time refining what you do afterward.

[@POkErr-od6ni]

@@vincentferrari This is not realy true. How can I make this slide to move the monitor up without his Machine? per Hand? It just won't fit , doesent matter how long I need...) :)

[@TheGeekPub]

You could make the rabbet with a hand plane. It would just take a few hours.

[@aleksandrbmelnikov]

Atari's Off The Wall C also runs well. The C stands for cocktail. For games like Gauntlet 2P, use MAME's cocktail mode, after you rotate video, for vertical screen. Petscii 2-Player???

[@269Ski]

Love your design. Do you have a 2 player pedestal cabinet design? Like the funglo style.

[@dr.rotwang]

If I may make one more humble suggestion. This cocktail cab looks great but its missing something. I think that it needs some decals. Maybe not a full on dedicated layout like making it a Ms. Pac-Man cabinet or even a generic one like flames or lightning themed but it needs something. Maybe some different video game characters under the glass or a bigger scene on the door. I don't know what exactly but it needs just a little bling.

[@TheGeekPub]

Future video. ;-)

[@bubbadmatt8124]

Might not be particularly geeky sounding but curious if you ever thought of doing a cab decorating it like a hotrod. My mind keeps imagining something silly but cool like flames, skulls, or pinstripes. 😆

[@TheducksOrg]

I buy Brother clone tapes from aliexpress - $2-3 each vs brother's $20-30ish. Means I don't worry about the waste at the beginning

[@BlackMammoth25]

I have an idea for buttons, not sure if it would be worth the cost or effort though; OLED screens built into the buttons to light up and say what they do for each game. It would mean that you could have a bunch of different games in an arcade cabinet like this, and never be confused about what buttons do or which ones to press. Granted, it would require programming the graphics for each button for each game, which is where the effort part comes into it, but damn would it look nice. Also, is there not a better way to secure the glass on top without breaking the yellow lines with those clamps?

[@Kikay0n]

What if you double the label stickers to make it more opaque?

[@jdenslinger]

"maybe nobody will notice" If you're thinking that, that's the ONLY thing they'll notice! LOL

[@theturtle32]

A cheap alternative if you don't have a label printer that I think would work just as well would be to buy laser or inkjet transparency film and print the design onto a sheet of that and then cut them out

[@mikemurphy8714]

Exactly why I just take my time with a rattle can and make it look good like you did. Setting up and cleaning paint guns is a very annoying task

[@jtophermyers]

I Just finished this build with the Geek Pub plans. While I did make a couple changes, this is a great design. My biggest disappointment has nothing to do with the plans but rather not finding a single rom of mine that will flip the screen for P2, even though I have the game rom set to "cocktail" mode. I was hoping for at least Pacman, Galaga and possibly Donkey Kong to do this as they are great two player games. Any suggestions are welcome as I am not finding much anywhere else. I'm using Retropie on a Rasp Pi 3.

[@chadhartsees]

I would suggest your switching power outlet be placed somewhere else. Having it right next to someone's foot where they could put force on it or cause the power cord to come out isn't good.

[@lukefisher1347]

Could you make a 3 sided cocktail table that would be awsome

[@The_Nametag]

The "myth" came from younger gamers who didn't know that "cocktail table" arcade games were a real thing. Hell, one that sticks out in my mind the most is playing Popeye on one. They weren't AS popular as uprights, but they existed, and are perfect for home use.

[@RandomBitzzz]

My kids doctor had a Burger Time cocktail table in their well child waiting room. I liked that the doc was teaching the kids what's what.

[@Allen-by6ci]

No table machine is complete without pizza and Dr Pepper sitting on top. Nice job..

[@arbutuswatcher]

Good job on a quality build. Any chance of getting a backlight for the controls?

[@Dobemandan]

Virtual pinball machine would be cool👍🏻

[@cfdtv1]

Stumbled onto this channel and love it! Just binge watched five videos. Love the arcade stuff and am thinking about building a cocktail table for my self (might sendup with the stand up model). But where do I get the software?

[@HardenedMetapod]

I'd imagine that a used Silhouette is probably about the same price as the label maker, but good idea for those that don't want the extra purchase.

[@TheDainerss]

Good point on the used Silhouette, may have to look into that as I can see a lot of good uses for something like that.

[@RandomBitzzz]

People really thought that player 2 played upside down? Wow...

[@Nobe_Oddy]

man I still can't get over how much you and your brother are alike lol - I wasn't 100% sure your channel was was the one with "the 8-bit guy's brother" (I'm sorry, I just happen to come across his channel first and he's clued me in to you chan :D ) and I hadn't seen any video's on of yours on my main KZbin page, so when I saw this thumbnail I wasn't totally sure... but after hearing you talk and I was POSITIVE lol.... anyway, I paused you vid about 2 mins in to yap about this, so now I'm finish it... I REALLY do like your vids.. they have an 'all around' type of hobbyist content compared to just the tech. and as we nerds get older we realize there are cases, cabinet, and A LOT OF EFFORT that that go into supporting the tech we've all grown to love - and you cover A LOT of that type of stuff.... I just wish I was able to do some of the stuff you do... but I think if I were to organize my ideas you will be a great go-to for me to use so I can make some cool little toys to sell at flea markets or online.... I'd LOVE to put some arcade cabinets that are quite revolutionary but use some older ideas that were never brought to their full potential.... I just wish I had a friend like you that help me see these idea through to reality.... well..... Thanks for making your videos.... you have given me A LOT of ideas watching your vids and I can't wait to see what you do next!! :D On with the video :)

[@markwrightrf]

Your David Murray impersonation is pretty much spot-on, awesome work. I'd just add lots of random chuckles here and there and maybe slow down a little? You should also add some faux over-enthusiastic surprised to-camera pieces following several re-takes. You'll get there eventually, my friend. 7/10. ;-) *Irony*

[@takix2007]

(You do realise Mike is Dave's brother?)

[@Wayne_Nero]

I have a Ms Pacman table - i should do this monitor setup with it

[@ACRPC-dot-NET]

Now I want to build a cocktail cabinet to go with my upright, though I would have to go with a CRT, LCDs in "classic" (looking) arcade games always just feels so darn wrong.

[@TheDainerss]

I agree, but finding CRTs seems to be getting harder and harder and it will only get worse. When I do find them, they are being sold for an arm and a leg. So as much as I wish I could build mine with a CRT, I am probably going to have to go with an LCD, that is until I can source a decent CRT to replace it with.

[@ACRPC-dot-NET]

@@TheDainerss Yeah, I have quite a few smaller CRTs, but only two that would be appropriate size for a classic cocktail cabinet, a 25" NEC 4PG (RGB/SVGA), and a 20" Sony 20M2MDU (RGB) which are both probably overkill for the job. I think something like a 00's 21" PC VGA CRT, something that would have been 2010's ewaste, would be ideal for a cocktail cabinet.

[@57ChevySS]

Great build! Will these changes be added to the templates? Thanks

[@TheGeekPub]

No changes needed to the templates.

[@jonglass]

I'm not sure who would recommend gluing the top on one of these. IIRC, the ones we had at our college had hinged tops, so they could pop open the top and service them from there (as well as the side doors).

[@designordie]

Side mounted drink holder

[@TheGeekPub]

Why in the world?

[@designordie]

@TheGeekPub Does the arcade community frown upon drink holders? People are going to put their drink somewhere, better to define where they should put it as to not hurt the table. I would rather have something on side like pinball/foosball tables versus people setting on top and risking spills on top.

[@TheGeekPub]

@@designordie No. I just thought it was funny to say. This is a *cocktail table* arcade. By its very nature It is designed to sit your drink on top of it.

[@designordie]

@TheGeekPub lol I see what you mean now.

[@jjjacer]

yeah those label makers waste alot, i think i have a full 1.5in of waste at the start (its said this is because the print head is too deep in the chassis.) oh well, this is why i sorta recommend getting the label printer with the cheapest labels, and if they dont stick well, use some transparent tape around them.

[@justinweathers7180]

This guy reminds me so much of 8-Bit guy

[@saxdogg69]

They're brothers.(if you didn't know 😂)

[@justinweathers7180]

@@saxdogg69 would explain lot if it’s true

[@saxdogg69]

@@justinweathers7180 they have some Collab vids too and yeah they're pretty similar 🤣

[@frankstallone3887]

Do you have a video on how to program the games?

[@TheDainerss]

My only suggestion, as a taller person tabletops were always a pain as I kept banging my knees. I would design it so that the controls extended out more to give taller people more room.

[@tobyminerBTC]

Or instead of trying to force everyone else to suffer, you could just design and build yours to suit your specific and limited need.

[@eddtheduck]

Not got a clue how to use a label printer brother have an option to alter the cut settings!

[@TheGeekPub]

Yes. I am aware of it. That only works if you print labels back to back.

[@D69LJR]

Love the look and style of the cabinet. I noticed that the glass you used looks like the Midway style cocktail arcades. Is your cabinet based on the Midway dimensions or is your version modified as far as height and width? The large control panels remind me of the Pacman cocktail arcade which had larger control panels than a Galaga, Gorf, or Ms Pacman. Awesome work on the cab. Was already great, you just made it better.

[@sal.m2A]

Arknoid is my favorite, but u need a spinning wheel

[@brennonr]

cocktail table arcade are the best. you cant set your drinks on a stand up cabinet

[@typoagain1]

I think they were deliberately designed to not have a place to sit a drink. Many years ago my father owed a Compugraphic brand typesetting machine. The is before the PC. An employee spilled a drink on the keyboard. A little over $12k to get repaired. Spills could still be somewhat costly to repair when standing arcade games were invented.

[@frankstallone3887]

Where do you source glass for the top?

[@YllwNinja82]

good work sir :)

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

I see you use similar music to your brother the 8-bit guy... that's cool that you both enjoy the same music, Anders is a brilliant musical artist.. hmm if only you can make the joystick ball light up...

[@richardkelsch3640]

Those KZbin comments about cocktail games were obviously made by someone who never played a cocktail video game (when they were originally made). Sure, some where like Pacman or Galaga, but there were also games made for two players at once, which only work on a table. Many sports cocktail video games were played that way. The ultimate cocktail games were top down racing games with players on all four sides of the table.

[@dennisneo1608]

The great thing about these videos is, seeing someone who has the necessary means to make high quality cabinets. For me it's entertainment. Obviously for others, it's an exercise in utilising equipment they themselves can't afford, like the vinyl cutter. If you can't afford a vinyl cutter, then get a better job and buy one. Otherwise, shut the hell up! I can't afford anything Mike has, but I just enjoy his videos. I know this is a long comment, but it irks me when everyone complains about tools they don't have. There are alternatives. Use your brains.

[@typoagain1]

There is nearly always a cheaper option. For the labels you can print out the labels on sheets of clear plastic on a laser printer. I have a router table but I would probably not use it. Instead I have a big, old handheld Craftsman router that I bought 30 years ago at a garage sale. My table saw is used mainly as.....well....a table. Mainly I use a handbag and a straight edge. I don't own a drill press. There are LOTS of options. There's only one thing that you can't borrow of find an option for. That's the drive to get up and DO IT! That said, I gonna crack open a cold one and see what's on the tube.

[@devotovenators]

I'm looking for some usb speakers to fit your designs for the wall mount arcade I didn't see anything in the plans I purchase. Anyone wanna throw some ideas or models. Love this channel

[@TheGeekPub]

The speakers we used are listed on the plans. They are Droks. amzn.to/3rk1o4T

[@devotovenators]

@@TheGeekPub Yes I have the plans. I also found the USB ones you used in the bartop arcade unfortunately out of stock. Do you have a back up. I don't want to use AC powered speakers.

[@TheGeekPub]

Unfortunately not. We switched to those speakers because of supply chain issues.

[@devotovenators]

@@TheGeekPub USB powered speakers.....rectangle. Not the droks that have its own power converted. the ones that were used in the Ms. Pacman bartop build. The cyber acoustic 2.0 speakers.

[@devotovenators]

@@TheGeekPub Have you found any replacement I've already drilled for that template.

[@DracosManCave]

Can you help me install a volume knob with a 60 in 1 Jamma ?

[@aleksandrbmelnikov]

Yah, mistakes were made alright. There's no Petscii Robots installed! That's why i want an arcade version able to run on older Windows (xp32/64 or even 2K).

[@swisspeach67]

This cut off black circle on the A button... 😳

[@jorgrademaker]

Happy to see I'm not the only one noticing that. It's a shame!

[@timothyholloman8482]

I really need to get into this. Have always wanted to build a cabinet. I would reccomend adding a wireless phone charger to the top though 😁😁

[@eng3d]

I swear i never saw anybody drinking a coktail over them

[@Freestila]

Not everyone has a vinyl cutter, but more people should have the pro version label maker for i would guess over 100 bucks? I haave a small handheld label maker... But i would guess more people have printer, preferrable laser printer. Why not print it out on sticky printout paper, which you also get transparrend? You would only Need to cut it to size.

[@TheGeekPub]

I can't think of anything stopping you from doing that.

[@redringofdeathgamer]

I thought, "Ah fun. This video should be good. Not sure who this is. I don't remember subbing... Then, I heard your voice. Bingo. 😏 Cool video, though. Thanks!

[@michaelledbetter598]

Great video! Is this the exact same 412 game cocktail cabinet for sale on Amazon? If not, where can I order one and where is a complete list of the games included please?

[@TheGeekPub]

No. This is our design.

[@smondine]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ins1337]

The ‘A’ label with the bottom of the circle slightly cut off is triggering my OCD!!! :) great work otherwise hehe

[@johnbotica7136]

Should have some decals to the top under the glass.

[@BDBD16]

Yo my cocktail table is flipped!

[@petenamlook18]

You guys in Texas are weird. An Arcade is a building that houses many video games and pinball machines in one location. What you have built is what I would call an arcade CABINET. Specifically a sit-down or tabletop cabinet.

[@TheGeekPub]

You say tomato, I say tomato.

[@niaimack]

There isn't an easy way for brother to do laminated labels with out the waste, if you want to cut down on the waste do all the labels at the same time.

[@TheGeekPub]

We had a Dymo at my last job that printed the same labels with no waste.

[@niaimack]

Laminate? The lamination layer is the reason for the waste.

[@TheGeekPub]

Yes. Laminate. And the waste would only make sense on the first label anyway.

[@MrCalldean]

@@TheGeekPub Got a very expensive Dymo Rhino at work.... it cuts the bit off too; hate it.

[@niaimack]

@@TheGeekPub Do you remember the model? Genuinely curious how they did the laminating and also the cost, its not impossible to laminate without waste but if its adding more cost to the labels than the wasted bit its not worth it. also it dose only wast a bit for the first label!? You should look at how the cartridge works, big clive has a good video.

[@rphntw1n]

Wait people wanted the top glued permanently? Gtfo

[@johanlaurasia]

Lol, player two has to play upside down... I guess you have to be old to understand how it worked back in the day.