How to make an Arcade Machine: Part 1

[@joeyjojojjjjjj]

I have built many arcade machines and watched about every build video on the web. Just wanted to say you made a nice series of videos here.

[@mutechannel13]

Dope. I want an arcade frame cabinet. I have everything except for a cabinet. I want that retro arcade feeling

[@SteveCarmichael]

Nice job Mike! Seeing that arcade cabinet takes me back the 80's. We had some local arcades called Bumpers Junction, Space Run, and the Gold Mine at the mall. Looking forward to the rest of the build.

[@TheGeekPub]

Steve Carmichael I too spent much of my childhood at the local arcades. We also had Gold Mines in our malls! They got many of my quarters! I'm dying to figure out what to put in the lighted Marquee across the top. My wife wants me to put my The Geek Pub logo up there.

[@Maithiss]

TheGeekPub The Geek Pub logo with the G replaced with Pac-Man?

[@Heavenlysleep777]

Nice job, clean shop, clean cuts, precision measurements. Dude you're a natural. I like the way you build, perfect neat freak I love it!!

[@evocre8r]

Purchased the plans for this machine and built it successfully. This was my first time building something like this and it turned out great. Thanks so much!

[@davethenerd42]

Any lessons learned? I'm in the middle of this build and it seems like he's left out some important details. Yes, an intelligent mind can figure out their way around these blanks, but goodness it's be helpful if the info was available.

[@evocre8r]

@@davethenerd42 Not really. The instructions were on point. I made some customizations to fit my build (put the drawer on the bottom) but otherwise did everything else the same. One thing I cant stress enough is to drill pilot holes before screwing in the screws. I've split my mdf in so many locations by not doing that. Gladly the vinyl covered it up. Let me know where exaclty you need help and I'll try to respond. 👍🏾

[@davethenerd42]

@@evocre8r yeah, it's difficult to say exactly without being able to point to the plans. It's nothing that I'm not able to simply infer on my own, but it's just a bit annoying. Add to the fact that there are certain measurements missing, I also have to make adjustments based on the size of the monitor being used. I would really need to make my own video. Damn. Maybe I should...

[@evocre8r]

@@davethenerd42 That would be cool. I'd watch it :)

[@JeyZane]

Hey where did you purchase the plans ?

[@stewaraj-yl9bm]

Thank you for this helpful video. I'm going to open a resturaunt with a arcade in it. This does show me how to make the exterior

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Looking good! Looks like I've got some catching up to do :)

[@TheGeekPub]

I Like To Make Stuff This is probably the most exciting project I've done from a personal perspective. I feel my inner kid coming out the closer I get to the day its finished! I spent half my childhood playing arcade games.

[@davidboland5344]

Really looking forward to part 2. Nice work.

[@TheSaboteur99]

Hey Bob is on here to 🤔😂

[@GenZod80]

Holy crap It’s Bob from I Like to Make Stuff!

[@jadenjames1552]

dont know if you guys gives a damn but if you are stoned like me atm you can watch pretty much all the new series on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my gf for the last months =)

[@pht72]

Thank you so much Mike! You are an inspiration. I just completed my own Mame cabinet based off of your design and your excellent videos. Just to put in perspective, I'm a software guy and have never built any woodwork other than one 2x4 raised garden and I DID IT! with your help. I just can't thank you enough for you contribution, your plans. Some lessons learned for other folks trying to do this with your design: 1.) Make sure you do your research into painting MDF. I was stupid enough and too excited and bought some black wood stain. Doh. I wound up having to sand down the whole cabinet the day after and used cabinet paint. 2.) Keyboard drawer installation are a pain. First time I have done it, but my measurements are off and need to fix. 3.) Make sure you get the right cabinet hinges. I believe it should be inset hinges vs overlay. I brought the overlay first, but really should have used inset - correct Mike? Think that was it. Thanks again Mike. You are awesome.

[@JeremoSinc]

Did you use any big tools like a table saw or drill press? Or did you use hand tools like a handheld drill and jigsaw?

[@Scrottobaggns]

Nice video, gave me some useful tips. I'm in the middle of my build. The cabinet hinges was a nice touch. I wasn't going to allow the front to open (just a coin door), but i figure all that space inside can be utilized for storage of my classic Atari 2600, NES, SNES games etc.

[@One2ManyHobbies]

I'm glade I came across your channel and that you're incorporating more woodworking videos! I love your style bud!

[@TheGeekPub]

Lance's Woodshop & Adventures Super happy you found me to! Love making new friends!

[@robmazzitelli]

This is great. Looking forward to the next part.

[@willyanjulio3969]

I'm Brazilian and I like your work, congratulations.

[@andyrcampbell]

I’m British and I like beer !

[@Fiona2254]

I'm collecting all the electronics to get this project going. I can't wait! Mine is gonna be based on a raspberry pi 4. I still haven't decided what to do for graphics.

[@mvl71]

Great video! Love your workshop too. So spacious, well lit and organized. A joy to look at! I'll have to make do with the attic. Makes spray painting impossible 'cause of the laundry hanging there to dry :-)

[@TheGeekPub]

+Michiel van Leeuwen You can make a paint booth by hanging some plastic cling from the ceiling. I still do that in my shop just to keep the overspray to a minimum.

[@FelipeFXDIMX]

Hi Master TheGeekPub, beautiful work that you did! "I congratulate you" Greetings from Mexico. :-)

[@swampjajc]

Awesome video thank you, this will be my next project :)

[@shane4956]

This is rad! You're amazing bro ❤️

[@embryon1111]

Wow!! These are three great videos. I've made three cabs do date. Unfortunately, I do not have many of the tools that you are using. I did very well with the resources I had. It goes to show that you need the equipment to get a beautiful outcome. Great work!! :)

[@TheGeekPub]

+Byron Wheeler Thanks!

[@yogissjkaio]

Very nicely done video, And a great work space.

[@lilypower]

Great build! Funny thing is that I've started my own build this week! My cabinet will however be a 19 inch with bartop size

[@TheGeekPub]

Karl Liljeström Hey Karl! Join us on Facebook and post some pictures of your build!

[@lilypower]

neh, facebook sucks... :/

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

I don't have space for a table saw because I live in the city, but I'm totally stealing your circular saw straight edge guide trick.

[@ArcadeObsessed]

Wow man this is so professional great job I can't wait to finish mine

[@TheGeekPub]

Arcade Obsessed Thanks!

[@nattyhob]

This is so awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@TheGeekPub]

+Tony Bath Thanks for being a fan!

[@jknMEMES]

Awesome and simple video! :)

[@stinkyham9050]

For anyone starting this build I suggest making the backer blocks out of something other then MDF. As I've been gluing and using Brad nails I'm finding a lot of splitting of the blocks. It's not the end of the world as I've been able to fix them but when I make a second cabinet I'm going to use 3/4" plywood for the blocks I think.

[@TheGeekPub]

Sounds like maybe you're using larger gauge finishing nails and not 18 gauge brad nails.

[@stinkyham9050]

@@TheGeekPub I think I was using 18s. Not a huge deal anyway, its only partially split a few of the backer blocks. The build is going great.

[@ECR204]

AMAZING!

[@seandavidniemann4563]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing

[@davethenerd42]

I'm right in the middle of this project and the amount of detail you've left out of these videos and the plans I paid for is infuriating. I'm sure I can figure my way around these problems, but if I was to just start cutting every piece as you have laid out I'd be screwed. Maybe that's on purpose to try to push people to buy your printed templates. There's just a few more details you could have added that would have alleviated the frustrations.

[@williamtravis7296]

LOL! This guy is about 10x the carpenter as most people who build homes in Oklahoma. Impressed!

[@User_1795]

Look forward to making one running retro pi

[@ssj9ksayian742]

This guy is good i might make one of these myself

[@scotteff]

Subbed, you are fun and infofrmative and deserve WAYYYYYYY more subs, keep up the great work :)

[@TheGeekPub]

+scotteff Thanks for being a fan!

[@scotteff]

+TheGeekPub Not a problem man, you should teach us how to make a tabletop arcade machine as i dont have the room for a full sized one like that.

[@TheGeekPub]

+scotteff I really want to make one of those! They're called Cocktail Table Arcades. I might make one!

[@scotteff]

+TheGeekPub You should! you could power it with the raspberry pi using retropie

[@TheGeekPub]

+scotteff I might do that. I resisted the Pi on this machine because I wanted to also play modern games.

[@russianrings]

looks good mike!

[@glufke]

It would be really great to see a Retro Pie arcade with a 8" SONY PVM 8042Q (or similar, with RGB). An arcade that could be sit on a DESK. I'm trying to find it on internet, but I think nobody had this idea.

[@stafcurtis1]

You make it look so easy, a caveman could do it!

[@jamesishere6630]

love it, any plans in PDF you can provide

[@TheGeekPub]

Links in video description...

[@phantomx2003]

You have a lot of nice tools :)

[@bestolizuppa1496]

This is great!

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

So freaking cool! I think it is time for the project! A guy I work with first introduced em to Mame about 15 years ago! This is excellent. I always had leaning to a cocktail type cabinet.... May have to look into that! Any ideas about that? I think this might be the start of a beautiful friendship! :) Love you stuff! Chris

[@TheGeekPub]

+Chris Pine I originally wanted to make a cocktail table. But the games you can play on one are pretty limited since there isn't room for any more than two buttons on the arcade control panel. I thought about making a wider one. The other problem is the tempered glass top you'll need is very expensive and my touchscreen would no longer work.

[@nrnoble]

Nice video, however for myself, 1) get property\land with a shop or place to build a shop. 2) fill shop with 50K - 100K worth of tools. 3) Build Game Cab. :)

[@MariaEngstrom]

Really Nice!

[@TheGeekPub]

Maria Engström Thanks!

[@VasCorpBetMani]

Your build is super badass. Holy shit. From an inspired and envious builder except the Windows part. :)

[@TheGeekPub]

+Eight Virtues Check out my Bartop arcade video. It runs on a Raspberry Pi.

[@סופטאיט]

amazing

[@brianhotchkiss8889]

Thanks for the video! What kind of black paint did you use?! Bought your plans off your site great work!

[@cameronbailey5096]

Hi Mike, just wondering what size brad nails you are using with your nail gun, cheers, Cameron

[@csufjeff]

Awesome videos...Thanks sooo much....Dude I am fighting with controllers...Specifically the hot key does not want to work....any advice????Thanks in advanced...Cheers Jeff

[@ryangallier9900]

I have ordered the plans, and watched the videos. Where do you explain how to actually mount the monitor? Did I miss it somewhere?

[@goodvives1038]

cool thanks man

[@AndreaArzensek]

Exciting!

[@Crypto-Mobile]

Thank you for posting these videos, they have been very helpful. One questions can you give me a little more detail on the exact hinges your using for the kick panel door? I know you said inset but I see a lot of different types and the ones I bought don't allow the door to sit back. Do you have a link where you bought yours? Thanks again and great job!

[@davethenerd42]

Did you ever get an answer?

[@Crypto-Mobile]

@@davethenerd42 not from him but I did eventually find what I needed. Curious to see what your building. Hit me up if you want to see my build. I found inset cabinet hinges from a local cabinet store where they had hundreds of different hinges. I could find anything online at the time 5 plus years ago. Good luck!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@Xenoshey]

Yay time to make polybius and put it in my room!!!

[@dubsskyline]

Brilliant job I'm in the middle of building my own can you tell me what size monitor you used thanks ?

[@TheGeekPub]

+dubsskyline It's a 27" Acer Touch.

[@Datsun-ii2yz]

Cool thanks man

[@1711tri]

Great tutorial video! I would love to do this myself, but sadly don't have enough tools. Need to hire some supplier, but can you please advise me about the ratio size (Length/Width/Height) with 24" LCD (intending using Dell monitor U series) - i must provide this info for that supplier!

[@stormk-1130]

Some plans for 4 players arcade?

[@worstplayersbro1482]

you are a great youtuber thanks for the vids

[@TheGeekPub]

WorstPlayersBro You are too kind!

[@user-dy2bu7jd9b]

On the part where you are using the compass at 0.46 secs in how far in did you measure to create those 2 points

[@felixmx3]

I would love to know this, too.

[@Piglet6256]

I still wonder about the height of the cabinet as well as the height of the controls, why, well mostly ergonomics. if the controls are too high or too low it's not comfortable, neither a screen which is too low cos your neck and shoulders will hurt. Are there some guidelines for arcades, meaning some smart people looked into the most ideal heights for arcades so it's the most comfortable for most people? or is it just well about waist high for the controls, monitor above that and it should be good?? I couldn't help but wonder, why are you doing the painting barefooted? 😃😃

[@turbopseidon]

I was just wondering what paint you used? How many coats? And PSI. Looks like it layer down nice without primer.

[@djknightfal]

What size screws are needed for assembly to join the pieces? Doesn't show in supply list in plans. Awesome job! Starting mine at the beginning of next year :)

[@TheGeekPub]

No screws are needed.

[@djknightfal]

Thank you! :) Keep up the awesome work!

[@drummerboy9000100]

Stupid question, but how is it supported? Am I missing something on this build like whats holding everything in place?

[@GenZod80]

Great Job! in regards, is it possible to make one that has Dual Screens for games like Punch Out?

[@owez7113]

I'm thinking on a budget, get an old desk, a monitor and a raspberry pie and a nes style game controller. Use mame for the emulation and just hook the monitor up to the raspberry pie; the game controller will be stuck to the desk Dan be plugged into to the raspberry pie.

[@TheGeekPub]

I'm actually planning to make something just like this in a future video. But its honestly not much cheaper. The biggest expense is the monitor and the controls. The wood costs $25.

[@TheOuterhaven]

You make this look so easy, yet I stink when it comes to wood working.

[@TheGeekPub]

The Outerhaven Productions Takes practice. :-)

[@SwampyFox]

Hi! Great Video and I think I found my summer project :D I've read that MDF is hard to paint because it is so porous - how many coats did it take and did you sand in between?

[@TheGeekPub]

MDF is super easy to paint. Just use a single coat of primer. Let dry 24 hours and sand between coats.

[@SwampyFox]

@@TheGeekPub thanks. So, your nail gun, was that finishing or bradford nails?

[@mytekkenstory1875]

Is your design plans available in digital or hard copy?

[@TheGeekPub]

Both.

[@nathanwooler8047]

subscribed! look awesome

[@fencefirst2722]

how much in materials?

[@foxhound34]

If you don't have any of the tools it can be very pricey. But a single sheet of MDF is around $50 and you need two of them, paint another $30, buttons and sticks $60 on the low end, $50-80 for the coin door lights, pc, marquee etc. My guess is $500-$1000, not including tools.

[@nizwiz._.5906]

@@foxhound34 you can always settle for plywood, which will only take 30-50 dollars, I also noticed that a lot of the things here are optional if you want to work on a low budget.

[@motorcycleninja4228]

You can use a retropie if you don't have a pc

[@rpsar9926]

amazing tools and workshop. i made mine arcade top with only DIY tools lol

[@TheGeekPub]

All you need is a jigsaw and a drill do to this project. All the rest of the tools just make it faster.

[@rpsar9926]

@@TheGeekPub ur blessed with a amazing workshop! 🙏

[@gamedude6322]

Does your online plans include a template to print up some artwork?

[@TechDark]

gonna try to build one myself at my arts and crafts subject in school but i'm gonna build a bartop one

[@TheGeekPub]

Check out my Bartop Builds. I have two different ones.

[@Moviefan2k4]

I'd like to make a cabinet myself, but I don't want to use wood or metal since they're often very heavy. Is there a kind of durable plastic you'd recommend, that wouldn't get easily chipped, scratched, or broken?

[@TheGeekPub]

+Moviefan2k4 Not that I am aware of. You kind of need it to be heavy to support all of the force put on the machine when kids play the games.

[@darwingonzalez3545]

What type of paint u using on the cabinets?

[@TotallyTechTips]

how did you paint this? did you use primer or anything?

[@TheGeekPub]

I covered that exact thing in the video.

[@sidneymiranda1847]

please where can i find this ink u painted the cabinet which name of this ink ????

[@felipus]

Awesome!!. Here's a quick question. Sometimes my jigsaw blade tilts a little while cutting and the result is a cut at a different angle. How do I prevent this? I tried with a couple of jigsaws and blades. Am I going too fast?

[@TheGeekPub]

+Felipus Rex You're jigsaw is cheap. If it doesn't have a guide bearing that holds the blade in place, do not buy it.

[@felipus]

+TheGeekPub Hi there, Well, It does have a guide bearing, but it's a Craftsman so, yeah, it's kinda cheap.I thought that I was using it wrong. Thanks.

[@TheGeekPub]

+Felipus Rex I might write an article about this on my website soon. I get this question at least once a month. Thanks for the comments and being a fan!

[@felipus]

That would be great. Here are a few things I'd like to know. Speed of the tool, orbital mode, how fast should we "push" the tool. What kind of blades should we use. Thank you!

[@sygerrryc]

Im looking to get these plans, but want to know what size is the monitor you're using. Im thinking of using a 32" slim tv, will this cabinet accomendate this?

[@TheGeekPub]

You can put any size you want in there if you make the front and back pieces longer or shorter.

[@creation80graphics49]

What kind of paint were you using on that MDF and did it take more than one coat?

[@DarrenRainey]

How much did it cost to build the cabinet

[@DustinJanzenDotCom]

Hey are any these cuts mitered? Looking at your plans it looks like the speaker panel and the monitor support ends are cut on an angle. How did you cut them with a circular saw or a jigsaw as apparently those are the only tools needed?

[@felixmx3]

there are also quite a few measurements missing from the plans that I have no idea certain angles and length/depth of the monitor supports etc...

[@thekidwholoveshuksys9862]

The geek pub can you plz add the plans to the website im looking all over for them also can i use i like to make stuffs design

[@TheGeekPub]

They are on my website, under the big menu button that says PLANS.

[@thekidwholoveshuksys9862]

TheGeekPub thanks

[@vincetran3496]

Does your plan support a 32 inch monitor or flat LCD TV? I noticed you had installed a 27 inch screen. Thanks

[@TheGeekPub]

Depends on the size of the TV, but theoretically yes. You might have to add some border strips around it.

[@fraserkinloch3765]

Am using 18mm mdf what would be the slot cutter I should use?

[@davidgood2598]

Hello, I know this is an older video, but a ? For you as I am going to be making one as well. Why use MDF instead of 3/4 plywood? Just wondering thanks

[@TheGeekPub]

I've covered this many times and on my website. MDF is *much* simpler to work with and get a quality paint finish.

[@davidgood2598]

Gotcha, thanks for the reply

[@416pp]

is that a matte or satin finish?

[@TheGeekPub]

Semi-Gloss

[@416pp]

thanks for replying do you mind telling me what the height of the controls sit at from the ground? also what angle is the screen at again thanks in advance!!@@TheGeekPub

[@jpX0708]

after parts, labor about how much did it cost? how much would it cost if you had ran raspberry pi on this machine? what is the difference in cost between the arcade machine and bartop arcade?

[@TheGeekPub]

Check my website article.

[@matthenshon]

how much does it cost to biuld one of these awesome systems

[@TheGeekPub]

+Matthew Henshon I can't really tell you because I recycled a ton of things I already had.

[@matthenshon]

+TheGeekPub Thank Mike it awesome This something would love to do just don't all those cool tools maybe later. Thanks for the feedback

[@hrrr.]

I could fit my whole house in your workspace.

[@TheGeekPub]

+RonnieRotten Reyenger You must have a small house! That or my wide angle lens is fooling you. My shop is only 16x16, or roughly 248 sq ft.

[@hrrr.]

+TheGeekPub Yeah I was just being facetious. Lol. Great vid! Thumbs up!

[@kevman924]

What bit are you using in the router? A router bit? Or a dremel saw blade?

[@TheGeekPub]

You kind find the parts list on my website.

[@kevman924]

TheGeekPub okay great. I'll look for them again. I bought your plans but didn't see them on the parts list. Thanks again!

[@TheGeekPub]

You're right. I just realized the bit is missing from the list! My bad! I'll link the one I used here. But keep in mind the optimal depth of the bit is dependent on the brand of t-molding you purchase. amzn.to/2r5s7Dj

[@kevman924]

TheGeekPub thanks so much, you are the best! Speaking of T molding, Im looking to use light blue T molding like yours. I noticed the only light blue I could find were from eBay stores.. do you have a suggestion on which brand or seller you prefer for the T molding?

[@TheGeekPub]

I got mine off of Amazon.

[@tedburkholder]

So....can you estimate what the cost is start to finish? Minus the outside graphics or PC. I have 2 Matricom Android Quadcore set boxes, so I'll probably use one of them.

[@TheGeekPub]

+Ted Burkholder I can't really. I already had most everything. I just had to buy the MDF.

[@hakan-ozdemir]

Hi Mike. Which Tool (Software) did you use for draw your cut plans and 3d model? I'm searching for something "lean". Thanks.

[@TheGeekPub]

Sketchup

[@bonzaismash9007]

What if you don't have the tool to do the t molding? Is there an alternative? Thanks.

[@TheGeekPub]

A trim router at home depot is $39. T-Molding should be in most peoples budgets.

[@MakerMark]

No primer?

[@carycrosby8246]

I was just curious to know if anyone can give a rough estimate as to what the cost of making one of these is?

[@TheDarkHour684]

$500-1500

[@ripsaw26]

did u recently sell a table on craigslist?

[@TheGeekPub]

ripsaw26 Sorry. Not me.

[@sabinajabry]

TheGeekPub

[@DontPaniku]

That looks so cool. I would just cut my finger off if I tried to make one though.

[@TheGeekPub]

Oh man! You can do it! Just try!

[@lillaroblox4558]

What does your plan book for this show?

[@TheMindverse]

Anyone know what kind of caulk he used before painting? Does everyone seal their joints that way?

[@bbf15c]

What length drawer slides did you use, 16"?

[@foxhound34]

14" I literally bought one today for this build.

[@ArcadeObsessed]

Plus I just subbed