Arcade console cabinet build - build log.

ThereIs0nly0ne · 3 Dec 2012 at 19:39

Arcade console cabinet build log - Project Raptor

I figured this fits into the 'All matters relating to consoles and their games' bracket so I thought I'd post this here; it may give someone some ideas if nothing else. I'm logging it on a couple of other forums as well. If this is not the correct place, please move this thread as appropriate.

So I've already built a Vewlix arcade cabinet for XBOX fighting games ...

... and my son wanted me to build him a machine too. It will be modular in the sense that it will have a base unit and interchangeable control panels. The control panel section can be un-docked and moved out of the way when not in use.

A couple of really bad sketches of what the base unit and control panel profiles will look like:

I need to work on the design of a ‘shroud’ and marquee which will attach to the back of the display. I have some ideas in keeping with the overall design.

Internal Shelves:

Sides:

Basic shape of the base assembled (bottom section will house a console, top section the PC components and speakers):

Monitor legs bolted on and the first top piece cut:

Interior of the base unit skinned (textured vinyl):

Exterior skinned:

Top pieces cut:

Shaped sides added and legs cut:

The legs will sit on some adjustable feet:

Legs not yet attached:

Top retaining section cut and shaped:

The white tube will act as a conduit to pass the cables through.

A new display will be purchased rather than using the current one.

Retaining piece painted and varnished:

T-molding applied to the lower aperture where the XBOX will sit:

Current state with the legs attached (sides are just primed at this point):

I'm currently working on this at the weekends only. Next activities will be to spray the side pieces, design/add some artwork to the sides and then start working on the control panel. Once I have the new display, I will work on the shroud to fit on the back of it which will hide the tubes.

bigjonnyauk · 3 Dec 2012 at 19:43

lloks great mate but cant help thinking maybe you should have just got one of the display unt things from game went they went bust ,would have been cheaper.

ThereIs0nly0ne · 3 Dec 2012 at 19:48

I had though about something like that but this will also have a control panel (arcade sticks etc) made for it. I wanted to have this match the Vewlix and my gaming desk in my games room. I'm also addicted to building stuff

Begbie · 3 Dec 2012 at 19:53

Looks awesome. I want to build an arcade machine for our bar, now just to convince the boss its worth me skivving work to do so

Kreeeee · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:05

Very cool.

I converted a Sega Naomi 18 Wheeler into a FG cab, but had to sell it

Retromatic · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:26

I absolutely love the vewlix cabs (and yours looks friggin' awesome!) unfortunately I'm terrible with woodwork though.

My dad has previously built me a bartop Neo Geo style cab, which was great but met it's demise last year. In the end I went with a generic 2 player cocktail style cabinet in kit form, as I'm 'okayish' with the wiring/software.

Your current project already looks great

Will keep a close eye on the thread

MrJohnSherry · 3 Dec 2012 at 22:51

That looks awesome, I am really really jealous!

It is times like this I wish I was any good at DIY, wouldn't mind having a go at doing something like this. However knowing my skills, or therefore lack of, I would end up gluing myself to the wall lol

ThereIs0nly0ne · 4 Dec 2012 at 08:06

Thanks for the comments people. I didn't think I had any skills until I took the plunge. The tool that's essential for this type of thing is a router. If you have access to one of those, give it a go!

ThereIs0nly0ne · 8 Dec 2012 at 19:19

Some more progress on this today if anyone's interested. Will be thinking about the control panel soon ...

Now comes the fiddly part, making the doors for the cabinet apertures.....

I didn't want to use pin hinges so I had to figure out another method. I had an idea to use some Ikea shelf support pins and use these as a 'swivel hinge' ... that's my term, there's probably a real one.

Made a mock-up to test the design.

The door/flap is made of 12mm MDF. The side pieces 18mm. This allows the flap to rotate relative to the side piece whilst providing clearance. Hopefully the pictures will make more sense ....

Ikea pins:

Hole drilled into the side of the flap:

Pin inserted into the hole:

Hinge in place (depth of hole in the side piece is slightly shallower to allow the flap to clear the side piece when opening/ closing):

The door/flap will have magnetic strip at the top to attract to another strip on the cabinet to ensure that it remains shut.

Making sure it opens!

Side pieces beveled:

Fit looks ok:

This side pieces will be screwed onto the left and right sides of the lower aperture.

Temporarily attached to the front:

Will concentrate on the mesh insert tomorrow.

Very fiddly to do with my meager skills.

GTanny · 8 Dec 2012 at 22:15

i built a retro arcade/mame cabinet with shelves for retro games consoles with flatscreen CRT TV for the best experience, unfortunatly i spent more time building it then i ever did playing it eventually had to sell it due to moving home but it was a great thing to own and a hell of a talking peice.

looking good so far though, but ive got to ask what do you intend on playing on it as it seems to be in the hallway and other then quick arcade games i would rarther be sat down for console gaming (unless you get some funky comfortable bar stools)

ThereIs0nly0ne · 8 Dec 2012 at 22:33

Thanks. Good question re games. It's for anything stick based (shmups, arcade classics etc) and also pinball (PinballFX2 on XBOX until it comes out for the PC).

It's primarily being built for my son and it will also have a control panel section made for it. If you take a look at the second of the sketches, you will see the profile of the control module I have in mind. This is a sit-down rather than stand up panel - like the Vewlix. The top compartment will likely house a PC as some point.

It's in the hall at the moment as that's where all my projects tend to get built before being moved into my games room.

MrMarvelous · 9 Dec 2012 at 00:06

Bloody hell that XBox cabinet looks amazing! You should consider doing this for money if you haven't already.

billyboyd · 9 Dec 2012 at 05:03

Very well done sir, looks great.

I have always wanted to do something like this for years but sadly with not much space at home and a nagging wife that hates computers/consoles it has never got off the ground.

ThereIs0nly0ne · 9 Dec 2012 at 09:53

Thanks for the positive comments - I'm one lucky guy as my wife actually encourages me to build these things (providing I don't make too much mess). It was also agreed I could have the dining room for all my stuff as we always eat in the kitchen anyway - it'll be interesting to hear what people say when we come to sell the house.

If I had a CNC and was any good at 3D modelling, I would give making kits of these things a go.

ThereIs0nly0ne · 9 Dec 2012 at 17:50

Managed to get the wire mesh and the inset for the door sorted.

Completed the cover for the top section (double sided tape holding it in place atm):

That's it for the weekend. Thought these would take some time as they're the fiddliest parts (for now

)

IC3 · 9 Dec 2012 at 18:31

Looks nice and classic, good luck!

JoeBoi · 9 Dec 2012 at 19:27

Looks awesome can't wait to see the finished cab.

ThereIs0nly0ne · 15 Dec 2012 at 22:16

Thanks people, enjoying building this.

Managed to find some time to fill, prime and apply the base coat to the doors.....

... and then completed the finish and fitted them to the front of the cab. The mesh is held in with hot glue. I need to tidy up the inside of the lower door a little. The photos are a bit rubbish unfortunately.

The next job will be to fit the magnetic strip I ordered to the top of the door and the cab.

Edit:

A couple of better pics now there's some daylight around.

BuZ · 15 Dec 2012 at 23:31

Looks great

ThereIs0nly0ne · 23 Dec 2012 at 17:04

Thanks BuZ. Hoping to get this part of it complete in the next couple of weeks and then I can start on the Control Panel.

Started on the marquee. I wanted something similar to the Golden Tee machine but a bit sleeker (less height) and chunkier at the back - I'm going to be paying particular attention to the profile of the machine due to the place it will be located (visible sideways through an open door). The width is 40cm and the height 10cm.

The Golden Tee has something a little too big I think.

I think the marquee will give a better balance to the cabinet and make it feel much more like a real machine.

I had a little mishap with the front frame of the I'm making - the MDF split (just a thin 'slice' at the top - didn't go through) and messed up the cuts. Nothing a bit of car body filler cant rectify though. You can see it on the right of the picture.

The marquee comes in 2 parts - the front frame and the back. The front will be finished in white and the back in black.

The back of the frame - recessed to allow for some acrylic and artwork:

Basic shape:

Profile: