Has anyone constructed a custom arcade cab?

Pixel_Outlaw · Post by **Pixel_Outlaw** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:08 am

I have an extra computer just sitting around and am thinking about picking up some MDF and edge trim and making my own cab. I have all the woodworking tools to get the job done. I know plenty of people have built their own cabs but I wonder how many members here have? Also I'm looking for rough dimensions if you know how to give dimensions.

I think I could build the cab for about 50 bucks using MDF.

I'll probably use a joystick and inset that rather than having to purchase the buttons and electronics. I just want to make a nice enclosure for the dedicated PC.

A 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of MDF is about 15 dollars last time I purchased one.

hermosaguy · Post by **hermosaguy** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:28 am

I'm not sure if you are in N or S California, but I would remember seeing an ad for a guy building them in the Southern California area on CL.

cyprien · Post by **cyprien** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:45 pm

I looked around for plans a few months ago and came across some good ones online. Just Google around and I'm' sure you'll find them.

If you see ones to purchase, ignore them. I've seen free plans out there.

emphatic · Post by **emphatic** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:58 pm

I've made this: http://www.emphatic.se/mamecabinet/

Now it's sold, as I'm not into MAME anymore, but PCB only (*adjusts hat*).

I pretty much freehanded the side pieces on a giant paper sheet of paper, than taped that onto my wood of choice and started up the saw (well, not me but my carpenter friend).

Check out http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=10.0 for inspiration. Also, do look at craigslist for some busted up JAMMA cab you can convert, as it'll save you A LOT of money and trouble.

cools · Post by **cools** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:42 pm

emphatic wrote:Check out http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=10.0 for inspiration. Also, do look at craigslist for some busted up JAMMA cab you can convert, as it'll save you A LOT of money and trouble.

Slaughtered Pole Position

Pixel_Outlaw · Post by **Pixel_Outlaw** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:03 pm

My main concerns are how high to place the control panel and also the angle of tilt for the screen and controls.

LuckyDay · Post by **LuckyDay** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:11 pm

I see old cabs on craigslist all the time for about $25-50 around here. You could probably just buy an empty one cheap.

mortified_penguin · Post by **mortified_penguin** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:28 pm

I bought a DVD off eBay ages ago that had instructions on how to build a MAME cab from scratch. I'll see if I can find it.

Pixel_Outlaw · Post by **Pixel_Outlaw** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:30 pm

LuckyDay wrote:I see old cabs on craigslist all the time for about $25-50 around here. You could probably just buy an empty one cheap.

Well I look forward to actually making the cab. Part of the fun of such a project would be to see it from rough materials to a final custom product. I have not made anything since my custom TV cabinet back in 04.

Damocles · Post by **Damocles** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:16 am

One of the joys of working with a cabinetmaker is having instant access to high-grade custom arcade cabs...and joystick boxes. Good shit.