DIY Arcade Cabinet Project with Step-by-Step Guide

DIY arcade cabinet in 15 steps

Step 1: Base assembly

The first step to correctly assemble the structure involves constructing the project's base. In this phase, it is crucial to ensure that the panels are properly secured to guarantee stability and strength for the final project. By carefully following these steps, you can create a solid and uniform base.

1. Join the base panels: use glue and screws to combine the panels indicated by letters P and S in the base. Prepare pocket holes before assembly.
2. Flip the structure: after assembling the base panels, it is advisable to turn the assembly upside down to facilitate the subsequent steps. This will allow you to work more easily and ensure stability.
3. Add adjustable feet (optional): if you plan to add adjustable feet to the base, now is the time to do so before attaching the base floor.
4. Cut the corners: to cut the corners of panels P and Q, align the front panel E to the center and transfer the length of I to the corners to ensure the panels fit correctly. Then, cut the corners as shown in the image.
5. Complete the assembly: securely fasten all panels together with glue and screws, as illustrated. Ensure everything is well-aligned and stable.

Step 2: Secure the base shelf

In this step, you will need to correctly mount the base shelf, ensuring it is well-aligned with the door opening. It is crucial to ensure that everything is precisely mounted to achieve a clean and functional result.

• Align the shelf: position the base shelf so that it is perfectly flush with the bottom of the door opening.
• Check alignment: before fastening it, verify that the shelf is properly level and that there are no misalignments that could compromise the door opening or the entire structure.
• Secure the shelf: once the shelf is well-positioned, use glue and screws to fasten it securely. Make sure it is stable enough to support the weight of the objects that will be placed on it later.

This phase ensures a solid foundation for the rest of the structure and requires particular attention to alignment.

Step 3: Control box construction

In this step, we will begin constructing the control box, a fundamental element for the project. Follow these steps for correct installation:

1. Secure the supports and back panel: use glue and screws to attach the side supports (D) and the back panel (J) to the base of the control box (M). Ensure they are well-aligned.
2. Pre-drilling pocket holes: you can pre-drill pocket holes from the side as shown in the image, or use brad nails to secure the panels from below. This choice depends on the tools you have available and the precision you wish to achieve.
3. Precise positioning: maintain the correct spacing between the side supports and the back panel. The measurements indicated in the image are 19.7 cm and 23.5 cm, ensuring there is enough space for future control box components.
4. Structure stability: verify the stability and precision of the alignment before proceeding with final fastening, so that the control box is stable and ready for subsequent components.

Now you are ready to complete this phase and move on to the next step!

Step 4: Adding the front panel of the control box

1. Positioning the front panel (C): attach the front panel of the control box to the rest of the structure. Ensure the top edge is mitered.
2. Panel overhang: the front panel should overhang the base by approximately 6 mm. You can use a spacer under the base to facilitate correct panel positioning.
3. Fastening: once you have verified that the panel is correctly positioned, use glue and screws to securely fasten it to the structure.

Now that the front panel has been secured, the control box is beginning to take shape!

Step 5: Adding the side panels of the control box

1. Fastening the internal side panels (H): use glue and pocket holes from the inside to attach the internal side panels to the base of the control box. Ensure they are well-aligned with the rest of the structure.

This step adds sturdiness to the control box and completes the construction of the side walls.

Step 6: Adding the Control Box Top Panel

Attaching the Top Panel (L): Use brad nails and glue to secure the control box top panel to the already assembled structure. Ensure it is well-aligned and properly covers the top.

Final Check: After attaching the panel, check that all edges are securely fastened and that there are no gaps.

Step 7: Start the Top Section Construction

1. Assembling the Top Pieces: Use glue and nails to attach the two cross pieces (N and L) to the upper sides of the cabinet.
2. Speaker Holes (Optional): If you wish to add speakers, it is advisable to drill the necessary holes in panel (N) before final assembly.
3. Verification and Alignment: Ensure all pieces are aligned correctly and that there are no gaps between the panels.

Step 8: Complete the Top Section

1. Attaching the Marquee Top: Connect the marquee top (panel O) to the structure using glue and nails.
2. Adding the Bottom Support: Insert the cross support at the base of the structure (panel T) to ensure greater stability.
3. Check Alignment: Check that all panels are securely fastened and aligned, ensuring there are no gaps or irregularities.

Step 9: Assemble the Cabinet Structure

1. Stacking the Sections: Place the base, control box, and top section one on top of the other.
2. Securing with Screws: Use screws to firmly join the three sections. Ensure all parts are well-aligned and secured for increased stability.
3. Checking Stability: Once assembly is complete, check that the structure is stable and properly fastened, ready for the next steps.

Step 10: Add the Marquee Trim

1. Preparing the Trim: Cut the marquee trim to your desired thickness. In our case, the front was cut to 32 mm with an internal 6 mm notch on the back.
2. Securing: Use brad nails to firmly attach the marquee trim to the top of the cabinet.
3. Customization: The height of the trim may vary depending on the dimensions of your marquee artwork, so adjust accordingly.

This step completes the installation of the trim for your marquee.

Step 11: Finish the Control Surface

1. Positioning the Control Surface: Once the control box is in place, clamp the top of the control surface into position.
2. Cutting Notches: Cut the two notches at the back flush, following the angle of the control panel.
3. Prepare for Cables and Components: This is also the right time to drill any necessary holes for cables and install any mounting components for speakers or lights, if needed, behind the marquee.

This step allows you to finish the control area and prepare the structure for the technical components.

Step 12: Assemble the Screen Frame

1. Frame Construction: Use 1×4 boards to build a frame for the screen, customizing the width based on the monitor's dimensions. Be sure to make a 45° (miter) cut inside the frame and on the bottom to fit the angle of the control panel.
2. Frame Assembly: Glue the frame together. Once complete, the frame will rest against the monitor after it has been installed.
3. Monitor Installation: To secure the monitor, mount a crossbar to the housing and transfer the mounting holes that match your monitor. Ensure the frame is flush with the outer edge.

Step 13: Secure the Control Panel

1. Positioning Inserts: Insert the pieces that will hold the control panel in place into the support shelf, applying glue to the top of the inserts.
2. Securing the Control Panel: Place the control panel on the inserts and let the glue dry. Afterward, ensure the inserts are securely fastened with screws.
3. Ease of Removal: Once secured, the control panel will be easily removable and can be repositioned without shifting.

This way, the control panel will be stable and yet removable for any modifications or maintenance.

Step 14: Secure the Side Panels

1. Internal Fastening: Use screws to secure the side panels from inside the structure.
2. Diagonal Fastening: To secure the bottom part, you can drill diagonal holes through the bottom of the control panel, ensuring a solid and stable connection.

This step ensures that the side panels are securely fastened and that the entire structure maintains its integrity.

Step 15: Secure the Control Panel End Caps

1. Positioning the End Caps: Use clamps to secure the end caps to the sides of the control panel.
2. Internal Fastening: Secure the end caps with screws from inside the control panel shelf to ensure a stable and secure closure.

This step completes the external part of the control panel, ensuring a uniform finish.

Conclusion of the Arcade Cabinet Project

Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you have successfully completed the construction of your personalized arcade cabinet. This project, combining woodworking skills and functional design, has allowed you to create a solid and well-finished structure, ready to house all the necessary components to bring classic arcade games back to life.

From assembling the base to installing the control panel and various details, you have completed a project that not only enhances your space but also provides hours of fun for you and your guests. Now that the cabinet is assembled, you can focus on installing the electronic components, such as the monitor, buttons, and game hardware, to complete the arcade experience.

Enjoy the fruit of your labor and remember that this cabinet is unique, designed and built by you with care and precision!