DIY arcade cabinet project with step-by-step guide

There making a do-it-yourself arcade cabinet is an ambitious but extremely rewarding project that allows you to combine carpentry skills with a passion for retro video games. This project will guide you step-by-step through the construction of a custom arcade cabinet, starting with the planning and choice of materials through to construction and final assembly.

The design chosen for this arcade cabinet is detailed and designed to be robust and functional, while also maintaining the classic arcade aesthetic. With careful attention to detail, you can create a stable structure that perfectly accommodates all the necessary electronic components, such as monitors, buttons, joysticks and motherboard.

The project involves the use of plywood panels, cut to precise dimensions, which represent the heart of the construction. In addition to the main panels, there are several optional accessories to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the cabinet, such as finishes and systems ventilation.

It provides a detailed list of the dimensions of the various components, which guarantees a perfect combination of practicality and space optimisation. Assembling the various parts will require precision, but with the right instructions and a little patience, you can create an arcade cabinet worthy of any professional arcade.

In the next section, we will explore the technical specifications and materials needed to get started, with a focus on the required woodcuts.

Materials and dimensions for a DIY arcade cabinet

To realise this project, the main material used is a sheet of plywood from 1.9 cm x 122 cm x 244 cm. From this sheet, the following cuts will be made to obtain the various sections required to construct the arcade cabinet. The dimensions of the cuts are all given in centimetres to facilitate machining.

Main cuts

List of cuts of the various parts of the structure.

• TO65 cm x 187 cm
• B21 cm x 83.8 cm
• C14 cm x 80.6 cm
• D55.2 cm x 83.2 cm
• AND47 cm x 80.6 cm
• F75.6 cm x 80.6 cm
• G34.6 cm x 80.6 cm
• H58.1 cm x 76.8 cm

• THE31.4 cm x 84.5 cm
• J11.7 cm x 84.5 cm
• K12.1 cm x 80.6 cm

• L45.7 cm x 83.8 cm
• M20 cm x 34.3 cm
• No15.6 cm x 26.7 cm
• OR13.7 cm x 26.7 cm

• P71.8 cm x 80.6 cm
• Q69.9 cm x 80.6 cm
• R22.2 cm x 80.6 cm

• S: 80 cm (diameter)
• T76.8 cm (diameter)
• U80.6 cm (diameter)
• V54.3 cm (diameter)

Angled cuts

Some of the parts of the structure require angled cuts to ensure a perfect fit in the corners. These cuts must be made accurately to ensure a solid joint and a clean finish. Take care when cutting those parts where the use of unique mitres is indicated, as accuracy is essential for the correct assembly of the structure.

C - 9.5°

J - 9.5°

No - 2.8°

No - 20.5°

THE - 16.6°

THE - 33.2°

B - 9.5°

B - 9.5°

AND - 16.6°

AND - 16.6°

Do-it-yourself arcade cabinet in 15 steps

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Step 1: Assembling the base

The first step in properly assembling the structure involves building the base of the project. At this stage, it is crucial to ensure that the panels are secured correctly 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 the letters P And S in the base. Prepare the pocket holes before assembly.
2. Turn the structureAfter assembling the base panels, it is advisable to turn the assembly upside down to facilitate the next 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, it is time to do so before fixing the base floor.
4. Cutting corners: for cutting panel corners P And Q, align the front panel AND centre and transfer the length of THE on the corners to ensure that the panels fit correctly. Next, cut the corners as shown in the picture.
5. Complete assemblyFix all panels firmly together with glue and screws, as illustrated. Make sure everything is well aligned and stable.

Step 2: Fixing the base shelf

At this stage, you will need to mount the base shelf correctly, ensuring that it is well aligned with the door opening. It is essential to ensure that everything is assembled precisely 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 fixing it, check that the shelf is correctly levelled and that there are no misalignments, which could compromise the opening of the door or the entire structure.
• Fix the shelf: Once the shelf is well in place, use glue and screws to fix it firmly. Make sure it is well stable to support the weight of the objects to be placed later.

This phase serves to ensure a solid base for the rest of the structure and requires special care in alignment.

Step 3: Construction of the control box

In this step, we will start building the control box, a key element of the project. Follow these steps for proper installation:

1. Fasten brackets and rear panelUse glue and screws to fix the side supports (D) and the rear panel (J) to the base of the control box (M). Make sure they are well aligned.
2. Pre-drilling Pocket HolesYou can either pre-drill the pocket holes from the side as shown in the picture, or use spike nails to fix the panels from below. This choice depends on the tools you have available and the precision you wish to achieve.
3. Precise positioningMaintain the correct space between the side supports and the rear panel. The measurements shown in the picture are 19.7 cm and 23.5 cm, ensuring that there is sufficient space for future control box components.
4. Structure stabilityCheck the stability and accuracy of the alignment before proceeding to the final fixing, so that the control box is stable and ready for the next components.

You are now ready to complete this stage and move on to the next step!

Step 4: Adding the control box front panel

1. Positioning the front panel (C)Fasten the front panel of the control box to the rest of the structure. Ensure that the top edge is mitered edge.
2. Panel overhangThe front panel must protrude from the base by approximately 6 mm. You can use a spacer under the base to facilitate correct positioning of the panel.
3. FixingOnce you have verified that the panel is correctly positioned, use glue and screws to fix it firmly to the structure.

Now that the front panel has been fixed, the control box begins to take shape!

Step 5: Adding the side panels of the control box

1. Fixing the inner side panels (H)Use glue and pocket holes from the inside to fix the inner side panels to the base of the control box. Make sure they are well aligned with the rest of the structure.
2. Addition of outer side panels (G)After attaching the inner panels, use glue and spike nails to attach the outer panels. In this way, the control box structure will be completed and reinforced.

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

Step 6: Adding the top panel of the control box

Fixing the upper panel (L)Use spike nails and glue to fix the top panel of the control box to the already assembled structure. Make sure it is well aligned and covers the top correctly.

Final checkAfter fastening the panel, check that all edges are secure and that there are no gaps.

Step 7: Start construction of the upper part

1. Assembly of upper partsUse glue and nails to fix the two crossed 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 the panel (N) before final assembly.
3. Verification and alignmentMake sure that all parts are aligned correctly and that there are no gaps between the panels.

Step 8: Complete the upper part

1. Fixing the upper part of the marqueeConnect the upper part of the marquee (panel O) to the structure using glue and nails.
2. Adding the bottom supportInsert the transverse support at the base of the structure (T-panel) to ensure greater stability.
3. Check the alignmentCheck that all panels are well fixed and aligned, ensuring that there are no gaps or irregularities.

Step 9: Assemble the cabinet structure

1. Stacking the sectionsPlace the base, control box and top on top of each other.
2. Fasten with screwsUse screws to firmly join the three sections. Make sure all parts are well aligned and secured for greater stability.
3. Checking stabilityOnce assembly is complete, check that the structure is stable and correctly secured, ready for the next steps.

Step 10: Add the marquee frame

1. Preparing the frameCut the marquee frame to the desired thickness. In our case, the front was cut to 32 mm with a 6 mm internal notch on the back side.
2. FixingUse spike nails to firmly fix the marquee frame to the top of the cabinet.
3. Customization: The height of the frame may vary depending on the size of your marquee artwork, so adjust accordingly.

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

Step 11: Finish the control surface

1. Positioning the control surfaceOnce the control box is in place, secure the top of the control surface in place with clamps.
2. Cutting the notchesCut the two notches in the back flush, following the angle of the control panel.
3. Prepares for cables and componentsThis is also the right time to drill the necessary holes for cables and install any mounting components for speakers or lights, if required, behind the marquee.

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

Step 12: Assemble the screen frame

1. Frame constructionUse 1×4 boards to construct a frame for the screen, customising the width according to the size of the monitor. Be sure to make a 45° (miter) cut on the inside of the frame and on the bottom to fit the angle of the control panel.
2. Mounting the frameglue the frame together. Once completed, the frame will rest on the monitor after it has been installed.
3. Monitor InstallationTo fix the monitor, mount a crossbar on the housing and transfer the mounting holes that correspond to your monitor. Make sure that the frame is flush with the outer edge.

Step 13: Secure the control panel

1. Positioning the insertsInsert the inserts that will hold the control panel in place in the support shelf, applying glue to the top of the inserts.
2. Fixing the control panelPlace the control panel on the inserts and allow the glue to dry. Afterwards, ensure that the inserts are firmly secured with screws.
3. Ease of removalOnce fixed, the control panel will be easily removable and can be repositioned without moving.

In this way, the control panel will be secure and at the same time removable for modification or maintenance.

Step 14: Fixing the side panels

1. Internal fixingUse screws to fix the side panels from inside the structure.
2. Diagonal fasteningTo fix the bottom, 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 well secured and that the entire structure maintains its integrity.

Step 15: Fasten the control panel end caps

1. Positioning of end capsUse clamps to fix the end caps to the sides of the control panel.
2. Fixing from the insideFix the end caps with screws from inside the control panel shelf to ensure a stable and secure closure.

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

Conclusion of the arcade cabin cruiser project

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

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

Enjoy the fruits of your labour and remember that this cabin cruiser is unique, designed and built by you with care and precision!