Arcade Build

The photo to the left shows the build in progress. The build was based on a very basic drawing that was made in advance, but details were added as needed as the build progressed.

The base is essentially a box framework of 2x4's, with the sides, front, and back added as "panels." The panels are 1/4" thick plywood, reinforced with glued on 1"x1" wood strips (which also enable the panels to be screwed to the framework). Casters are mounted on the bottom of the framework, and the panels hang down below the bottom of the frame to help conceal the casters.

As the build progressed, pieces were clamped in place with temporary braces (the "x" in the photo), and following pieces were cut to fit.

To the left is the middle section, painted with primer. The "computer" is a bare motherboard which sits on a piece of plywood screwed to the internal frame. A control panel is mounted on the left side, and below the control panel is a keyboard drawer (and mouse); the keyboard and mouse are used only to set up and manage the computer.

Here is the middle section again after painting with black latex enamel (glossy). The middle section is on the right, and the keyboard drawer (upside down) is on the left. The keyboard drawer is mounted with ordinary drawer slides.

Here is the almost completed unit (minus the control panel box and the marquee). Note the two holes in the upper section for the speakers.

Here is the control panel board build in progress. A 1/2" birch plywood board was cut to fit, with a matching 1/2" clear plastic panel (shown here with blue protective film still on it). The plastic and plywood were attached to each other with carpet tape, and the holes for the controls were drilled with a hole saw in both pieces at the same time, to ensure that the holes lined up perfectly.

Here is another picture of the control panel box - primed and painted to match the bottom section (gray primer, glossy black latex enamel).

Here is the control panel box (before painting) being test-fitted on the arcade box.

The control panel with controls installed. Protective blue plastic film on the control panel and monitor panel were left in place until the unit was installed.

A LED light strip behind the marquee lights it up. The marquee is simply printed on glossy photo paper and sandwiched between two clear plastic panels.

The completed arcade box. When disassembled, the entire unit fits easily into the trunk of a car.