Friday, July 1, 2022

List of primary parts used in the Arcade Build



I have numerous request from both this blog and my recent YouTube series on the arcade build regarding particular parts I used, dimensions of lumber, etc.  While some of this is covered in the various articles of the blog, I thought I'd try to gather everything together in one easy-to-reference article.

This is by no means a complete list of every item that was used in the build of the cabinet.  However, I try to list all the major parts and components.  Nearly everything used was sourced from one of three places:  local hardware store (Menards in my case), Ultimarc or Amazon.  There are a few items, such as the vinyl graphics and the monitor that came from elsewhere, and I'll note these at the end of the list.

Also recall that it has now been 4+ years since I built this machine.  That means that some parts may no longer be available, or have been replaced by upgraded versions.  That said, I'll try to link to my originally parts wherever possible and applicable.  If, like on Amazon, a given part is no longer available, the page will usually show you similar alternative items.

Again, there will be many common items, like hand tools, basic hardware, etc. that won't be included here.  But maybe I will address something in particular that is shown in my video that you'd like to source for your own cabinet build.  In addition, many items listed on Amazon may be available at the local hardware store and vice versa.  I'll generally list those under Amazon, just so you can see the item and get the details even if you eventually purchase locally.  Naturally, this is what I used for my cabinet.  Your particular build might need or use different parts.

Local Hardware Store Purchases and Components (Menards in my case)

These are primarily construction items for the physical cabinet build.  It does not include hand tools used and there may be other small items (e.g. screws, brackets, bolts, etc.) necessary for your particular build or that I may have already had on hand and did not purchase.

QTY

Descrip

Notes

2

4'x8' 3/4" MDF

 

3

4’x8’ 1/2” MDF

 

1

4'x8' 1/4" Pegboard Panel

Back panel

4

2"x2"x8' Firring strip

 

8

1"x2"x8' Firring strip

 

4

1/4"x12"x12" Birch plywood/Craft wood

 

1

20"x32" .100" (3/32") Plexiglass

Marquee / cut to two sheets

1

36"x36" 5/32" Plexiglass

For monitor and control panel

1

1 1/4" 16 GA Collated Finish nails 1000 ct.

For finish nailer

1

1" 16 GA Collated Finish nails 1000 ct.

For finish nailer

1

Box 1 1/2" wood screws

 

1

Box 1 3/4" wood screws

 

1

Box 2" wood screws

 

1

Misc. small screws for components (1/2" & 1/4")

 

1

Angle Brackets - various

Shelf and corner supports

4

Angle brackets (monitor bezel 1" max length)

Monitor bezel 1" max length

4

Flat brackets

Monitor bezel

1

Small cabinet knob/drawer pull

For top hinged marquee panel

1

Gorilla Glue Wood Glue - 18 oz

 

1

Sandpaper (various grits 110 - 440)

 

1

Wood filler

 

1

Gallon Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer Grey

 

1

Gallon Flat Black Latex Paint

 

1

Quart Semi-Gloss White Latex Paint

For marquee / light box area

1

Gallon Satin Polyurethane clear coat

Water based

1

Brushes, rollers and pan covers

 

1

Assorted jig saw blades (wood/plexiglass)

Be sure to have plexi blades



Arcade Controls / Ultimarc

All of the primary arcade controls (buttons, joysticks, trackball, spinner, control board, etc.) came from Ultimarc.  Some of these parts may have been upgraded or superseded since my build.  If a link to a particular item is not provided, then that particular item is no longer offered.  But you can visit the main Ultimarc site to browse for alternatives.  Quantities are based on my particular build.


Other Cabinet Parts, Electronics, etc. (basically everything else) / Amazon

Nearly everything else for the arcade build came from Amazon.  Please note that some of the following links may be Amazon affiliate links.  While use of these links will not affect your pricing, this blog may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.  Use of these links to make your Amazon purchase is one of the best ways you can say thanks or show your support for future projects... all at no cost to you!

QTY

Descrip

Notes

1

Arcade Coin Door

X-Arcade may be another source

1

2 pc Joystick Shaft Extension Rod

 

1

24" LED Light Fixture

 

1

Raspberry Pi 3b+

Due to shortages, prices elevated. Do not overpay. I would use a Pi 4 today

1

32GB MicroSD Memory Card

 

1

12V 30A power supply

 

1

5V 20A power supply

 

2

6' Power supply cord

For 12V/5A power supplies

1

Master Power strip

 

1

Switched Power strip

 

1

5 pk 1' Extension Cords

 

1

Pair 3.5" Speakers

 

1

2 pc 5" Speaker Grill Cover Set

 

1

12V Digital Audio Amplifier

 

1

3.5mm male-to-male Audio Cable

 

1

6 mm steel rod (CNC Lathe driller)

Amp extension rod

1

6 mm Coupler

 

1

10pk 6mm Rotary Knob

 

2

8-way Terminal Block

 

1

PI Power Button 12V Illuminated

 

1

Master Power Switch 120V AC (10pk)

 

1

3 pc. Toggle switch

Did not need for joysticks 

1

2 pk USB keystone jacks

 

1

Keystone jack face plate - black

 

1

2 pk 3' USB A Cables

 

1

Pk Assorted LEDs 3mm and 5mm

I used 2 red for joystick rotation

1

Pk 180-ohm Resistors

 

1

Pk. Assorted Spade Connectors

 

1

Pk Assorted Standoff Spacers

 

1

1/4" vinyl letters and numbers

 

1

Assorted Size Heat Shrink Tubing

 

1

Pk. Assorted Wago Lever Nuts

 

2

1 1/16" x 48" Piano Hinge

Back door and control panel

1

20' 1/2" t molding - black

 

1

20' 3/4" t molding - blue

 

1

4 pk - 4" swivel casters

 

1

Kreg Rip Cut Circular Saw guide

 

1

Kreg Circular Saw Track

 

1

1/16" x 9/16" deep slotting router bit

 

1

1" Spade Bit

 

1

1-1/8" Spade Bit

 

1

3-1/2" Hole Saw

For trackball/speakers

1

1-1/8" Step down drill bit

 



Other Items Purchased or Sourced Elsewhere

There are a couple of remaining items that were not available at any of the above sources so they were purchased elsewhere, as noted.

QTY

Descrip

Notes

2

Vinyl Graphics / GameOnGrafix

Marquee/Panel - Design your own

1

BenQ 1080p Gaming Monitor GL2760H

BenQ Site - upgrade from mine. May find at CDW or other retailers.



Power Tools Used

As I cover in my YouTube Series on the build of this cabinet, you don't need a large workshop or a lot of specialty tools to build your own cabinet.  The only power tools I used in my project were:
  • Portable table saw
  • Circular saw
  • Jig saw
  • Palm router
  • Drill
  • Finish nailer (optional)
Naturally, you will need various hand tools and a few specialty items (like hole saws, etc.), but I've tried to list anything you might not have in a "normal household garage" in the lists above.  You will also need some basic tools for small electronics, like wire strippers, electrical tape, zip ties, etc.

Supporting the Blog and YouTube Channel

If you'd like to help support this blog and my corresponding YouTube channel for future projects, you can use any of my Amazon links at no cost to you, or you can say thanks and:



5 comments:

  1. This is a great build. Super helpful. I'm getting closer, this list of items used is invaluable if you're going to make this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful and I hope the rest of the content on this blog, and maybe even my YouTube series on the build of my cabinet adds to that. Don't hesitate to reach back out if I can help out in anyway down the road!

      Delete
  2. Do you have a total cost for this whole project? I'm watching your YouTube series on this project, it's by far the most helpful video series I've seen on a DIY Arcade machine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Glad you are finding the videos helpful. I have another article here on the blog that compares the cost and features of my DIY cabinet vs. a retail version. In that article, I estimated my all-in costs at around $1,500 for the first build. But I had to be a few tools and often had to purchase parts in quantities more than I needed. So in that other article, I estimated to build a second one would be in the ballpark of $1,200 - $1,300. Again, a big chunk of that was for the quality arcade controls. But I still say it was worth the money. The machine is now over six years old and all the controls are still original and working like new.

      Delete
    2. Man that's great to hear. Thanks for the cost estimate. I think for my build, I'd opt for no coin slot and track ball, so that would save me a bit. My Father-in-law has every tool imaginable so that'll help on cost of renting tools. Thanks for the info.

      Delete

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