MiniMame Taking Shape

Whew! I'm tired but the prototype miniMame video arcade machine is almost complete. It is really looking nice. All of the laminate is on, all panels are complete with the exception of the back door. I cut it too big! Ugh! All that is left is to mount the hardware (motherboard, speakers, controls and wiring). I also need to apply some graphics, Lexan in front of the TV and put on the t-molding. Oh! And a marquee too, of course. The marquee area is really tight especially considering the speakers are also mounted in there. I'm not sure if I can squeeze a light in there or not.

All in all, it has taken me about 2 days to get it this far. If you decide to build an arcade cabinet, hopefully you find it as simple to construct as I did. I think the biggest part is having all the materials and tools on-hand, ready to go.

Whew! I'm tired but the prototype miniMame video arcade machine is almost complete. It is really looking nice. All of the laminate is on, all panels are complete with the exception of the back door. I cut it too big! Ugh! All that is left is to mount the hardware (motherboard, speakers, controls and wiring). I also need to apply some graphics, Lexan in front of the TV and put on the t-molding. Oh! And a marquee too, of course. The marquee area is really tight especially considering the speakers are also mounted in there. I'm not sure if I can squeeze a light in there or not.

All in all, it has taken me about 2 days to get it this far. If you decide to build an arcade cabinet, hopefully you find it as simple to construct as I did. I think the biggest part is having all the materials and tools on-hand, ready to go.

MiniMame Cabinet Prototype

Took the day off from work today and worked on the prototype arcade cabinet all day. I'm also going to be working on it all day tomorrow as well. I got almost all the panels cut and mounted today. Also got the TV shelf done and installed. Got a few more panels done than pictured but thats the one I had.

I've cut out several extra sets of parts that I may sell to anyone thinking of building one of these. Since it is small it should not be a problem to ship and might make a nice little starter-kit to save you some time.

I figured out some simpler construction sequences and eliminated several bevels you would otherwise have to cut. I updated the instructions and plans to reflect these changes.

Tomorrow I will cut and mount the last two panels, get the interior painted black and get some of the laminate applied.

Finalizing Cabinet Plans

Welcome visitors from ArcadeControls.com. So far, I've been waiting for my laminate to come in so I have been focusing a lot of time finalizing the plans and working out the details in the instructions.

I've created several more illustrations of the build process and ran a couple of test prints to make sure everything is sharp and readable.

I will be starting a 4th prototype strictly following the instructions to check for correctness. Another friend was interested in a half-size cabinet as well so it will be for him. He plans on putting an X-Box in it and emulating MAME with it. Should be really cool.

If you want me to let you know when updates are made or when the plans are available, send email and I'll keep you up to date.

Cabinet Construction Begins

Some of my friends saw the arcade machine cabinet for the first time and a couple of them had to have one as well so I cut out and assembled two more in about three hours. This is actually a good thing because it helps me test and confirm my assembly instructions.

miniMame Cabinet Construction

Last weekend I cut out and assembled and basic frame. It took approximatly 2 hours to prepare, cut and assemble the first one.