Tested Projects: Building a Custom Arcade Cabinet, Part 3
With the top and side panels of the arcade cabinet cut out, we move onto the control boards and the holes needed for all the buttons, joysticks, and other gaming controls. Different types of buttons and sticks for each of the panels require unique mounts, so John Duncan teaches us how to set up a router to cut the right kind of hole for each control scheme. (This video was brought to you by Premium memberships on Tested. Learn more about how you can support us with memberships!)
Video shot and edited by Joey Fameli
Music Library provided by Jingle Punks
23 thoughts on “Tested Projects: Building a Custom Arcade Cabinet, Part 3”
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I say this every week but loving this series. Can’t wait for the next episode
Tested should dedicate a month of projects to convert their methodology permanently to metric.
I believe there actually are drill bits for square holes, called Harry Watts square drill bit. Kind of amazing to see in action.
Can you guys do a follow up piece on your CNC feature from ages ago?
I reckon you could do a nice video going through the process of taking your arcade cabinet design drawings through CAD/CAM and then onto a big CNC routing table to cut the profiles and pockets (even engrave a nice pattern for some inlays).
It would be a good contrast to the more manual method you’re currently using.
I’ve made a few MAME cabs in the past and this scratches the itch just right 🙂
Is it just me, or is John is doing most, if not all, of the work?
Perhaps, in the end, this is the safest way of going about this. I guess I was just hoping that we would see Norm get his hands a little bit dustier.
It has a weird helping dad build a billy cart vibe going on and I was really looking forward to seeing Norm loose a finger.
It makes complete sense for them to use John at what he’s good at. Norm and Wes are likely much better at setting up MAME, the frontend, wiring the controls, programming the IPAC, etc. But if you want something to look good, you let the experts handle it – at least at first so you can watch/learn!
That’s how I built my first arcade cabinet. So, their division of labor seems right to me.
I’m sure when it comes to showing the software and computer, we’ll see Norm and Wes really shine. Assuming they show us that stuff which I hope they do!
I’d be surprised if Adam doesn’t have one there somewhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALiqAXiTQBg
Here’s a little tidbit I didn’t know when installing the Sanwa joystick.
It comes with 2 washers so that one goes under the wooden frame and the other goes above it.
I didn’t know that when I installed mine and thought they just gave me a spare. I think I just put both on top or maybe stored it away somewhere. It’s on a arcade stick I don’t use anymore so I forget.
Some of the filming/cutting of these seems a big haphazard. Also having Wesley somewhere in the background when you can barely hear him is a bit disappointing.
General production values/experience problems I suppose.
Still a great and interesting series though. Keep it up and grow as you go along!
Great build series–getting an expert was a really smart idea!
What were you using the laser cutter for at the very end of the video?
I want to see build this thing himself! I mean, built that desk himself…right?!
I kid, I kid. Keep up the good work, guys!
oh boy yes please!
if we give them two months, could we have the entire US of A finally converting? i’m beginning to really dislike the amount of doublethink i have to do, just for being able to talk to americans.
I came here to say the same thing. I feel it is a bit of a shame norm doesn’t seem interested in having a go – or if he is, he doesn’t get more air time. Some of the machines they are using are big and scary, it’d be good to see norm go through basic shop safety and give it a shot. With a template, it is hard to go wrong with the router, jump in and have a go!
Although he is a little risky sometimes (like leaning over the table saw) John has the well exercised risk management of a professional workshop worker. If he wasn’t there I think progress would have been damn slow, with the occasional expensive/painful mistake.
looks like they’re adding tested block heads etc to the sides of the cabinet.
I don’t want people to get the idea that I am being critical about the way this video series is going. I am really enjoying this greatly.
And, I can understand why Adam brought in someone that he trusts to safely handle his shop tools in his absence. The last thing that wants is for Norm or Wes to loose a digit because they may not be as competent (as other individuals ) around certain power equipment. I totally get that.. 😉
100% with you on this. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I re-read my comment and I sound like an ass.
Good one as always. I like the speed-up bit at the end giving a brief overview of the work. I have seen the technique used quite effectively in other how to videos inter-cut with the talking.
Having to google every measurement does get old pretty quickly. It’s about time the americans adopted the SI system like the rest of the world. 😉
fuckin’ a!
what’s weird is how it’s already the accepted standard in science – with scientists and engineers being professionally exposed to it, i would have expected for it to have creeped into general use by now.
in my headcanon, there is a US committee of old, bald men saying things like “we can’t allow measuring freedom with commie units! it’s not what the founding fathers would have wanted!”
Actually Norm did do quite a bit of work on this project. Norm and Wes had already cut a number of parts and stained them before I was brought in. For new techniques, I would show Norm how to do something, and then give him the chance to do it himself if he felt comfortable. I guess some of that gets lost once all the hours of video have been edited down for a half hour show. There was a LOT to cover!
– Adam actually does have some of those “square drill bits”. They are called mortising bits. They have a drill inside of a square chiseling collar and have to be used in a drill press.
– I remember back in the 70s when the US announced that we were going to adopt the metric system, and here we are 40 -some years later and it hasn’t happened. What can you do? People and nations don’t always want to let go of what they are used to. Whether it’s inches, centimeters, pounds, kilos, stones, fahrenheit, centigrade, kelvin or whatever. Its just going to be a long transition if it ever comes together.
-John