Bob, I love that you let us know about how you decided on your process. Like "I started out doing it this way, but it was taking too much time, so I did it this way and it worked out better". When content producers put out "The Perfect Build" it makes rookies like me sometimes feel frustrated because you guys make it look so easy :) Everyone makes mistakes, and showing us yours is a great educational tool
Of all arcade cabinets I've seen, this one is the best. It's a piece of furniture with plenty of storage, it's cool looking, fantastic artwork, nice ambientlight, cool trick with motion sensor, it runs on low power Raspberry Pi... Amazing! :)
This is, buy far, the nicest cabinet I have seen. It,s not only cool and functional, but it's not just a big waste of space, I can actually contain stuff. Congrats man, great build.
The Orange T-Molding could not be more perfect. You cut all the vinyl corners great. You must be a pro at wallpaper. All of the tricks and the cuts that you made, are basically why people pay someone else to hang their wallpaper. I can't say enough, I am inspired. I want to make something just so I can use that T-molding stuff. Thanks for Sharing!
This was so worth the wait. I kept thinking the graphics weren't going to live up to the build up from the Making It podcast. But they did, so awesome, that was a great personal touch.
Amazing work. Awesome instructions on how to install the vinyl stickers. I really like the artwork and I think those characters are really nicely illustrated! Respect man!
+John Harris Oh man, that's a shame! I may build a cocktail table at some point if I can find someone willing to commission it. I don't have room for it, but I'd love to make one :)
I loved that book, I am going to build an arcade cabinet this summer but I will use an old TV and maybe coin slots for more retro style. Good job, greetings from Germany
Such a great project. I used this video to build my own arcade machine. It turned out perfect. It was so fun to build. I wish I had more room, I’d build more (racing and light gun). Thanks for posting this!
Been hoping to see something happen with the arcade for a long time now and these videos have been COMPLETELY worth the wait. The cabinet looks amazing - awesome work and thanks for the great breakdown, as always.
For future reference Bob, when you order your graphics ask for vinyl with "air egress", this is commonly available now days... it has channels in the adhesive like a waffle or honeycomb pattern allowing the air to escape as you apply... no wet application necessary and no bubbles!
About 20 years ago I sold DIY kits for Dirt-Bikes - was a great time... You should sell this as DIY kits as well! Amazing Stuff - but not all of us can afford the special machines to cut all the parts Keep rockin' and cheers from germany
Love the final graphic Bob! Solid vinyl install skills too. One tool I find invaluable in my tool kit is a small utility knife, with the long, snap-off blades. They're light and easy to manipulate, but you can get extra length if you need it. My favourite brand is Richard, but I think they're Canadian and even tricky to find up here. Lots of companies make variations though. Looking forward to the Finale!
Hey bob, quick tip for painting screw heads. Push them through a piece of cardboard so just the head is showing and spray them.. Love the channel, keep up the good work!
I thought after the first video that this was going to be kinda cool... then I see all the custom graphics and personalized stuff going into this, and now this thing is an heirloom!
If you put vinyl on corners and irregular surfaces you can apply a bit of heat on it, carefully from a distance right before you stick it (maybe you could even use a hairdryer) and the vinyl gets more stretchable for a while. Not all vinyls react the same to it, though. If you apply too much it gets deformed, but the right amount can help with bubbles.
What's up Bob I just finished reading that book was a great book couldn't put it down that cabinet is awesome great work and keep it coming thank you for such great work
+I Like To Make Stuff even the idea is great. The whole family as super heroes! I'd have to make a huge cabinet because I have even more kids than you!
+Brian Munroe Thanks! I was actually pretty worried about that turning out well, but it ended up not being as difficult as I expected. I just circled it 100 times measuring the overlap and adjusting position.
Bob, this thing is unreal. I'm super jealous. Like you, I have a list a decade long, but this was just added to about year 3. lol! Keep it up, can't wait for part three!
Great work. The graphics look amazing. I am never going to make something like this myself but it's a great series and very interesting and informative.
This is awesome Bob. One thing I want to mention since I was a sign guy in my past life is that the front edge where you put regular vinyl will not last very long. I have done the same thing atfer I wrapped an IKEA table that was peeling at the seams. The edges will eventually peel so you may want to add an acrylic edge that keeps it down. I know tha tlooks tacky but maybe you can put a wrist rest on top of it (not sure if that is against the rules int he video game world). The polycarbonate is durable though so no worries on that.
Nice, but I wouldn't go with vinyl. Vinyl is nice because you can get it printed, but it *always* eventually peels and cracks. Actual arcade cabinets were painted. Also, a few notes about construction: The marque is never glued, as they can (and often are) broken by players, they also serve as a quick way to access the light that is mounted just behind them. The back of the cab is your access point to the workings, the flat part of the back (usually held in by a single screw) is a single piece of wood. The joysticks are latch mounted on a piece that is hinged and has a metal lip on the front (where players often stick their quarters or tokens) so the sticks pull down after being unlocked by latches from the inside. This hinged mount serves two purposes: 1. to allow easy access to the sticks so that they can be serviced. 2. to hold the glass in, that fits over the screen, resting between the marque, the cab, and the sticks. This is how cabs have been designed for decades. Many years ago, I worked at an arcade, and serviced these machines.
This is pretty sweet but I wouldn't be able to resist the urge to build that enclosure for the speakers and tune it to give a really nice sound and use some nice bookshelf speakers.
The storage shelves idea is freaking briliant. What a fantastic use of normally wasted space. Super cool.
Bob, I love that you let us know about how you decided on your process. Like "I started out doing it this way, but it was taking too much time, so I did it this way and it worked out better". When content producers put out "The Perfect Build" it makes rookies like me sometimes feel frustrated because you guys make it look so easy :) Everyone makes mistakes, and showing us yours is a great educational tool
Bob, you are a DIY-rockstar. My favorite detail is the retro I Like To Make Stuff logo. Absolutely love it.
+Natural Nerd Thanks so much! I'm actually considering t-shirts with the marquee logo. Good idea?
+I Like To Make Stuff Great idea. Defintly reusable :)
Hey Funny to see you here! I know you!
You weren't kidding about those graphics. They look awesome!
The family of super heroes is so dope. This is amazing Bob. Dream come true for any kid, even big kids;)
+Trustin Timber Thanks Trustin! The kids (myself included) love showing off their character when people come over to visit!
Of all arcade cabinets I've seen, this one is the best. It's a piece of furniture with plenty of storage, it's cool looking, fantastic artwork, nice ambientlight, cool trick with motion sensor, it runs on low power Raspberry Pi... Amazing! :)
man, that's old-world craftsmanship! I salute you!
This is the most amazing arcade cabinet that I have ever seen.
Cutting the t-molding groove after the fact looked messy. Those graphics look amazing, your buddy did an amazing job.
+Michael Gomez Yeah, no matter when you do it, it's messy just because of the router. He really did! I couldn't be happier with the artwork!
This is, buy far, the nicest cabinet I have seen. It,s not only cool and functional, but it's not just a big waste of space, I can actually contain stuff. Congrats man, great build.
Thanks!
The Orange T-Molding could not be more perfect. You cut all the vinyl corners great. You must be a pro at wallpaper. All of the tricks and the cuts that you made, are basically why people pay someone else to hang their wallpaper.
I can't say enough, I am inspired. I want to make something just so I can use that T-molding stuff. Thanks for Sharing!
this is the coolest hand built arcade cabinet I have EVER SEEN. Thanks for the upload.
Man i can watch this over and over, its soo goood ..
Wow. I like it! The orange trim really pops!
+Awesome Wood Things Thanks! I love the way the colors work on this thing!
it's so fascinating to watch people build stuff. i wish i had talents like you
+Haikal Husaini You can! Just start small and make something that you need!
This was so worth the wait. I kept thinking the graphics weren't going to live up to the build up from the Making It podcast. But they did, so awesome, that was a great personal touch.
+Dan The Maker Man Thanks!!
Amazing work. Awesome instructions on how to install the vinyl stickers. I really like the artwork and I think those characters are really nicely illustrated! Respect man!
I've been eyeballing the Ultimarc web page ever since you showed us the PiCade, hoping one day I can make my own cabinet some day. Maybe this summer.
Love this, I had an classic cocktail table style Galaga arcade cabinet that was stolen many years ago during a move. I miss that game.
+John Harris Oh man, that's a shame! I may build a cocktail table at some point if I can find someone willing to commission it. I don't have room for it, but I'd love to make one :)
Yes ! I love Friday when it starts Thursday. Still at work, will watch on the train back.
Keep on trucking !
So nice to see it coming together.
The hidden drawers are brilliant!
that is looking INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! cant wait to see it finished
Oh my, that looks amazing!!!!!
+Make Something Thanks man!
There were some good cabinet builds out there, but I think this build really adds a lot of details that were missing and it looks great too.
I loved that book, I am going to build an arcade cabinet this summer but I will use an old TV and maybe coin slots for more retro style. Good job, greetings from Germany
I can't get over how clever this guy is. mind=blown
Dude, you are a DIY legend. Mad props on this build
Such a great project. I used this video to build my own arcade machine. It turned out perfect. It was so fun to build. I wish I had more room, I’d build more (racing and light gun). Thanks for posting this!
this is quality worksmanship mate. I wish I had the talents, my cab would be as quality as the front end hehehe
I like the idea of turning the cabinet into a storage cabinet as well.
Bob, you're a genius. your videos amaze me every single time
I am never, ever going to make something like this - but I thought it was great!
Dude! This is unreal! I'm blown away! So rad!
Awesome work Bob. The graphic idea with the family is brilliant!
+Kevin Colburn Thanks Kevin! The kids LOVE seeing their characters!
Man... I really wish I would have seen this a few years back when I was building retro photobooths! Nicely Done!
Been hoping to see something happen with the arcade for a long time now and these videos have been COMPLETELY worth the wait. The cabinet looks amazing - awesome work and thanks for the great breakdown, as always.
Thanks Eric! I have to say, I'm extremely happy with how it came out.
Oh man... that graphics scheme is amazing!
Well done Bob. This is by far the best thing I've seen you make to date. Really good job Bob!
+Andy Lawson Thanks Andy!!
For future reference Bob, when you order your graphics ask for vinyl with "air egress", this is commonly available now days... it has channels in the adhesive like a waffle or honeycomb pattern allowing the air to escape as you apply... no wet application necessary and no bubbles!
5 years late but damn, this is incredible!
Probably the most impressive project you have done. The graphics are awesome. Keep up the good work!
+Kirill Vishnevsky Thank you!!
About 20 years ago I sold DIY kits for Dirt-Bikes - was a great time...
You should sell this as DIY kits as well!
Amazing Stuff - but not all of us can afford the special machines to cut all the parts
Keep rockin' and cheers from germany
Excellent work Bob, great idea with the graphics. I like the family portrait idea.
Bob you are a master of your trade
Love the final graphic Bob! Solid vinyl install skills too. One tool I find invaluable in my tool kit is a small utility knife, with the long, snap-off blades. They're light and easy to manipulate, but you can get extra length if you need it. My favourite brand is Richard, but I think they're Canadian and even tricky to find up here. Lots of companies make variations though. Looking forward to the Finale!
Awesome arcade game and cabinet.
A whole new level of woodworking. Great job!
That is a ton of storage, Bob. Looking forward to part 3!
The arcade came out amazing Bob! Congrats...
Love the graphics Bob! Also like how you did the storage drawers behind the side panel. Looking forward to the next steps.
+Steve Carmichael Thanks Steve!
WoW Bob looks great!!! That BenchMat looks almost as good as the arcade!!!
Covering the plastic with light cloth ensures you don't scratch anything by accident. The machine turned out great.
Hey bob, quick tip for painting screw heads. Push them through a piece of cardboard so just the head is showing and spray them.. Love the channel, keep up the good work!
+Kyle Cook Good call!
The sped up footage of the paint being sprayed with the gun looked so satisfying haha.
+Peter :) In real life, it took quite a while but the end result was worth it.
Awesome Bob! and some great tips in this video.... as David would say GOOD STUFF!
+Jon Peters Art & Home Thanks Jon! This project has been so much fun!
Ready Player One was SOOO good. I loved reading it. Also you're arcade is so freaking BA. Thanks for sharin'!
This arcade cabinet is turning out amazing. I mean I knew it would but wow!!!!! I can't wait to see the next video. Keep up the awesome work.
+My Next Project Thank you!!
Absolutely amazing Bob. It looks great!
+April Wilkerson Thanks April!
+April Wilkerson I LOVE UR WORK APRIL!!
I love the fact that you rolled in the structure on a skate board when you went to paint it
Best dolly I own!
Love the graphics and superhero concept. Looks great!
Ready player one is an awesome book! I read it a few months back. Great build Bob!
you could say he's Bob the builder✋
Timo Soeterboek You could say that ;)
I liked that book too, and the technology is easily within reach.
+garrett gaddy Totally agree man. Just a few more years away.
I thought after the first video that this was going to be kinda cool... then I see all the custom graphics and personalized stuff going into this, and now this thing is an heirloom!
+Joshua Dirkson I hope so!
If you put vinyl on corners and irregular surfaces you can apply a bit of heat on it, carefully from a distance right before you stick it (maybe you could even use a hairdryer) and the vinyl gets more stretchable for a while. Not all vinyls react the same to it, though. If you apply too much it gets deformed, but the right amount can help with bubbles.
Love the attention to detail, bravo!
What's up Bob I just finished reading that book was a great book couldn't put it down that cabinet is awesome great work and keep it coming thank you for such great work
it looks awesome so far
Super cool. Love the hidden storage and the graphics and marquee are awesome!
+Brian Schroeder Thanks Brian! I'm SO happy with the artwork (which I had no part in creating, btw)
+I Like To Make Stuff even the idea is great. The whole family as super heroes! I'd have to make a huge cabinet because I have even more kids than you!
Holy crap that is sick can't wait to see it finished.
+GIL JIMENEZ thanks!
Bob, the art is very sweet indeed, bravo !
Keep on trucking ! (from France)
Love it!
I wish I had all the tools, space and skill to do that :D
I love this. I'm not as awesome as you with wood work but I'm still very inspired.
Shout out from Melbourne Australia
Excellent work Bob!!! I need that cabinet in my life!!! patiently waiting for Part 3... 😎
Holy crap! So good! Love the storage and great job on lining up the vinyl, it looks like it could be maddening!
+Brian Munroe Thanks! I was actually pretty worried about that turning out well, but it ended up not being as difficult as I expected. I just circled it 100 times measuring the overlap and adjusting position.
congratulations yes beautiful arcade
That artwork is awesome! And dude, you built a freaking arcade with all the retro games!
Bob, this thing is unreal. I'm super jealous. Like you, I have a list a decade long, but this was just added to about year 3. lol! Keep it up, can't wait for part three!
Incredible build. Superior maker craftsmanship. Very informative thank you.
Great work. The graphics look amazing. I am never going to make something like this myself but it's a great series and very interesting and informative.
Nostalgic, feels like walking into Space Port arcade circa 1985.
This is awesome Bob. One thing I want to mention since I was a sign guy in my past life is that the front edge where you put regular vinyl will not last very long. I have done the same thing atfer I wrapped an IKEA table that was peeling at the seams. The edges will eventually peel so you may want to add an acrylic edge that keeps it down. I know tha tlooks tacky but maybe you can put a wrist rest on top of it (not sure if that is against the rules int he video game world). The polycarbonate is durable though so no worries on that.
Looks awesome. You done an excellent job Bob.
+David Bishop Thank you!!
That cabinet is dope af!
RPO is a great book! The cabinet looks awesome too :).
Ready player 1 is what got me interested in making an arcade cabinet
incredible build and very nice artwork
Nice, but I wouldn't go with vinyl.
Vinyl is nice because you can get it printed, but it *always* eventually peels and cracks. Actual arcade cabinets were painted.
Also, a few notes about construction:
The marque is never glued, as they can (and often are) broken by players, they also serve as a quick way to access the light that is mounted just behind them.
The back of the cab is your access point to the workings, the flat part of the back (usually held in by a single screw) is a single piece of wood.
The joysticks are latch mounted on a piece that is hinged and has a metal lip on the front (where players often stick their quarters or tokens) so the sticks pull down after being unlocked by latches from the inside. This hinged mount serves two purposes:
1. to allow easy access to the sticks so that they can be serviced.
2. to hold the glass in, that fits over the screen, resting between the marque, the cab, and the sticks.
This is how cabs have been designed for decades. Many years ago, I worked at an arcade, and serviced these machines.
Thanks. Looks great and very detailed. But would have been nice if you showed more of the finished project when it was done.
Wow, great looking cabinet! Ready Player One is an excellent book.
It’s great, it looks cool, look at my vertical arcade machine, the egg-shaped appearance, and the auto-rotating screen is also super cool
Great looking build, I am looking forward to the final video.
excellent job! looks amazing. Interesting work with the vinil and polycarbonates! perfect result and awesome graphics!
that arcade cabinet is awesome!!!
As soon as my CNC is done, this gets built!
That artwork is very cool your buddy has some talent.
+Black Widow Woodworks He's pretty amazing! He does are for a video game development company and creates characters and scenes.
Awesome job Bob! Super Mario Brothers music in my head now!
+Mike Kapotsy Thanks! :)
Hey, what is the liquid spray you use here 3:36 while applying the side art vinyl?
Nice one Bob, really awesome project, glad to see you get it done.
This is pretty sweet but I wouldn't be able to resist the urge to build that enclosure for the speakers and tune it to give a really nice sound and use some nice bookshelf speakers.
Best arcade cabinet I have ever seen. I am really jealous about it :)
Looking great. This is some serious inspiration to get busy on my own project.