WARNING: Power Tools required
To complete this project, you will need access to power tools. Make sure to follow all safety procedures or ask a professional for help.
MakeCode Arcade Wooden Cabinet
Creating your very own video Arcade machine for your school is easier than you think! You can install it in a common area or the cafeteria of your school and showcase your student created games!
Materials
The cabinet is built out of 3 - 8’ x 4’ plywood sheets of 1/2” thickness.
- 3 - 8’ x 4’ x 1/2” maple plywood sheets. Feel free to use other sheets based on your availability.
- 1 - 22” monitor with HDMI input (i.e. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072F3DL6P)
- Joystick and button controls for 2 players. These will vary depending on whether you will be powering your Arcade with a Windows computer, or a Raspberry Pi.
- Windows – see https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/shoebox-controller
- Raspberry Pi – see https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/raspberry-pi
- Paint, decals, chalkboard paper (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chalkboard+paper) or other materials to decorate
Tools needed
- jigsaw, router, table saw, impact driver, pin nail gun, wood glue, etc… The kind of tools you find in a wood shop.
- 1/8” wood drill bit
- 1/2” wood drill bit
Template
Cut out this template precisely and keep it as your master template for all future cuts.
Cut list
All units are in inches and degree angles. Add 1/4” to the length when a miter is present, 1/2” when 2 miters are present.
| Thickness | Width | Length | Location | Miter Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 23 | 59 3/4 | K | 22 1/2 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 24 7/8 | B | 0 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 22 1/2 | A | 0 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 18 1/2 | F | 0 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 16 1/4 | E | 0 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 15 7/8 | J | 22 1/2 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 12 15/16 | I | 22 1/2 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 12 | G | 31 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 11 1/2 | C | 25 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 6 1/4 | H | 31 |
| 1/2 | 23 | 5 | D | 25 |
You will also need to cut out the 2 sides of the arcade cabinet.
Cut Instructions
- Using your profile template, mark 2 profiles on the plywood and cut with a jigsaw.
- The cuts do not have to be perfect as the router will clean it up.
- Use a router to clean the edges.
- Cut and miter all the cuts set aside.
Assembly instructions
- Create 2 jigs that let you position boards 1/4” from the side.
- Cut out various 1” x 1/2” strips needed to secure the boards.
For each board,
- Cut out 2 strips and glue/pin them to the side.
- Use the jig to position the boards 1/4” from the sides.
Once all the boards are secured, attach the upper side of the arcade and you’re done!
Control panel
Follow the wiring and assembly instructions for the joysticks and buttons depending on whether you will be powering your Arcade machine with a Windows computer, or a Raspberry Pi Zero.
- Windows – use an old Windows laptop or a PC stick device (i.e. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LYRQZ59) with Arcade Kiosk Mode (https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/kiosk). See Shoebox controller project (https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/shoebox-controller) for control assembly.
- Raspberry Pi Zero – see https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/raspberry-pi for wiring instructions.
Screen
- Place the screen on the wood panel and mark the position where the screen touches the wood.
- Pin nail the attachments to clamp the screen down.
- Drill holes to allow power and HDMI cables to pass through the back of the screen.
To make it easier, we recommend building a jig to position and build this part.
Decoration
This is your cabinet, have fun decorating it and personalize it the way you like! We used the https://arcade-stencils.glitch.me/ to generate stencils and drawing on our cabinets.