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
This guide will let you build the same Arcade cabinets that are found in the MakeCode team room at the Microsoft offices.
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 - arcade button set for 2 players (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WDQWK5M)
- 1 - 22” monitor with HDMI input (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072F3DL6P)
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 as you 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 instructions of the cardboard control panel to wire the buttons and joysticks to the raspberry pi.
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.