Original Cabinet Plans

Step 4- Attaching the monitor shelf and the base

Original ArcadeCab MAME cabinet plans, updated for easier reading on modern computers, tablets and phones. The construction instructions and photos remain from the original build.

Cabinet plan contents

 

Click here for a brief word about how I came about the monitor placement.


Measure and mark the points of the monitor support.  Draw a line between the two points.  This will be the top of the monitor support.  This is where we had to be inventive.  We did not own clamps that were long enough to hold the boards together while we screwed them together.  To solve this problem, we took a 1/16" bit and predrilled two holes two inches down from this line on this side.  Then we laid the first 16" 2x4 on this line.  Then I got under the ply side and my assistant sat on his knees on the board to keep it from slipping when I drove in the screw.  For the innocent spectators, it was a bit humorous.  For obvious liability reasons, I did not include photos of this.

We measured up 1-3/4" from the bottom of the ply side and placed the bottom edge of the base along this line.  We screwed a couple screws to hold it in place.  We then screwed two screws from above the monitor shelf down into the 2x4 support. 

This held everything together enough for the time being.  Every step we measured to make sure everything was as it should be.  Miscalculations at this point could make the cabinet sit askew or make the monitor sit un-level.  Neither results were what we were looking for.

 

Both sides.  Have drawn the monitor shelf lines on both insides.Monitor support ready to be screwed into place.Preparing to secure the base and monitor shelf.A different angle.Almost complete.
Next, the other side is attached.  We drove two screws into the base from the top plywood side to stabilize it.   Again, we made sure our measurements were correct before securing the parts.

 

 

[Update- While the cabinet is on its side, you could attach the wheels.  See bottom pic for an example of how to start.]

Making sure everything lines up.  Ignore the blonde.  Another prop.Both sides are now screwed together.