Resources I've actually used
These are sites and companies I've found useful while building ArcadeCab and working on arcade projects over the years. ArcadeCab has been around since 2003, so some resources that were important to the hobby in its early years have disappeared or stopped being updated. I've removed dead links where they no longer provide any value, while keeping a few historically interesting sites and clearly identifying them as such.
The sites below are still useful today, either as active arcade resources or as companies I've personally used for parts and materials.
It all starts here. This has always been one of the best resources for people building their own arcade controls and cabinets. The forums, project examples and years of accumulated knowledge are especially valuable.
Visit Arcade ControlsHome of the I-PAC and a long list of arcade-interface and control products. I've used Ultimarc products in my own controllers and have had good results with them.
Visit UltimarcI have lost count of how much money I've spent at my local stores over the years. For plywood, hardware, paint and the ordinary construction materials used throughout ArcadeCab, buying locally still makes the most sense.
Visit Lowe'sRouterBits.com is now operated under the Holbren name. The site carries Whiteside router bits, Byrd cutterheads and other woodworking cutting tools. I've had good experiences buying router bits through this site over the years.
Visit RouterBits.comHome of the X-Arcade. That control panel was the starting point for my original cabinet and, in a very real sense, helped start my arcade-building addiction.
Visit X-GamingA useful cabinet-building supplier for hardware, laminate-related products and other woodworking supplies. I originally used them while sourcing material for ArcadeCab projects.
Visit CabinetPartsNot every good resource from the early days of the hobby is still current. I think a few are worth preserving here anyway.
RetroBlast was one of the best home-arcade resources during ArcadeCab's early years. Kevin's reviews and articles were genuinely useful when many of these products were new. The site is largely an archive today, but much of the original material is still available and remains an interesting look at the hobby at the time.
Visit the RetroBlast archiveThe ArcadeCab store has been closed for many years, but I still keep the old pages online as part of the site's history. They document some of the controllers and products I built and sold during that period.
View the Store archiveDreamHost has hosted ArcadeCab for many years and has been a solid fit for a site like this. I still use them today.