Introduction: Vewlix 'Slim' Arcade Cabinet / Machine

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About: I love building things. There's little more satisfying than bringing an idea to life whether it be for my kids, or the big kid in me.

A DIY arcade machine based on the Japanese Vewlix sit down design. This uses a 24" rather than 32" monitor - hence the 'Slim' title. Intermediate woodworking skills required.

Materials:

  • MDF
  • Wood strips
  • Screws
  • Cast acrylic (clear and opal)
  • Artwork (paper and vinyl
  • Leveling feet
  • 4.1 sound
  • Sanwa stick and buttons
  • Hacked XBOX pad
  • High impact polystyrene
  • Blackboard vinyl
  • Speaker grilles
  • Paint and varnish

Tools:

  • Workbench
  • Clamps
  • Router
  • Jigsaw
  • Power drill / driver
  • Foam roller

Step 1: Base Unit.

The base unit was constructed to be the same width as the monitor.

Step 2: Shaped Sides.

These were made from 18mm and 12mm MDF with a deep beveled edge using a large chamfer bit.

Step 3: Marquee Section.

The top section for the marquee was cut to line up with the side pieces. The first piece was uses as a template to cut further pieces. The edges were chamfered to line up with the sides.

Step 4: Marquee and Sides Fitting and Trimming.

The sides of the base were cut to ensure they lined up correctly with the sides. The top pieces were glued together and attached to the sides. Legs were attached with self leveling feet.

Step 5: Control Panel

The control panel was built with a removable lid, shaped sides and an inlay for a light bar.

Step 6: Painting

The base was undercoated, painted with flat black paint with polyurethane varnish applied. Several coats of each with sanding and filling between coats. All products were water based.

The sides were sprayed with white automotive paint.

Step 7: Artwork

Artwork was created in Photoshop to be used for the Marquee, control panel and side art. The latter would eventually be printed on self adhesive vinyl to stick to the machine's sides.

Step 8: Control Panel Fitting.

An XBOX arcade pad was hacked and soldered. Sanwa buttons and joystick were used for the controls.

Step 9: Skinning

The control panel was covered in blackboard vinyl (more durable and thicker than most). An opal acrylic strip was added for the light bar.

Step 10: Cladding of Sides and Top.

High impact polystyrene sheet was cut to apply to the sides. This was covered in vinyl beforehand.

Step 11: Finishing.

Speaker panels were built for the sections above and below the monitor. The speakers are powered by a 5.1 sound system running in a dual stereo configuration.

Blanking strips were made to hide the monitor bezel and overlap with the speaker panels to keep things tidy. The original cabinet has these also.

An acrylic artwork holder was attached to the top, again, like the original cabinet.

A coins lot and self made 'Insert Coin' sticker were added for authenticity.

Step 12: Play Time.

The cabinet up and running. Powered by either a PC or XBOX used mainly for fighting and other arcade games.

A customised Maximus Arcade Front End has been added for game selection.

Step 13: Next Steps.

Custom artwork and moves lists of Mortal Kombat X will be printed off and applied to the cabinet.

If you enjoyed this project, please feel free to leave a comment and look at my other designs.