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Family Handyman published plans for building a home arcade cabinet from scratch, estimating multiple days of work and a cost of $750 to $1,000. The advanced project is designed around a 27- to 32-inch flat-screen monitor and includes woodworking, controls, cooling and a Raspberry Pi setup.
According to Family Handyman’s guide, builders should use a 27- to 32-inch flat-screen monitor and have it on hand before cutting wood. The guide recommends adding half an inch to the monitor’s width measurement to set the cabinet’s interior clearance. It says the monitor’s mounting-hole positions determine where to drill the internal monitor mount, and that curved or tube-style screens need extra cabinet depth.
Family Handyman’s published cut list uses 3/4-inch plywood and MDF for the cabinet sides, frame, control panel, speaker panel, door and internal supports. Its materials list also includes a Raspberry Pi starter kit, monitor, single-player joystick and button kit, two cooling fans, soundbar, piano hinge, finish materials and hardware. The listed equipment ranges from saws and a router to clamps, a drill and measuring tools.
Family Handyman describes cutting the two side panels as the most time-consuming layout task. The sides combine angled straight cuts with a large curved section; the guide describes using a jigsaw or a router with a circle-cutting jig. It says the remaining pieces are cut from plywood and MDF, with bevels required on some edges. The supplied excerpt of the guide does not include all later assembly and wiring instructions.
Building a Cabinet Around the Screen
Family Handyman presents the project as a route to a custom home arcade cabinet. Its guide rates the work advanced, estimates multiple days and lists a cost of $750 to $1,000. The guide provides an estimate rather than a guaranteed final cost; actual expense depends on the parts and materials a builder selects.
The guide’s instruction to start with the monitor reflects how the screen sets key cabinet measurements and mounting locations. Its plans combine woodworking with electronics, listing components for controls, sound, cooling and game hardware.
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Monitor First, Then Cut
Family Handyman frames the project as a way to bring arcade-style gaming into the home. Its instructions ask builders to select a screen and match its resolution to the intended games: the guide suggests 1080p or higher for modern or emulated titles, while saying lower resolution can suit classic arcade-era games.
The plan then moves from cabinet layout to cutting the side panels and other components. Family Handyman’s materials and tools lists indicate that builders need both sheet-goods woodworking equipment and electronics components. The guide labels the project advanced but does not provide a separate breakdown of which steps require prior experience.
Costs and Build Details
Family Handyman gives a $750 to $1,000 cost estimate, but the supplied guide excerpt does not include an itemized budget or explain how prices were calculated. The material provided also does not state a publication date. Because the excerpt ends during the cutting instructions, it does not establish the full assembly sequence, wiring details or troubleshooting guidance.
Although Family Handyman’s materials list includes a Raspberry Pi starter kit and arcade controls, the supplied excerpt does not specify the software, game selection or setup requirements. It gives a multiple-day estimate but no more precise build time.
Assembly and Electronics Steps
Family Handyman’s full guide would take builders from measuring the monitor and cutting cabinet pieces to fitting the screen, installing controls and completing the electronics. The supplied source excerpt does not include those later instructions, so their precise order and details cannot be established here.
Family Handyman’s cut list and materials list give readers information to check whether their chosen monitor, wood and hardware suit the design. The guide estimates multiple days for the advanced project; the supplied source does not announce a launch date, event or later milestone.
Key Questions
How much does the DIY arcade cabinet project cost?
Family Handyman estimates a cost of $750 to $1,000. The supplied guide excerpt does not include an itemized budget, and actual spending may vary with component and material choices.
What monitor does the plan call for?
Family Handyman’s guide recommends a 27- to 32-inch flat-screen monitor. It advises measuring the screen before cutting the cabinet and adding half an inch to its width measurement for interior clearance.
How long does the build take?
Family Handyman lists the project as taking multiple days. The supplied source does not provide a more precise time estimate.
What skill level is required?
Family Handyman rates the project advanced. Its guide describes shaping plywood cabinet sides, cutting MDF and plywood panels, and fitting gaming and audio components.
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