How to Build a Cheap X-Arcade Cabinet

Cut two 1-inch-by-4-inch-by-8-foot boards down to six-foot lengths to form the back frame. Cut six more boards to a 3 1/2-foot length and four boards down to 2 1/2-foot lengths. Screw two 2 1/2-foot boards and two 3 1/2-foot boards together using 3-inch deck screws to form a rectangle and repeat.

Lay one rectangle frame down. Screw the remaining 2 1/2-foot boards to the two front corners to form the front wall frame. Screw the two 6-foot frame boards to the back two corners to form the back wall frame. The cabinet frame should be 2 1/2-foot wide and 3 1/2-foot deep.

Measure with a measuring tape 1 1/2-foot from the bottom frame. Mark on all four corner boards. Screw the second rectangle to these marks. This will form the console shelf. Cut a small hole -- with a two inch diameter -- out of a 2 1/2-by-6-foot piece of plywood near the center.

Cut a shelf to fit on the top rectangle to hold the console. It will be the same dimensions of the rectangle frame. Screw the shelf into place -- and glue if desired -- using 1-inch screws. Add the wall with circle cut out by nailing or screwing into place.

Measure two more 6-foot wall panels from plywood and cut out. Measure and mark from the bottom of each panel 3 1/2-foot. Cut these two side panels from the 6-foot corner to the 3 1/2-foot mark to form a sloped wall.

Measure around the monitor and the joystick panel; place both on the shelf carefully. Using a protractor, pencil and paper against one side wall, mark where the top of the joystick panel begins and ends. Determine the angle.

Cut a piece of plywood to fit around the panel to secure it and keep it from being jarred during play. Remove the joystick panel. Glue or screw this plywood into place.

Cut a piece of plywood 1 1/2-foot-by-1-foot and install at an angle for the monitor to sit on. This angle may vary due to your viewing preferences. Cut a 2-inch hole to allow for the monitor cord to slip through. Screw or glue the board into place.

Cut a piece of plywood into a 2 1/2-foot glare reducer to be placed on top of the back and side walls. It should measure 1 1/2-foot-by-2 1/2-foot. Screw into the plywood walls using 3-inch deck screws. Cut a piece of plywood 2 1/2-foot-by-3 1/2-foot. Cut a piece of plexiglass to fit over the monitor.

Add door hinges to the right side and a handle or pull to the left center. Attach to the frame to form the cabinet front. Reinforce wall seams using wood glue. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Paint the cabinet with a high gloss black paint, using several coats. Allow it to completely dry. Insert the joystick panel. Attach the plexiglass monitor cover to the glare reducer and caulk around the plexiglass. Allow this to dry. Paint the caulk black to match the cabinet.