Best Arcade Cabinet Tools
Creating your own arcade cabinet is a serious project and not one that you should undertake lightly. There are many different challenges that you will have to address on this journey, not least the designing and building of the cabinet itself
In this case, as in most cases, it helps to be prepared and one area where you shouldn’t be found wanting is the tools that you are using. Make no mistake, the tools that you select can literally make or break your project, so it helps to have the best instruments at your side from the very beginning.
I have made a large number of varying cabinets over the years, so have had the opportunity to trial a wide range of different tools. Here are a few that I wouldn’t be without.
Best For Cutting – Bosch PST 18 LI Cordless Jigsaw
When it comes to you building your first arcade cabinet you will find that one of the things you spend a significant amount of time on is sawing wood. Of course you do have the option to go cheap and use a hand saw. If you make this choice then good luck with your project; it may take you a while and it will probably look rather shoddy. A much better option would be to get yourself a jigsaw.
The Bosch PST 18 does everything you need a jigsaw to do. Precision cutting control, low vibration and best of all, it’s cordless which makes working with large irregular shapes, like arcade cabinet panels, a breeze.
The only drawback is it doesn’t come with a battery, but don’t worry. That issue can be sorted with the next item in this list.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest For Drilling – Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill
An essential piece of kit for any diy project is the trusty hand drill. My drill of choice is once again a Bosch as I have never had any problems with their range of tools.
Specifically to this drill, it delivers high levels of power right up until the battery completely runs out. Once this happens it only takes an hour to recharge, after which it lasts for hours.
There are plenty of drills out there but you can’t go wrong with this one.
Best For Working – WORX WX051 Pegasus Multifunction Work Table
You may not think that a work table is a necessary tool, however once you begin taking on such a project as building an arcade cabinet you’ll wonder how you got by without it.
The reason I like to have a work table is that it allows 360 degree access to all areas of your current task. This is great as it makes objects a lot easier to maneuver and also allows you to take your work outside if necessary.
The WORX WX051 features 2 clamps for holding items in place while they are worked on. It can also be collapsed and folded into a number of different positions to suit the task at hand.
Best For Support – DURHAND Foldable Clamping Sawhorse Trestle
When you eventually come to build your own full size arcade cabinet, you will realise that you need some big arse pieces of wood. A work bench is good for the smaller, more intricate areas of the project but when it comes to cutting the panels, you will be thankful for these support stands.
These durable beasts are perfect for supporting the large frame of an arcade cabinet side panel. They feature adjustable ratchet clamps for holding the panel in place whilst it’s being cut, and a foldable design meaning that it slots neatly away when not in use. It’s also surprisingly light for the weight it supports.
