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Slot machine - Bartop arcade

siewnik 4419 34

TL;DR

  • Built a bartop slot machine arcade cabinet focused on a pleasing enclosure inside and out, meant to evoke 90s arcade nostalgia.
  • Used a cardboard mock-up to test ergonomics, then assembled the plywood case with M5 screws and threaded repair screws for easy disassembly.
  • Made the cabinet from 18 mm plywood, painted it with white primer, two coats of RAL 1013 beige and black, then finished it with matt varnish.
  • Reused an old basement monitor, a friend's PC, AliExpress buttons, and rear-mounted USB speakers, all driven by Batocera software.
  • Spent about a month on the project, and the finished machine is now occupied by other household members, leaving no quiet time to play.
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  • #31 21798653
    siewnik
    Level 15  
    Posts: 206
    Rate: 122
    Hello, I am posting an update to the gaming machine.
    - For convenience, I've added a switch on the back panel for booting up the computer, an ethernet connector and a smooth sound control.
    - Inside, meanwhile, I've created something like a 'time capsule', newspaper clippings on both sides of the case. The whole thing is supported by a maitenance in the form of 3 lego people.
    - The next step, and probably the last, will be to add a ventilation grill to the tailgate. I decided on a sheet of perforated aluminium sheet 1mm thick . See the pictures for details.

    The hardware works well, the youngsters enjoy playing on it at weekends. We usually play two player titles, football, NBA, racing etc....

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  • #32 21798727
    misiek1111
    Level 37  
    Posts: 3970
    Help: 319
    Rate: 1047
    Oh, you've got that strap-on printing machine?
    Show us.


    Metal tape with embossed “DZWIEK” label on a black textured background
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  • #33 21798738
    siewnik
    Level 15  
    Posts: 206
    Rate: 122
    >>21798727 Well I have one. I bought my first one in action but it lasted about 3 weeks, so I bought this one, it's more robust and from a company that specialises in it, hopefully it will stay with me longer :-)
    Box with Motex E-505 embossing label maker lying on a dark reflective surface Red handheld Dymo label embosser with black rotary character wheel
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  • #34 21798747
    misiek1111
    Level 37  
    Posts: 3970
    Help: 319
    Rate: 1047
    Close-up of metal plate corner with rounded edges on brown textured surface
    Does it also cut the corners automatically, or do you have to reposition somewhere?
    Are there different colours of ribbon?
    How does it hold the glue?
  • #35 21798749
    siewnik
    Level 15  
    Posts: 206
    Rate: 122
    >>21798747 this is exactly what I did with scissors :-) as for the colours I have personally seen with 4 types. The glue holds well, I had no problem with it.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the creation of a Bartop arcade machine, focusing on aesthetics and nostalgia for 90s arcade experiences. The author shares insights on the construction process, including the use of an HP 630T terminal with 8GB RAM for running games smoothly, and a plug-and-play USB controller setup sourced from AliExpress. Participants discuss the limitations of the hardware, such as the inability to play certain games without a trackball, and the use of Batocera software, a Linux-based front end for gaming. The conversation also touches on the craftsmanship involved in building the arcade, including the choice of materials and the design of the monitor mount. Various gaming controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation models, are mentioned as compatible with the setup. The community expresses appreciation for the project’s quality and the effort put into it.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Built from 18 mm plywood, this bartop shows that "plug and play" arcade hardware can still look clean inside and out. It suits DIY builders who want a home arcade without custom electronics: a USB encoder made the controls act like a standard gamepad, and Batocera ran smoothly on an HP t630 with 8 GB RAM for Dreamcast, PSX, and older systems. [#21431010]

Why it matters: This project answers the two hardest bartop questions at once: how to make the cabinet look finished, and how to keep the electronics simple.

Option Hardware noted in the thread Setup path Reported result
HP t630 terminal 8 GB RAM Batocera on disk or USB Dreamcast and PSX ran smoothly
Raspberry Pi Used by many builders Batocera commonly installed on it Good when you do not need high-end systems
Older PC / Dell FX160 Legacy graphics mentioned Use the project image for old computers Confirmed to boot after choosing the old-hardware image

Key insight: The smartest shortcut was not the cabinet shape but the control method: a bundled USB arcade encoder let the whole panel appear as a normal gamepad, removing almost all wiring complexity for a first bartop build.

Quick Facts

  • The cabinet used 18 mm plywood, M5 screws, and repair screws so the body could be disassembled later without destroying the joinery. [#21430836]
  • The build took about 1 month, worked in evenings for roughly 3 h/day, 5 days/week, which is about 60 hours of hands-on time. [#21430836]
  • The finish used 1 white primer coat, then 2 coats of RAL 1013 beige, 2 coats of black, and a final layer of matte varnish for the visible surface. [#21430836]
  • The later update added a rear power switch, Ethernet socket, smooth volume control, and planned ventilation using 1 mm perforated aluminium sheet. [#21798653]

How do you build a bartop arcade cabinet from plywood so it looks neat both inside and outside?

Use a template first, then test ergonomics with a cardboard mock-up before cutting the final wood. This build used 18 mm plywood, M5 screws, and repair screws, so the cabinet stayed rigid and still came apart for service. The clean result came from planning the side profiles early and avoiding shortcuts during assembly and finishing. The builder also chose plywood over cheaper sheet goods because he preferred working it accurately and wanted a better final look inside and outside. [#21430836]

What is Batocera, and how is it installed on a terminal or PC from a hard drive or USB flash drive?

"Batocera is a front-end system based on Linux that runs emulators through a game-focused interface, and its key trait is that it can boot directly from a hard drive or from a USB flash drive without altering the existing PC system." You install it either to the disk or to a USB stick, then boot the terminal or PC from that device. The thread describes it as practically plug and play, with tutorials on the Batocera site and YouTube, plus BIOS files needed for some platforms. [#21431382]

How do you connect AliExpress arcade buttons and a joystick to a PC using a USB encoder so they show up as a gamepad?

Buy a kit that includes the buttons, joystick, and USB encoder, then plug the encoder into the PC. In this project, the complete AliExpress set appeared as a normal gamepad with no custom driver work. 1. Connect each button and joystick switch to the included encoder. 2. Plug the encoder into a USB port. 3. Verify that Windows or Batocera detects it as a controller. That made the control panel effectively plug and play. [#21431010]

What kind of performance can an HP t630 thin client with 8 GB RAM deliver in Batocera for Dreamcast, PSX, and older arcade systems?

An HP t630 with 8 GB RAM can handle Dreamcast, PSX, and older systems smoothly in this use case. The builder explicitly reported smooth play on Dreamcast and PSX, while older systems ran as expected without issues. That makes the t630 a practical low-cost bartop platform when your target library stops well below PS3-class emulation. For a two-player cabinet focused on 1990s and early-2000s games, the reported performance was already sufficient. [#21431010]

HP t630 terminal vs Raspberry Pi for a bartop arcade machine — which is better for emulation performance and ease of setup?

The HP t630 looked better for easy Dreamcast and PSX performance, while Raspberry Pi was presented as the lower-power baseline. The thread gives one hard result: the HP t630 with 8 GB RAM ran Dreamcast and PSX smoothly. It also states that Batocera is commonly installed on Raspberry Pi, which means setup is well supported, but stronger hardware matters once you want more demanding systems. If you already have a thin client, it offers a simple path with confirmed results. [#21431382]

Why would someone mount a monitor by its bezel instead of using the VESA holes in a bartop cabinet?

Mounting by the bezel can preserve the cabinet sides and reduce visible drilling. The builder chose a bezel-style support specifically to avoid making holes in the side walls, because those panels had taken the most work and he did not want to damage them. He also felt this method required less effort than a VESA-based solution in his particular layout. That choice prioritized finish quality over using the monitor's standard rear mounting points. [#21431738]

What materials work best for a DIY arcade cabinet: plywood vs MDF vs furniture board?

Plywood worked best here because it balanced strength, finish quality, and the builder's preferred working method. He said he could have used MDF or ordinary furniture board, but chose the more expensive plywood because he did not like working with those materials. The finished cabinet used 18 mm plywood and achieved a cleaner, more durable result than the low-quality ready-made units discussed in the thread. If workmanship matters more than minimum cost, plywood was the clear choice in this build. [#21433204]

How do you paint and finish a bartop arcade cabinet with acrylic primer, RAL 1013 beige, black paint, and matte varnish?

Paint it in layers, not in one pass. This cabinet used matte acrylic paints: white as a primer, then two coats of RAL 1013 beige, then two coats of black, and finally a matte varnish layer. The builder called painting his least favorite stage, but also one of the most important because it determines the final finish. That sequence helped turn a plywood shell into a cabinet that looked intentionally styled rather than workshop-rough. [#21430836]

What is a VESA mount, and how does it help when installing a monitor in a custom arcade enclosure?

"VESA mount is a monitor mounting standard that uses threaded holes on the back of the display, letting you attach the screen to brackets or a frame in a repeatable, centered way inside custom furniture or enclosures." In a bartop cabinet, it can simplify alignment and support because the monitor hangs from its own factory mounting points. The thread raised VESA as an alternative, but the builder rejected it to avoid drilling the cabinet sides. [#21431617]

What are CRT shaders in Batocera, and how do they recreate the look of an old arcade monitor on an LCD screen?

"CRT shaders are display effects that simulate an old cathode-ray-tube monitor, and their key characteristic is that they alter the LCD image to mimic vintage scanlines, softness, and arcade-style screen character." The builder used CRT shaders instead of fitting a real CRT, and said the effect worked sensationally for his nostalgia target. That gave him the visual feel of older hardware without needing a heavy original monitor, transport wheels, or a full restoration path. [#21433242]

Which controllers work best with Batocera for a home arcade build, including USB arcade encoders, Xbox 360 pads, and PlayStation controllers?

USB arcade encoders are the easiest fixed-control option, while Xbox and PlayStation pads are practical alternatives. The thread confirms three working routes: an AliExpress joystick-and-button kit with USB encoder, a PlayStation controller, and an Xbox controller with USB receiver. The USB encoder has the cleanest setup because the system sees it as a normal gamepad. If you want a cabinet panel, choose the encoder kit; if you want quick testing, use an existing console pad first. [#21432477]

How do you get Batocera running on older hardware like a Dell FX160 with legacy graphics that struggle with Ubuntu?

Use the Batocera image intended for older computers rather than assuming the default image will boot. In the thread, a Dell FX160 with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD initially seemed blocked by its SiS graphics, because Ubuntu would not boot. The user then reported success after downloading the image for old computers from the bottom of the project page. That is the key edge case: older graphics can fail on one image and work on another. [#21431960]

What extra controls would you need for games like Centipede or Tempest that use a trackball or spinner instead of a standard joystick?

You would need a trackball or a spinner, not just a standard joystick and buttons. One reply pointed out that games like Centipede or Tempest would not play correctly on this cabinet because it lacked a trackball and a shift encoder, meaning the control panel did not match those arcade input types. That is a hard compatibility limit, not a tuning issue. A standard bartop panel suits brawlers and console-style games better than every classic arcade title. [#21431040]

What practical upgrades are worth adding after the cabinet is finished, like a rear power switch, Ethernet port, volume control, and ventilation grille?

The most useful upgrades are service and comfort features on the back panel. In the January 4, 2026 update, the builder added a rear switch for starting the computer, an Ethernet connector, and smooth volume control. He also planned a ventilation grille made from 1 mm perforated aluminium sheet. Those changes matter because they improve day-to-day use without reopening the entire cabinet. They also make a shared family machine easier to manage over time. [#21798653]

How do you stay safe when routing and milling plywood parts for an arcade cabinet, especially when changing cutters and avoiding accidental startup?

Always unplug the router before touching the cutter. The builder described accidentally pressing the switch while changing a cutter with the tool switched off but still plugged in, and said he almost lost a finger. After that, he changed his routine and now disconnects power every time. Another user suggested tying the spindle key to the plug with a wire so you cannot forget to unplug it. That simple habit directly addresses the accidental-start hazard. [#21453247]
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