Linus Tech Tips - I could build this for WAY less than $5k - Buy or DIY?
The video discusses the process of building a DIY arcade machine to replicate a high-end commercial model priced at $4,400. The DIY version aims to match or exceed the specifications of the commercial model using accessible tools and materials. The project involves constructing the arcade machine using sheet metal and wood, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and practicality. The builder uses a sheet metal brake, MDF for the frame, and readily available electronic components to assemble the machine. The project emphasizes learning and creativity, with the builder setting a budget and time constraints to simulate a real-world scenario. The final DIY arcade machine costs approximately $2,444, significantly less than the commercial version, while offering similar functionality and the satisfaction of a custom build.
Key Points:
- DIY arcade machine built for $2,444, saving nearly $2,000 compared to commercial version.
- Used accessible tools like a sheet metal brake and MDF for construction.
- Emphasized learning and creativity in the building process.
- Included cost of labor at $30/hour, totaling 29 hours of work.
- Final product offers similar functionality to the commercial model.
Details:
1. Discovering the Umbrella Arcade 🎮
1.1. Umbrella Arcade Review
1.2. Sponsorship Mention
2. Conceptualizing the DIY Arcade Project 💡
- The project aims to recreate a high-end arcade model using a Nookstyle computer with a Ryzen 7 processor, targeting a competitive performance benchmark.
- Construction involves using sheet metal, with a preference for maintaining the original style and learning new techniques, despite the challenges of not having exotic tools like a welder.
- The project requires the use of wood for side panels to support the metal structure, with metal being screwed into the wood.
- The control panel electronics will be ordered online, ensuring ease of access and installation, although mounting might require alternative tools like a hole saw due to the absence of a laser cutter.
- A sheet metal brake, an affordable tool available at Harbor Freight, is permitted for bending metal, ensuring accessibility for DIY enthusiasts.
- The chosen metal is 18 gauge steel, measuring 2 ft x 4 ft, influencing design decisions, such as adjusting the width to approximately 30 inches for optimal player space.
- The strategy is to construct the wooden frame first, and then adapt the metal to fit, ensuring precision and stability.
- Collaboration is emphasized, with Justin being recruited for assistance, highlighting teamwork and the sharing of skills.
3. Crafting the Wooden Frame and Metalwork 🔨
3.1. Wooden Frame Construction
3.2. Metalwork Integration
4. Final Assembly and Electronics Integration ⚙️
- Pre-drilling is essential to avoid splitting wood when assembling the frame, and countersinking screws ensures a smoother finish that can be filled later.
- A map gas torch, commonly found in plumbing sections, is used to heat and bend metal tabs for attachment to wooden frames, illustrating a practical tool usage for custom fitting.
- A French cleat mounting system is implemented to easily hang the arcade machine, showcasing a straightforward and effective mounting solution.
- Templates from slagcoin.com are used to design the control panel layout, opting for a Japanese arcade machine design for comfort, demonstrating the use of online resources for precise design.
- Drilling pilot holes and using a step drill bit are essential steps in preparing the control panel, highlighting the importance of proper tools and techniques in electronics integration.
- An old ASUS ProArt monitor, capable of 1440p at 60 Hz, is repurposed for the project and can be sourced for around $100 on eBay, showcasing cost-effective resource utilization.
- The physical construction of the project is 90% complete, with the remaining work focusing on wiring, likened to assembling LEGO, indicating a manageable and systematic approach to electronics integration.
- Two PC options are available for powering the arcade, with the goal to test functionality and aesthetics before final presentation, illustrating an iterative testing and improvement process.
- The project includes the use of Sana 30 mil buttons, the same as those in commercial arcade machines, ensuring commercial-grade input reliability.