But first I will give you a little background information
 About 2 1/2 years ago (Middle of 2000) I decided to build my own video arcade machine, using MAME on a computer as the engine. I studied pages of others that built their own cabinets, and finally decided that an upright cabinet, although attractive was just too large. I then looked at my options on purchasing a recycled cocktail cabinet. After lurking in the various arcade news groups, I discovered that people who destroy a classic arcade cocktail cabinet, for a MAME conversion are considered the scum of the earth.
 I then found information on how to build my own cocktail cabinet. Since I am no carpenter I asked a friend if he would help me. I started to put together a list of things I needed to build a cabinet matching an original Ms. Pacman, I determined that I needed special tools, like a T-molding slot cutter. I also would have to order a lot minimum quantity stuff. I changed my mind about making my own cabinet.
 I then looked at purchasing a kit and found that most were made out of some sort of man-made product that was manufactured out of sawdust and glue. Not only is that product very brittle and heavy, it also turns back into sawdust when it gets wet.
 I was getting very discouraged about this time, when I found a product mentioned in one of the arcade news groups.
 "Could this by what I was looking for?" I asked my self. I checked out the The Arcade Depot web site and found that they made cocktail cabinets, and sold them as complete games and also as kits. The more I studied their pages I discovered that they used only good quality plywood with oak or birch veneer. Their kits contained everything needed to assemble the cabinets, even the glue. The price was right also, $185.00 for a complete birch kit and $195.00 for the oak. There are many options, such as: different stain colors, sealing, T-molding, control panels and glass clips.
 After many back and forth emails with Scott Barry of their sales department, dealing with special control panel sides and other options I finally placed my order on the 21th Jan. It was shipped on the 28th and arrived on 31th Jan. Talk about speedy delivery! The cost for shipping and handling was just $65.00.

 Now it is time for my review of the product. The cabinet was well packaged for shipment and arrived in excellent condition. I removed all the parts from the box, inspected them and laid them out on the living room floor. I noted that all the small items were well packaged and taped to a larger part, so they wouldn't be misplaced.
 The various parts of the cabinet are to be joined together with glue and dowels. The assembly instructions are very clear and accurate. As recommended, I did a dry fit of all the major parts to check for problems and to understand how the whole thing comes together.
 I was impressed with the quality of construction of the cabinet. Every part and dowel lined up perfectly! I did have one minor problem though. The control panel sides must have absorbed some moisture during shipment as the fit between the two sides for the control panel was a little tight. I mentioned to Scott what I had found and he offered to replace the parts. I said no, since Tucson, Az. is so dry this time of the year I would just let the wood dry out and try the fit again. If I still had a problem I would just touch up the joints with a few strokes of a sanding block.

 In conclusion: I am very pleased with the cocktail kit. The quality of workmanship is excellent! If assembly instructions are followed and no shortcuts are taken the cabinet will be a beautiful piece of furniture and should last for many years. I feel that the price is reasonable for that quality of kit. Since the kit was originally designed for use in a video game restoration project it would be great for the person who would like to assemble his own real video arcade machine as well as for those of us who are emulator buffs.


 It will be some time before I glue the cabinet together, as I want to cut holes, in the bottom for cooling fans, in the ends for speakers and a hole in the side for the coin door. I didn't order the cabinet with the hole in it, but decided to put it in so I will have access to the computer floppy and CD drives. I also plan to put a large (24 inch wide by 11 inch deep) control panel on the side that will have two joysticks, five buttons for each player, trackball and keyboard drawer. There will also be space for a spinner, that will be installed when the creators of MAME add support for the mouse scroll wheel.


 Questions? Contact me Ernest Kemp