Scratch built arcade stick

Tech Talk
1

Hey guys, I’m a huge 3d printing fan and have been scratch building an arcade stick. It’s laser cut acrylic frame (the brown protective sheets are still on in the photos below) with 3d printed corner joints and 3d printed mount bracket for a Cthulhu controller. The top sits at a comfortable 10 degree angle.

http://i.imgur.com/JbjCZuk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4kWykBs.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dlwcge5.jpg

The top panel is actually two pieces which allow custom graphics to be sandwiched in between. I’ve been designing a Gundam Wing themed stick and here are the WIP graphics I plan to print for it:

http://i.imgur.com/h9wljSH.jpg

I’m hoping to build these for people with their own custom graphics and make my own games for them too. I’d love some feedback!

If you were in the market for a custom stick, rank qualities you’d shop for:

  • low price
  • competition quality buttons and joysticks
  • multi-console (e.g. ps3/pc AND xbox) compatibility
  • portability
  • “give me the bare bones parts so I can customize it myself”

Thanks for looking!

2
3

I love the simplicity and how unique it is. Would it be possible for a 4 corner post version that doesnt have the angle? How much?

4

Thanks ed1371! No problem changing the angle, that’s the beauty of 3d printing :slight_smile: You pick the color of the corner pieces too.

Unit quantities I can do (shipping not included):

  • $125 for frame components only (not assembled) AND Cthulhu controller – bring your own joystick and buttons
  • $190 fully assembled with joystick, buttons, and wiring

It would be ready to ship in ~1.5 weeks

5

Dude, that’s awesome. I’ve never thought about incorporating negative space into a stick design. You just changed my world, lol.

6

No cthulu needed here… otherwise I would like one unassembled :slight_smile:

Might want more too…

7

Those look very cool man! However I think the one off to the side within the 3rd picture caught my attention as well. Keep up the good work!

8

Thank you! Those two were my first designs with 3d printed parts: MDF top, aluminum sheet metal sides, and a 3d printed controller mount.

http://i.imgur.com/FZENAT8l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/oyknfVNl.jpg

I clipped a sharpie to the USB chord and made everyone who played draw or write something too. Great memories and great friends.

Which controller will you be using? I ask because the current screw holes fit the Cthulu. It’s not a problem to adjust the dimensions to fit something else, unless you have something else in mind.

All the frame parts and fasteners would be $90 for one set, $175 for two sets.

9

These sticks are tight
Your sweet work makes me jealous
So you get haiku

10

Which controller will you be using? I ask because the current screw holes fit the Cthulu. It’s not a problem to adjust the dimensions to fit something else, unless you have something else in mind.

All the frame parts and fasteners would be $90 for one set, $175 for two sets.
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No screw holes needed either… I use different controller boards and use motherboard standoffs (pc) to mount them. I will drill/mount so easy day! What color choices for the support posts?

11

Red
Green
Blue
White
Black
Gray

Examples of each:

http://i.imgur.com/mHDMeY0l.jpg

12

White please, 4 corner posts with 0 angle and I am a happy.

Would you include the (thicker acrylic piece) button hole cutouts so I can turn them into case feet?

PM for payment details and looking forward to it!

13

Questions:

How sturdy are these? Have you done any stress tests or anything?

Can you do a hitbox layout?

14

Like Ed, I also be interested in building one sans the Cthulhu
it leave me more open and flexible in its build

Also Either Super wiring or Tech Flex can be used to make this thing look really pro

15

No problem. I’ll send you payment details at the end of next week so I can estimate shipping too.

When I designed it, I mandated to myself no flexing. The top panel ended up being 0.5-inch thick and the whole thing weighs in at a hefty 5.2 lbs. Although it hasn’t gone through shake or drop testing, it’s definitely sturdy. All nuts are nylock (so they won’t loosen overtime) and it’s comfortable to simply pickup it up from an open edges and carry it without fear.

I can do any layout you want… Hitbox would look soooooo epic on this stick.

I’ll PM payment details at the end of the week for you. What color corners would you want?

MMMmmm yes, I’ve got some tech flex somewhere around here. I’ll definitely include that in my themed stick. Thanks for the protip!

16

I’ll stick to black

[Edit]
Actually due to Holiday financial obligations I have to back out for now.

17

This shit is amazing.

Future idea, curved top ergonomically designed.

18

Nice concept. Love the fresh new style that breaks away from the traditional box shells.

19

Thank you! Like this?

http://i.imgur.com/amybSBX.jpg

The original design was a single piece but I’ve had trouble getting a shop to make the curves.

20

Thanks for the support!