Custom Pinball Machines

I’m wondering if anyone here has or is planning to build a custom pinball machine?

I’ve built a virtual one in the past that turned out nicely (below) but I’ve always wanted to build a ‘real’ one.

With a CNC and 3d printer it’s actually viable nowadays to build a legit, real pinball table, which is kinda insane. Of course electronic parts and work are needed, but nothing that’s out of reach. On the electronics/coding side I imagine you need to program how the game actually works, so that will be a challenge, but I believe it is possible even with little experience.

There’s a public group on Facebook for custom pinball builders - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1148598398602739/

.. and I noticed in a few posts people are using Lowriders for the CNC work.

Is anyone here active there or has any build experience?

I think this will be my end goal with the LR/3d printing, likely will take many months, maybe even years, but that’s the goal.

7 Likes

That is crazy. I had no idea a self build was even close to possible. I kinda thought all the parts were completely custom, but it makes sense that you can get bumpers and lights. That is a heck of a project. I will be following along if you go for it!

4 Likes

yes. i just got an lr4 to help with my homebrew. Have been working on the pin for about 18 months now and need to cut some new playfields. Total noob to cnc so we will see. If you arent already on the Trident Discord it is highly suggested.

5 Likes

Welcome aboard!

2 Likes

Awesome, do you have an invite link by any chance?

Discord was the go-to for building the Vpin too, probably a bit of overlap between groups.

How is it going so far? Are you going into it blind as a first build or have you built/owned machines before?

hello!

will try to get an invite here. havent done that before- give me a minute.

yes I have owned many machines over the past decade. only a little experiece wrenching on them prior to building the homwbrew. I used fast and their step by step guide (cookbook) for wiring the bottom 1/3 really got me going.

4 Likes