01
Buying guide
Seven checks before buying a used cabinet
A short, repeatable inspection for power, locks, boards, displays, reels, documentation and cabinet condition.
- Confirm the seller can demonstrate a safe power-up.
- Check that every door, lock and key is present.
- Inspect displays, reels and lamps from several angles.
- Look for heat damage, corrosion and brittle wiring.
- Photograph boards, connectors and identification labels.
- Ask what is original, repaired or replaced.
- Plan access, lifting and transport before agreeing collection.
02
Workshop
Why service access changes a machine’s score
Good cabinet engineering makes routine care obvious and safe. Bad access turns small faults into expensive projects.
- Service doors should open without stressing wiring.
- Frequently replaced parts should be accessible.
- Connectors and boards benefit from clear labels.
- Air filters and fans must be reachable for cleaning.
- Manuals and wiring diagrams materially improve ownership.
03
Archive
The enduring appeal of physical reels
Mechanical motion creates a legible interaction with sound, timing and material depth that remains distinctive.
- Check reel strips for fading and alignment.
- Listen for rubbing, hesitation or uneven stopping.
- Compare illumination across all reel windows.
- Record whether strips and assemblies are original.
04
Restoration
How to document a cabinet restoration
A useful restoration record protects provenance and helps the next owner understand every intervention.
- Photograph the machine before disassembly.
- Label removed parts and retain original fixings.
- Record safety work separately from cosmetic work.
- Keep replaced original components where practical.
- Date every change and identify reproduction parts.