How I Reduced My Arcade Stick Build Time From 2–3 Days to a Few Hours
For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Juan from JuanMiniDIY.com. I build custom wooden arcade sticks by hand.
For years, every project meant long hours of tracing, cutting, drilling, sanding, and hoping nothing was misaligned.
Each build took two to three full days. If I made one mistake, I started over.
That was my workflow… until I switched to the Two Trees TTC6050 CNC Router Machine.
Now I finish a full arcade stick shell in one afternoon.
This machine didn’t just save me time. It improved accuracy, consistency, and even opened new opportunities for selling more builds and taking on more commissions.
If you’re into woodworking, arcade-stick modding, small-batch production, or you want a CNC that delivers serious value without the industrial price tag, this review is for you.
Check out my video below to see how I use the Two Trees TTC6050 CNC Router Machine building custom wooden arcade sticks for gamers all around the world.
Who Will Love the TTC6050?
This CNC machine fits a very specific type of user. If you’re one of these, you’ll get maximum value from it.
1. DIY Makers and Woodworking Hobbyists
If you enjoy building your own furniture, décor, signs, or custom boxes, this machine gives you the workspace and precision to take your projects to the next level.
2. Custom Arcade Stick Builders
Whether you build for yourself, your friends, or a small Etsy shop, this CNC gives you clean cuts, perfect layouts, and repeatable templates.
3. Small Business Owners & Weekend Builders
If you want to produce multiple units consistently—coasters, wooden cases, enclosures, artwork—this machine boosts output without sacrificing quality.
4. CNC Beginners
With GRBL compatibility and a stable frame, it’s beginner-friendly but still powerful enough to grow with you.
Two Trees TTC6050 Key Features That Matter
Below are the features that stood out the most for my builds, especially for arcade stick enclosures.
1. Large Cutting Area (600 × 500 mm)
This is the sweet spot for functional woodworking:
- Full arcade top panels
- Sidewalls and structural pieces
- Hitbox and fightstick layouts
- Engraved plates or acrylic tops
No need to slice designs into smaller sections.
Everything fits in one setup.
2. Rigid, Stable Aluminum Frame
Precision matters when your cuts involve joystick mounts, button spacing, or beveled edges.
This frame stays solid. No wobble. No chatter.
The result: clean edges and smooth pockets even on hardwoods.
3. Variable Material Support
I’ve cut the following:
- Pinewood, Mahogany, and Narra hardwood
- MDF (up to 18 mm)
- Acrylic for top panels
- PVC sheet
- Soft hardwood
The machine handles all of them as long as you choose the correct bit and feed rate.
4. GRBL + Offline Controller Support
If you’re already familiar with:
- Easel
- Candle
- Universal Gcode Sender
- LightBurn (for laser modules)
…then you’ll feel at home. The learning curve is manageable, even for beginners.
5. Optional Laser Upgrade
If you want to engrave artwork on acrylic or wood panels, you can add a laser module later—perfect for branding or decorative cuts.
How This CNC Changed My Arcade Stick Workflow
Before the CNC, my builds were 100% manual:
- Measure everything carefully
- Trace circle layouts by hand
- Drill 30mm and 24mm holes one by one
- Route corners manually
- Sand everything
- Fix mistakes
- Repeat
This easily took 2–3 days per build, especially for premium hardwood shells.
After switching to the TTC6050:
- Load a CAD layout
- Place the wood
- Zero the machine
- Press start
- Let the CNC cut:
✔ Button holes
✔ Joystick mount pocket
✔ Screw holes
✔ Outer shape
✔ Artwork cutouts
What used to take days now takes 2–4 hours including light sanding and assembly.
The consistency is unbeatable. Every panel is identical. Every mount depth is exact. Every alignment is perfect.
This machine let me scale production without compromising craftsmanship.
Accuracy: The Biggest Advantage for Builders
Arcade sticks demand tight tolerances.
One misaligned hole means the buttons feel uneven. One depth mistake affects the joystick throw.
The TTC6050 solves all of that:
✔ Perfect button spacing
The layout matches industry standards every single time.
✔ Accurate joystick pocket depth
Your lever sits exactly where it should.
✔ Repeatable templates
Create one file and reproduce it again and again.
✔ Cleaner curves and bevels
Your enclosures look more professional, with less sanding.
This level of consistency is impossible by hand, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
Tools, Bits, and Setup I Recommend
To get the best results:
Bits:
- 1/4″ carbide downcut for clean edges
- 1/8″ end mill for detail cuts
- 60-degree V-bit for engraving (optional)
Add-ons:
- Dust shoe
- Shop vac
- Clamping kit
- Spoilboard
Software:
- Fusion 360, Easel, or Carbide Create for design
- Candle or UGS for sending G-code
What You Should Know Before Buying
I want this review to be honest and practical, so here are the real considerations:
1. You need space.
This is not a compact CNC. Plan your workbench layout.
2. There’s a learning curve.
You’ll need to understand toolpaths, feeds, and speeds—but learning CNC is a skill that pays off fast.
3. Dust control is essential.
CNC machines create a lot of waste material. A dust shoe is highly recommended.
If you’re okay with these, you’ll get a machine that can last for years.
Where to Buy the Two Trees TTC6050 CNC Router Machine
You can buy this on Amazon through my affiliate link:
This link helps support my content, build guides, and future project tutorials at no extra cost to you.
Final Verdict: Is the Two Trees TTC6050 Worth It?
Absolutely—especially for makers who build medium-sized projects like arcade enclosures, boxes, signs, and detailed woodwork.
Here’s why:
- Saves dozens of hours per project
- Produces factory-level precision
- Perfect for repeatable layouts
- Can handle both wood and plastics
- Beginner-friendly but powerful
- Solid value for the price
I’ve tried manual tools. I’ve tried jigs. I’ve tried templates.
Nothing compares to what this CNC did for my workflow.
If your goal is accuracy, speed, and the ability to scale your output, the Two Trees TTC6050 is one of the best investments you can make.