I am looking for a mechanism that meets this description:
Counterbalanced Cabinet Door Hardware
“Movement of one door causes other door to move at the same time – ideal for contemporary cabinet designs. Single track fitting lets you create a unique design in either vertical or horizontal applications. Choose from three travel lengths for either overlay or inset doors.Each set includes two 98-1/2″ runners with pre-mounted counterbalanced slide mechanisms and hardware.Runners may be cut to required length.Satin aluminum.Compatible with wood framed doors.Maximum door panel weight 33 lbs.Priced per set.” (Rockler 11051)
I am trying to figure out either where I can find an apparatus of this sort or how to make one. Rockler.com has discontinued making it (and when they did it was $279.00).
Does anyone know how to make such a thing?
Thank you.
Replies
Describe what you want to do, and maybe somebody can tell you how to build it. Are your doors hinged or sliding? Is the seam between the doors horizontal or vertical? How big are your doors?
My application would require that the doors move vertically. I am assuming on a track. I made reference to the specifications. Does that clarify the application at all? Thanks
Vaguely remember an ancient mechanical movement either Chinese,Greek or Italian that opened "magical" doors to an animated clock? Pulleys, strings & levers. Find it and you will have a real conversation piece.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2556802181297054199
It's called the Sincro door opening mechanism.
Richelieu and Hafele carry it in my region.
So you want the upper door to go up, and the lower door to go down when that happens? Simple. You can do that with a pulley and a rope. Okay, use aircraft cable for strength.
Connect the cable to the lower edge of the upper door. It runs up and over a pulley which is approximately at the top of the upper door when that door is closed. Then the cable runs down to connect to the lower door. Voila. If you push the upper door up, the lower door goes down. Each door acts as a counterbalance for the other. I'd probably use two cable&pulley mechanisms to prevent racking.
As Jamie said, it isn't too hard to do.
I would recomend pulleys at both ends of the guide track, with a cable loop. This would also work for a horizontal system.
The pulleys and cable required can be bought from: http://www.smallparts.com
mmm.mcmaster.com has pretty much all and more than Small Parts and much better pricing.
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