Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Jun 09, 2004 05:09am | #1

   vern,

   I've seen old roll-top desks with a locking device similar to what you are describing.  It consists of a vertical stile (stick) at the back of the drawers, with a hook projecting over the edge of each drawer back.  As the rod is depressed, the hook is pressed down, catching the top edge of the drawer back.  Action can be reversed by putting a pivot midway back on each hook piece, and then pushing down on the back releases the hook by pivoting it up from the drawer back.  Activate by running the end of the stick, or metal rod extending from same, up under the lid (if there is one) Raising the lid allows the stick (under spring tension) to rise, releasing drawers.  Closing lid pushes rod down, engaging hooks.  "Know whadda mean???" ;o))

   Cheers,

   Ray

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/8/2004 10:35 pm ET by joinerswork

1. 
   vern | Jun 09, 2004 06:28am | #2

   hi -- know exactly what you mean- I went back out to the shop and studied it some more-- because these drawers are quite wide [34 1/2] wide but 3 " hi I may go with a double hook and I make a L-shape out of hi quality ply to avoid grain stress-- then the slider will be notched out -- when the notch lines up with the L then the drawer will open --when the notch does not line up then the drawer will be locked-- as of now the top of this cabinet does not open but----- maybe that would be the unexpected surprise== that and a dummy keyed lock somewheres would confuse the curious==thanks for the inputmaking sawdust

1. 
   SgianDubh | Jun 10, 2004 01:52am | #4

   Gang locks operating at the side or the back of the cabinet from a single key can be got from hardware suppliers like Hafele.

   Also people like Woodworker's Supply and Rockler in the US have similar items selected from the major hardware suppliers for the DIY and small professional shop market. Slainte.RJFurniture

1. 
   vern | Jun 10, 2004 07:23am | #6

   sorry I like to do it with wood and I have no idea what kiss means --did you ever know a farmer who did things the easy way best to youmaking sawdust

2. 
   AlanTurner | Jun 10, 2004 01:22am | #3

   Vern,

   I don't think I can suggest a detail, but will share a design concept. I wonder if it might be better if the drawers were always locked, as a mandatory default, and positive action, with a key, had to be taken in order to open the drawers. I would think safety would be a prime concern with a gun cabinet.

   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

1. 
   vern | Jun 10, 2004 07:16am | #5

   thanks for the input I want security and mistique at the same time in other words if unauthorized entry is attempted I want them so frustrated that they turn arround and walk away-- stick a key hole or lock out there and they know there's something in there that someone wants no one to look at-- I hope to have no obvious locking method but the draws will not open for anything--of course -they could carry the whole thing out -- give me a week or so and I'll put some pictures up vernmaking sawdust