Replies

1. 
   Blackwill | Aug 10, 2009 03:42am | #1

   I'm thinking Muslin might be a decent choice (available at your local fabric shop, dirt cheap), or a tight-weave linen. Canvas might be a bit too stiff.

2. 
   Blackwill | Aug 10, 2009 03:46am | #2

   Actually, now that you mention it, I had considered doing a bookcase design with a tambour-style door (top to bottom movement), but using pleated rice paper/onion skin paper in place of the slats. After you asked your question, I began to think that a hand-painted linen might be pretty cool...

3. 
   RMillard | Aug 10, 2009 05:10am | #3

   I have made a couple of horizontal sliding tambours, and I used light weight canvas and hot hide glue.

   Rob Millard
   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

4. 
   joinerswork | Aug 10, 2009 03:02pm | #4

   wood,

   I use cotton duck (a lightweight canvas) bought from the fabric store.  I've successfully used both hide glue, and franklins titebond (carpenters glue) which can be quick set by ironing the fabric down onto the wet glue.  Not sure spray adhesive has enough stick'em to hold in this application, but I've never tried it, so...

   Ray

5. 
   oldusty | Aug 10, 2009 05:25pm | #5

         woodjerry ,

                   I have made pieces with vertical tambours and it works just fine but you may loose some access space around back where the doors stack to , just the center area will be open to pass wires and such so make a wire chase plan as well .

         Canvas type material works good and so does denim as in old jeans we have always used contact cement and you can run strips of whatever fabric you use it does not have to cover the entire tambour.

         My concern is the 3/4" square slats making the turn or radius of your corners usually they are not quite so thick , will you rabbet then slat ends ? Have you made the upper and lower tracks yet ? because that is an important element of what you are doing , it is real easy but you will need a template , maybe you already know .

       good  luck          dusty , boxmaker

                      

1. 
   QCInspector | Aug 12, 2009 10:28am | #6

   My tambours were 1/2" or so thick and about 30" high. Tips of the slats were cut to about 1/4 thick to make the corners. I used white glue and heavy canvas of at least 10oz or more, probably 14oz. Lighter the tambour the easier it is to slide open or closed.

6. 
   byhammerandhand | Aug 12, 2009 05:02pm | #7

   I use duck from the local fabric chain store. I build a jig to clamp all the slats down and into position, back side up. Pre-finish the slats, leaving the back unfinished.

   I apply either white PVA glue (e.g., Elmer's or thicker Tacky Glue) or liquid hide glue if I'm repairing an antique that has hide glue on it. Apply some sheet goods and pile on some weight for 12+ hours. IF you are sloppy with the glue, it wouldn't hurt to lay down some plastic sheet or waxed paper to keep the sheet goods from gluing to the fabric.

7. 
   RickL | Aug 12, 2009 05:09pm | #8

   I've done it with Cotton Duck canvas and hide glue. Not sure of the weight I used but it was sturdy and one of the has been in use for 25 years with no problems.  There's also a router bit set for making them to eliminate the canvas.  Cables have used as well and you know you can buy premade tambour panels in various materials.

8. 
   oldusty | Aug 12, 2009 05:19pm | #9

     Hey Jerry ,   You still with us ?

                             where are you at on this thing , do you still need coaxing ?

                       regards      from Oregon       dusty

1. 
   woodjerry | Aug 12, 2009 05:40pm | #10

   Olddusty;Thanks for the response. I am still fact finding and have received several good suggestions Thanks again