Replies

1. 
   ring | Aug 12, 2009 07:55am | #1

   Pete, a few thoughts on your project:

   The major difficulty you need to address is that glass pieces of that size are quite heavy, and they won't slide very easily in the track, especially after it starts to fill up with debris etc. I've made such a cabinet before, and if I had to do it again I'd find some kind of slick plastic like PVC, rip it into narrow strips and lay them into the bottom grooves.

   The weight of the glass will also want to gradually bow the bottom frame member. Use a stiff hardwood for the track parts, and I'd use 8/4 material for the bottom track at least. The top and sides have no special requirements as far as strength goes.

   Don't be afraid to make the upper grooves a bit wider than you think is necessary. To insert or remove the glass you need to hold it at an angle while raising it all the way inside the groove. It can be a frustrating task with heavy glass, and there's no need to make it even harder by having the top grooves fit tightly.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?lang=e&id=1

1. 
   PCM | Aug 12, 2009 03:02pm | #2

   David,

   Thank you!

   I am in the process of redesigning/rethinking this project.

   Pete

2. 
   RalphBarker | Aug 13, 2009 02:01am | #3

   Is the glass being used as sliding doors in front of the corkboard surface, with some sort of case lock? Or, does the glass play a more active role, as with the use of dry-erase pens?

   Either way, safety will be an issue, I'd think. If just for doors, I'd agree that acrylic or similar plastic might be a better choice.

   In the old display cases I remember, I believe there was a metal channel on the bottom edge of the glass, and that rode against a series of ball bearing inserts in the case frame. I wonder if UHMW strips might work for this.

   http://www.ptreeusa.com/uhmwproducts.htm

   
   

   ---

   Edited 8/12/2009 7:02 pm by RalphBarker

1. 
   PCM | Aug 14, 2009 12:48am | #6

   The glass pieces are being used as sliding doors. Yes, safety and controlling sag are major problems. I am going to recommend a ledger board mounting system.

   I am looking for metal channel and UHMH options, thanks for the ptreeusa link.

   The local glasshouses will install state of the art track systems, but the customer can't afford the price.

   Thank you!

   Pete 

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Aug 13, 2009 04:03pm | #4

   I "second" the suggestion of UHMW plastic.

   The material is available through several catalogs but would have to be sliced to fit the narrow grooves.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

1. 
   PCM | Aug 14, 2009 12:51am | #7

   Frosty,

   Thanks, UHMW is fast becoming the best option.

   Thanks.

   Pete

4. 
   oldusty | Aug 13, 2009 05:48pm | #5

    Pete ,     I have also used a Teflon small lower track that was formed and not expensive like the ball bearing tracks .This would look best when you hide the track either into the floor or into wood .

        Wood tracks work fine with lighter pieces of glass

         regards from Oregon        dusty

1. 
   PCM | Aug 14, 2009 12:53am | #8

   Dusty,

   UMHW or "Teflon"- is probably the way I will go, hidden in the channels.

   Regards from SE Ga.

   Pete