Post by wisconsinjoe on Mar 27, 2021 9:45:05 GMT -8
After several weeks of work, I finally completed all 21 doors and drawer fronts. This scratch build is modeled on the interior layout of our ‘63 Friendship Vacationaire. (check out "Progress on the Scratch Build" in another section on this forum). Instead of the basic 2’ x 2’ box closet, I wanted to maximize storage space. The two upper doors by the entrance cover two narrow (5” deep) cabinet boxes that various kitchen foods and other items will go. We love having shallow cabinets because stuff doesn’t get lost in the back.
20210327_110706 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
20210327_110949 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
That left two deep but narrow shelves behind and accessed from the kitchen side. These were designed to fit two plastic baskets on each shelf. We found that in the Friendship these baskets easily organized our personal items like clothes and toiletries as well as bulkier kitchen items and foods.
20210327_111115 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
Combined with the under bed drawers, the bulkhead cabinets front and back, and the taller kitchen countertop to fit the bigger fridge, we dramatically increased the storage capacity as compared to the Friendship.
20210327_112216 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
20210327_111818 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
All of the doors used piano hinges, easy to install and extremely strong. They will not ever sag. Note the stainless steel “slam” latches that provide a flush handle and a positive catch mechanism. These were very easy to install and fit properly. With careful measurement, it’s easy to consistently drill holes with a forstner bit (either 1-½” or 2” for the two sizes of latches) and then make blocks to mount the catch. The doors are very lightweight, being made from ¼” plywood captured in aluminum channel. With wood block stops screwed at both ends of the face frame, any warpage is pushed flat as the latch catches.
20210327_111223 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
20210327_111319 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
20210327_111416 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
The mounting block for the catch looks complicated, but with just a little logical thinking and careful measurement, they were pretty easy to make. A bandsaw is one of the essential tools in my shop, and you don't need an expensive one.
20210327_103213 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
If you search for those latches, you’ll find them at any boat supply vendor, but at a very high price (over $30). Of course, they are all made in China. I found them on Amazon for about $6 each in packs of 5, and got them immediately when I ordered them last summer. However, I needed one more to complete the project and had to pay over double and wait several weeks for delivery. There just doesn’t seem to be much consistency with product availability on these imported hardware items.
The bulkhead and kitchen upper cabinet doors lift up and are held by a cool piece of hardware that catches when lifted and released when lifted again. They were pretty easy to install (once I made a mock up in the shop to figure out the measurements) by attaching mounting blocks to the cabinet box and door. Because the plywood is prefinished only on one side, it was easy to glue the mounting block to the inside face.
20210327_111953 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
20210327_112340 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr
So, I’m getting close to finishing the interior. New mattresses were bought as well as the dinette cushions, the latter waiting to be upholstered by my wife. The next project will be fashioning valances to hide the curtain slides, slick aluminum extrusions that plastic slides fit into.
Although the interior design is not following the construction methods of the traditional canned hams, the mid-century modern style of the day is fitting. Inset metal edged doors are one such detail.
Soon I hope to be onto the wiring and placement of light fixtures, all running on 12 volt DC.
20210327_110706 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr20210327_110949 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrThat left two deep but narrow shelves behind and accessed from the kitchen side. These were designed to fit two plastic baskets on each shelf. We found that in the Friendship these baskets easily organized our personal items like clothes and toiletries as well as bulkier kitchen items and foods.
20210327_111115 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrCombined with the under bed drawers, the bulkhead cabinets front and back, and the taller kitchen countertop to fit the bigger fridge, we dramatically increased the storage capacity as compared to the Friendship.
20210327_112216 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr20210327_111818 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrAll of the doors used piano hinges, easy to install and extremely strong. They will not ever sag. Note the stainless steel “slam” latches that provide a flush handle and a positive catch mechanism. These were very easy to install and fit properly. With careful measurement, it’s easy to consistently drill holes with a forstner bit (either 1-½” or 2” for the two sizes of latches) and then make blocks to mount the catch. The doors are very lightweight, being made from ¼” plywood captured in aluminum channel. With wood block stops screwed at both ends of the face frame, any warpage is pushed flat as the latch catches.
20210327_111223 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr20210327_111319 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr20210327_111416 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrThe mounting block for the catch looks complicated, but with just a little logical thinking and careful measurement, they were pretty easy to make. A bandsaw is one of the essential tools in my shop, and you don't need an expensive one.
20210327_103213 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrIf you search for those latches, you’ll find them at any boat supply vendor, but at a very high price (over $30). Of course, they are all made in China. I found them on Amazon for about $6 each in packs of 5, and got them immediately when I ordered them last summer. However, I needed one more to complete the project and had to pay over double and wait several weeks for delivery. There just doesn’t seem to be much consistency with product availability on these imported hardware items.
The bulkhead and kitchen upper cabinet doors lift up and are held by a cool piece of hardware that catches when lifted and released when lifted again. They were pretty easy to install (once I made a mock up in the shop to figure out the measurements) by attaching mounting blocks to the cabinet box and door. Because the plywood is prefinished only on one side, it was easy to glue the mounting block to the inside face.
20210327_111953 by Joe Mirenna, on Flickr20210327_112340 by Joe Mirenna, on FlickrSo, I’m getting close to finishing the interior. New mattresses were bought as well as the dinette cushions, the latter waiting to be upholstered by my wife. The next project will be fashioning valances to hide the curtain slides, slick aluminum extrusions that plastic slides fit into.
Although the interior design is not following the construction methods of the traditional canned hams, the mid-century modern style of the day is fitting. Inset metal edged doors are one such detail.
Soon I hope to be onto the wiring and placement of light fixtures, all running on 12 volt DC.
I was researching paneling and came across your old post from two years ago. Thanks for always bringing such great wit and humor to the board. I so appreciate you.