drawer mechanisms for marine use?

[vas]

ok, was trying to do some real work, failed miserably, so spending my time on the forum and that means I can ask more questions

I'm familiar with good quality mechanisms for cabinet making in general, blum heitich (sp?) and others.
BUT, not seen any modern type of drawer mechanism that has some type of locking system to avoid opening/slamming about on rough seas.
Current drawers are of real timber variety with a groove just behind the faceplate so that you have to physically lift the drawer4-5mm before sliding out.
Need to built a dozen or so new drawers in two cabins so got to get them soon.

Any pointers appreciated.

cheers

V.

 

[MapisM]

Current drawers are of real timber variety with a groove just behind the faceplate so that you have to physically lift the drawer4-5mm before sliding out.

Same as with my boat. why do you want to look for something else?
That's the most reliable, uncomplicated, and totally rust proof (zero metal parts) system I've ever seen.

 

[Bertramdriver]

Agree totally

 

[vas]

Sorry guys,

never said I didn't like the original system, but building another dozen or so such drawers from real hardwood is going to take some time and cost some money, hence me asking.

I may go for that, but I'll change all 35yo wardrobe door hinges to blum if you don't mind

V.

 

[jfm]

Generally, for this stuff I use Blum becuase they make them in stainless steel (with nickel plating for some reason but it does no harm afaik), whereas a lot of stuff is mild steel nickel plated. Also Blum make nice jigs for drilling the carcasses, which is handy

Blum make drawer tracks that drop a few mm as the drawer slides home, but on a boat you still need a catch on every drawer, and cupboard. For these catches I have specced Sugatsune products on Match 2, made in china but nice quality, "Lamp" series, model DPL SQ-CR. These are the best I have found, having tried several but with disappointment including the ones on Match 1. Sugatsune's range of gear is well worth a good look online. Less well known than Blum and Haefle perhaps, but I like a lot of their stuff and the door catches are, afaik, the best there is

 

[MapisM]

Blum make drawer tracks that drop a few mm as the drawer slides home, but on a boat you still need a catch on every drawer

I perfectly see what you mean J, but actually with the system Vas mentioned before there's no need for catches, because it isn't just a "smooth" drop meant to make a bit of resistance, it's a square groove which effectively doesn't allow the drawer to move, unless you pull it upwards first.
Btw, not needing a catch is part of what makes this system so reliable and practical.
The drawback of course is that it isn't as smooth as some more sophisticated rail & dumper mechanisms, but personally I'm happy to live with that and not having to bother with catches.

 

[epervier]

I perfectly see what you mean J, but actually with the system Vas mentioned before there's no need for catches, because it isn't just a "smooth" drop meant to make a bit of resistance, it's a square groove which effectively doesn't allow the drawer to move, unless you pull it upwards first.
Btw, not needing a catch is part of what makes this system so reliable and practical.
The drawback of course is that it isn't as smooth as some more sophisticated rail & dumper mechanisms, but personally I'm happy to live with that and not having to bother with catches.

Totally agree, "if it ain't broke" comes to mind.

 

[Divemaster1]

Sorry guys,

never said I didn't like the original system, but building another dozen or so such drawers from real hardwood is going to take some time and cost some money...... V.

Why hardwood on the drawers ?? if for clothing etc., would you not consider softwood like Ceadar ? ... They should not be exposed to excessive humitidy so chances of them lasting another 30 years + even as softwood should be quite high...

 

[prv]

For these catches I have specced Sugatsune

Thanks for that. Never heard of them before, but find they have a nifty system for securing a big locker door at top, bottom and middle from one neat button in the middle. That's precisely what I need on my new engine bay access hatch.

Pete

 

[vas]

thanks for all the comments, JFM I'll check these Sugatsune stuff carefully and see where I could use them.

Alf, I could use softwood, but judging from the condition the drawers are after 35years and how some softwood drawers are after 5 yrs I'd go for hardwood tbh.

The square groove as MM says is perfect BUT IF (and it's a big IF) the drawer is heavy you've had it. I'm struggling to open the cuttlery drawer and it's a relatively small one especially now with the galley full of carp stacked on top of each other and me standing 2ft+ away.
some of the drawers I'm designing are going to be 700mm wide, 600mm deep and 250mm high. For linen and similar stuff. Yes, I know I'll probably change to a nice door and shelves but if the drawers are large, I'd not want to go to the wood sliding on wood solution.
J, the blum sliding down 2-3mm to the rest position are perfect when absolute level and properly aligned (I know as I've gone and realigned every single drawer in my house once George finished fitting and aligning them ), on a boat as you say, not going to work without some extra help from a bar or similar mechanism.
Anyway, not in a great hurry with them as I doubt I'll manage more than a few shelves before MiToS gets back in the water...

cheers