Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 27, 2000 01:22pm | #1

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   John,

   I am not a cab. maker, but I build some. I install, adjust, repair and spec. cabs for my customers. I am happy with blum and grass. However, there is a hinge for almost every stinking preference you might dream up. And a base plate for almost every opening you might make. The more adjustments, the better I like them. You'll get a reply from some first rate cab builders here that can give you a lot more info.

   Jim Blodgett has mentioned a full extension slide that is very low profile and maybe unseen. This is a nice change from the behemoth full ex. glides from accuride and others. Find him and ask him.

   Don't encourage HD unless you have no other choice of suppliers. If you do shop there, some day you will not have the small yards to get real personal service. Your choice.

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 27, 2000 04:22pm | #2

   *Hi John, Calvin has given you in my opinion 2 of the better hinge manufacturers and to that I would also add Mepla; that is if you are talking about using 32mm concealed hinges. As for drawer slides, I have used 3/4 extension slides from Blum that work very well, and for full extension slides, KV 8400 seem to do pretty well. Check out http://www.wwhardware.com and get their catalog. You will find a great selection at good prices and their shipping is great also. As for maple vs. birch ply. I believe you'll find birch a little less expensive and if you are selective with color and grain, it will match up quite well with solid maple face frames and doors. I purchase all my hardwood from Paxton Hardwoods. You might see if they have a distributor in your area. As for sheetgoods, There is a smaller local lumberyard that I purchase from. Just to give an example: Just yesterday I purchased some 23/32 lumber core oak plywood and saved almost $10.00/sheet over Lowe's price, so in that area it is best to shop around. Hope I helped you out some. Good luck with your project. Frank "Mad Dog" Maglin.

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 27, 2000 05:18pm | #3

   *Regarding slides specifically, Gras, Accuride, KV [or Knape and Voght (sp? on both words)], and Blum are all well regarded. Calvin mentioned a pattern that are pretty much hidden, and Blum supply both a full extension and 3/4 Undermount at about $28 a pair including locking devices. Hafele similarly do an Undermount, 3/4 and full extension at about $20-$21 a pair including locking device. I've used both, and the Blum is a perhaps a little neater in appearance, but more fussy and delicate than the Hafele. I think the Hafele version performs just as well, but is a little less elegant to look at. The advantage of both these patterns is that they are almost invisible, and there is only a gap of about 4.5 mm between the drawer side and cabinet side as opposed to about 12.5 mm with the regular pattern. The disadvantage of course is in the initial cost. As ever, swings and roundabouts.I sometimes have a use for slides in my work, so I can comment, but the other questions you pose are better answered by those more involved in that type of work. Sliante.

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 27, 2000 05:52pm | #4

   *John, Blum makes a full extension slide called the tandem that is fully concealed [mounts under the drawer] and allows for a little wider drawer. It has a spring loaded self closing action that literally pulls the drawer closed within a couple of inches of the cabinet front. They are really expensive compared to side mount slides but are top of the line and very clean looking. Accuride also makes a top quality side mount full extension, I also like the NV that Mad Dog mentioned these last two aren't really self closing but have a detent that holds them closed and supposedly keeps them from bouncing back open.As for hinges it seems that the major euro hardware manufacturers add more choices almost on a monthly basis. Calvin is right , you can get a hinge for pretty much any application you can imagine. You mentioned full overlay, that's a term usually used to describe frame less cabinetry is that what your making? Hinges for frameless usually have one more adjustment [in and out] than cup hinges designed for faceframe cabinets, but with the use of a frame adapter mounting plate you can use frameless hinges on faceframe cabinets, this is what I usually use. Some of the major brands are Blum, Mepla, Grass, Salice, and Hettich. Personally I didn't care much for Amerock's concealed hinges.If you have a cabinet supply in your area they will have plywood in several different grades of each species and generally better prices comparing grade for grade than ID or similar stores. I pay about the same price, within a dollar or two per sheet for maple or birch of similar grade from my suppliers. Chuck PS looks like Sgian posted while I was typing this with a better description on the slides.

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   Guest_ | Feb 27, 2000 07:26pm | #5

   *thanks to all of you. i'll check out wwhardware.com and use the other advice you have given. didn't know that about the blum under mount being self closing. also, great to hear that the maple ply may be affordable for the carcasses"that wasn't a typo - it was maple floors. just want it all to go together. some architects can't help doing stuff like that! there is no known remedy. making redwood doors. don't tell me they'll be soft - i know it. using resitathane poly should help. i wouId rather use tung which i usually use but...anyway thanks againjohn