Replies

1. 
   stevent1 | Jan 19, 2009 10:14pm | #1

   Schluter makes an access panel.

   http://www.schluter.com/11_1_rema.aspx

   Chuck S

   live, work, build, ...better with wood
1. 
   JeffBuck | Jan 20, 2009 02:22am | #2

   they don't exactly make the panel ...

   but they'll sell you some cool magnets that work great.

    

   I say that 'cause years ago, first time I used them ... I was told by the GC that I was to use the panel he'd bought. Was confused till I saw stuff I was to pick up at the tile store. GC had told me leave a space ... this will be cut to fit exact ... disappears ... etc.

   he and I were thoroughly confused. I couldn't imagine how his way would work.

   First time we went the "colored grout caulk" route ... would make for easier removal ... but still stands out. From then on ... just drew a map and put it in the bottom of the vanity and made sure the customers knew where it was.

   then ran some caulk as far back into the joint as we could(grout backer) and grouted the whole thing solid. Figured how many times is access to the motor needed?

   and try like heck to put a water shut off and electric disconnect somewhere else.

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

2. 
   EricPaulson | Jan 20, 2009 03:22am | #3

   It would help if we had pictures or models to deal with.

   Here is what we have taken to.

   Brushed nickle, matches the fixtures.

   If you have View Imagemajor problems you are pulling the tub or a panel down anyway.

    

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/19/2009 7:23 pm ET by EricPaulson

3. 
   Pelipeth | Jan 20, 2009 03:37am | #4

   Industrial strength Velcro

1. 
   kazm | Jan 23, 2009 06:39am | #5

   Thanks for all the replies.

1. 
   1muff2muff | Jan 23, 2009 07:28am | #6

   Just framed one, but not yet sure about access panel.

   Bathroom vanity comes up against it .  It would be nice to access thru inside of cabinet.

1. 
   Jed42 | Jan 27, 2009 04:04am | #7

   Bathroom vanity comes up against it .  It would be nice to access thru inside of cabinet.

   Do some measuring first...

   I planed on this for another project and it did not work out as well as I had hoped.  18-3/4" h tub deck, minus framing and minus a toe kick only left about 10 inches or so for the access.  Difficult to get into, and couldn't replace the motor without removing the cabinet if they had to.  Not a big deal to some, but I like more access.  I try to get access through an adjacent wall (closet, bedroom) if possible, underneath if above a basement or some other inconspicuous place.  Otherwise, I'll either make my own "removable panel" with the magnets or put a return air grille on which I hate the looks of.  I do like the matching BN grille on the picture above.

   If I do the removable panel, I buy the sanded caulk that matches the grout and leave it with the owner to replace if service is ever needed.  This is my most preferrable way to go if I can't get access any other way.

    

    No Coffee No Workee!

1. 
   1muff2muff | Jan 27, 2009 06:05am | #8

   It looks  like your right.

   So I'm thinkin about the magnets.

2. 
   Jed42 | Jan 28, 2009 11:20pm | #9

   Doesn't it stink? 

   I was so excited to do it that way that I never even thought of it not working well and didn't give it any more thought...'till I went to cut the hole..."uh-oh". 

   I guess I over-think things, but if the motor didn't last as long as it was supposed to or anything happened to it, there'd be a big mess no matter who was footing the bill for it.  Lots of inconvenience for the client.

   The magnet access panel works well as long as you take the time to measure well and get it just right.

    No Coffee No Workee!

3. 
   Mongo | Jan 29, 2009 04:30am | #10

   I tried something different on this tub. And yeah, this is wood, not tile.

   Wood surround made it easy, the gist is that any or all of the three panels in the apron can be removed. Lift the panel, tilt the bottom out, drop the panel.

   Or the entire face frame with the three panels can be removed by the same method.

   View Image

   View Image

   View Image

   View Image

4. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jan 29, 2009 04:47am | #11

   This is what I did:

   View Image

   The panel is under the fishy piece.  Magnets and caulk.

   Tu stultus es
   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.