Hardware or ideas for sliding cabinets (not doors) anyone?

[Bob Gerritsen]

So I want to make sliding cabinets, more specifically two rows of cabinets along a wall where the row in front slides in front of the wall that's against the wall. I've added a rough sketch:

[attachimg=#]

I can order the very cool Haefele Mobilus system but then it is getting really expensive, really fast. If I find nothing else I'll make an estimate for the client based on that but for three sliding units it's going to be around two and a half thousand francs, or roughly that same amount in USD (minus a possible discount) just for the hardware... I'm thinking that is not going to fly.

So my question is, has anyone ever made something like this?

Cheers, Bob.

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Hmmm, for some reason the pdf is not shown in the post... What have I done wrong?

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

No ideas?

 

[peter halle]

Bob,

PDF's won't appear in posts but rather as attached images.  I did a screenshot and here it is.  Hopefully this will spur on some help.

[attachimg=#]

Peter

 

[dkorn]

you mean like this:

http://www.mobilis.ch/fr/sejour/bibliotheques-tv/literatura.htm

 

[peter halle]

You could investigate non pivoting casters and design your shelves to have a raised base to hide the casters.  Be careful with your design so that you ensure access to all areas on the rear shelves.  [big grin]

Peter

 

[Roseland]

I echo Peter's comment. I'd use fixed nylon castors to take the weight, and a sliding door track to locate the top.  Lose the castors in a plinth.

Andrew

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Yes yes yes! Thanks all, that's excellent feedback.

That Mobilis system looks quite basic, gonna see if I can see that somewhere up close to check the quality and details of sliding hardware. It seems to lack support on top but I cannot imagine it just slides on the fixed shelves behind it. Also, I the wheels need some sort of profile to stick to the rail below, I'm gonna see if I can get wheels like that.

A sliding door rail on top would surely seem essential.

Thanks, I can work with this. And thanks Peter for the screenshot.

Cheers, Bob.

 

[Roseland]

Just a thought...

On the vertical sides of the front (sliding) bookcase, I'd be tempted to put some decent bevels on the inside-facing back edges, so that if a book on the rear bookcase slips forward it gets a nudge backwards as you slide the bookcase.  It doesn't matter on the outside-facing edges, as you can easily get to any books that get trapped here!

Andrew

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Nice touch! Thanks Andrew.

 

[dkorn]

I used to own one of those Literatura bookshelves (its a 30 y.o. design), and from what I recall, there's a track for the castor on the floor board, and also a track on the upper shelf (fixed), as well as the necessary hardware on the mobile unit, so that it slides smoothly and securely. Google "literatura bookshelf", you may find more pics.

 

[tiralie]

Bob:
Check out Houzz. Lots of examples and some good Q & A.
Here is a link to an question about sliding bookcase hardware Aluminum rails, hardware and skateboard wheels...
Tim