Interior Accordion Style Doors

[Letsonbandr]

OK guys,
I'd like to start gathering ideas for a project I'm going to be working on.  I will be fabricating a set of custom interior accordion style doors to fit an approximate 5' opening.  Product selection is my main concern.  It will most likely have glass incorporated in it but the design isn't nailed down yet.  What would you choose for hardware?  I don't think weight is a huge concern but I want to make sure it will never move/ change/ sag etc.  I am thinking about incorporating SOSS hinges for their strength and ability to fold 180 degrees.  Have you built any? Do you have a trusted hardware system you always use?  As I move through the design of this system looking for any and all help you guys can lend.  Also, was thinking of splitting it up into 4 equal sections so the door panels aren't too wide and the lateral load on the top and bottom hinges in minimized.  Picture is just to describe the type of door.

 

 

[elise111]

Hello there-
I think hardware choice will depend on how much you want to spend, how often you expect to use the doors, and your expectations for a quality feel.  I made some 6' wide, 3 section bifold windows for my workshop after a lot of planning and research.  The high end systems like Centor are really for exterior doors, and for a 5 panel setup is probably >$1k in hardware.  The low end are for lightweight closet doors.  I used aluminum Pemko track, modified some Pemko trolleys, and modified non-mortise hinges for my windows- ran about $110.  Search for Pemko HF4/100/8 and you can see the hardware.  Since you are not likely to seal an interior door, you can use the hardware as-is.  For a tall door, I would consider a bottom track if quality feel was important. This wasn't needed for my short windows.  I open them a few times a week for about 2 years now and have been very happy with my low budget solution.

Here was a helpful door thread I found when making windows. 
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/...ng-bifold-doors-loads-of-wip-pics-t60919.html

Pete

 

[KGB pilot125]

that is one of the coolest windows I have ever seen  Before I clicked on the picture I was thinking "How does he secure it?"  but it looks like its a pin on the frame in both the upper and lower frame. 

Looks amazing

 

[elise111]

Thanks.  Yes, they are secured with 'flush bolts'  on the top and bottom, and a multipoint hook type lock on the jamb side.  One hinge is modified to work with the overhead track trolley.  The hinge was drilled out and a stainless socket head cap screw replaced the hinge pin, enabling an adjustable height connection to the trolley. 

Attached is a picture of the weather sealed and trimmed windows.

Pete