aluminum drawer system

[wierdbeard]

i've been reading all the different threads on drawer systems and there are some awesome ones out there. Most seem to be made of wood or if they are metal it seems that all utilize flat sheets in construction. Has anyone made one that uses a frame that only has the drawers and top using sheets?

I'm thinking the following:

the frame that supports the deck and hardware for supporting the drawers would be constructed of rectangular aluminum tubing, something like 1 X 1/2. The frame would be welded with cross members built in to take the lateral loads (so it wont wobble and break) then attach it to the floor utilizing the factory bolt holes. the deck would be attached to the top, either welded or bolted on, and the drawers would be mounted using the 200 lb jobbers that seem to be de riguer here on mud. I would also add a faceplate and rear plate to cap it off. The Aluminum for the deck and drawers would be 1/8 thick. Locks/drawer stays would be incorporated.

I think it would be lighter overall as well as cheaper then an all sheet constructed system. Thoughts?

 

[shromani]

Oh yeah, that what I'm hoping, though for me it's easier to nail wood, than weld aluminum. I've seen some real nice drawer system on this site and will be make some real soon. Aluminum would be much better if the building of it requires minimal welding.

 

[HopLite]

80/20

Check out this company:
80/20® Inc. - The Industrial Erector Set®

The pro: infinite possibilities, no welding, very strong cross section (i.e. resist bending, torsion, etc)

The con: cost

(not affiliated, just posting possibilities)

They are self-proclaimed as the "industrial erector set" and I believe them. We've used some of their material to construct low volume/prototype coating/dipping stations where I work.

Ideally, this is what I would use if & when I build my own drawer system. By being an 'erector set', it can be somewhat re-configured. In my mind, the top of my 'platform' would be multiple pieces, each hinged to form a top-accessible hatch (i.e. access to drawer contents from within the truck). With all 'hatches' closed, I have a sleeping platform.

 

[shromani]

Hmm great idea. For those with more money than time Slee sells a complete unit Wow if my DIY can look that nice, then I'm happy. The big concern for me is that the drawer hinges hold up if I choose to put good, but reasonable, weight in them.

 

[Beowulf]

Rory was planning something similar in 1/8" 5052 aluminum.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/114508-my-turn-rear-storage.html

-B-

 

[wierdbeard]

wow, that industrial erector set stuff looks pretty cool, but pretty expensive. As for the Slee, yeah the African Outback is cool, but way too expensive. Did Ruadhrigh ever get his finished?

 

[alia176]

Ruadhrigh ever get his finished?

Funny you mention that ... I wonder where he is....

 

[wierdbeard]

i've finished the 3D drawings of the frame set up with measurements. If anyone is interested in them i will post them up later. I have to take them to the print shop and have a PDF made, my scan bed is not big enough.

 

[alia176]

i've finished the 3D drawings of the frame set up with measurements. If anyone is interested in them i will post them up later. I have to take them to the print shop and have a PDF made, my scan bed is not big enough.

I'd be curious to see them but hate for you to go through the trouble. Can't you simply print it to a PDF file through the Print command? There are probably free PDF file maker software on line....

 

[wierdbeard]

no i didn't do it with CAD software, it was the old fashioned way lol, T-Square and Triangle. So the vellum sheet is too big for my scanner. i am prolly going to enlarge it anyways so if they can do the PDF its not that big of a deal.

 

[alia176]

T-sq, Triangle and Vellum ... holy cow, that takes me back a few years...

 

[NLXTACY]

And Rotring ink pens with an electric eraser handy. Those were the good ole' days

 

[Beowulf]

Electric???
-B-

 

[alia176]

Dang, we're showing our age...

 

[wierdbeard]

UPDATE:


I started on the aluminum frame for the box system, since the print shop i went to wanted to do a 3-day turn around. (WTF!?!) to scan a simple drawing into PDF here's a pic, and yes i realize there are some small istakes in the drawing and my pen started going haywire, - thats what i get for not touching them for over a year. so here's drawing one.

So i called the metal supply on friday when I had gotten into town, asked if they had the 1/2 X 3/4 rectangular tubing in stock, they said yes, so saturday am, i head over to get it. Well they don't have it, and can't order it. So i had to resize the tubing, i went with 1/2 X 1. They had to order that as well so it didn't come in until tuesday afternoon. Once it arrived i went and picked up 75' of it for 163.00 buckaroos. Then i made my cut list to maximize usage of materials. (if anyone wants it let me know) Using a JET Horizontal/Vertical Band saw i cut all my pieces making sure everything was perfectly square. The next day a buddy of mine thats DYN-O-MITE! with a Tig came over and we headed off to another friends shop to use his fab table and Tig. I had planned on doing everything in Pops shop but he had one of his sailboats gutted and all over the place. The next few pics of it during the build process, first everything was layed out and clamped to the table then spot welded so any minor adjustments could be made. After everything was together to satisfaction it was finish welded and any lumps were ground smooth. while it was spot welded we did a test fit in the cruiser and it fits like a glove. Overall weight so far is around 20 lbs or less.

The frame is now done with the exception of three pieces that the slides attach to, i decided to wait until the slides arrive and i can do any drilling/milling before they are welded in. Hopefully i can work on this again soon.

Thoughts/Comments?

 

[aktundra]

LOVE the nice big fab table

(nice work as well !!!)

Next time you are clicking pic's, could you take some shots of the corners? I am trying to visualize how you fit the pieces together.

Any estimate how much time you have into the fitting & welding ?

Very nice project. It would be curious how the total cost comes out compared to the wood versions.

 

[wierdbeard]

yes i will take some better pics of the corners, basically they are just butted up and welded, no fancy cuts, all four sides are welded with good penetration. I had taken some shots but the flash kept whiting out the shot. lol. As for fab time so far:

cutting: 1.5 hours
TIG: 8.5 hours

Cost wise i know it will probably be alot more than some of the wood jobs, but i think it will be less than the AO system, and pretty much indestructible. As well as one of the lightest out there.

Cost breakdown:
Design: no cost
Welding material: 42.00 (filler rod, odds and ends)
Welding: No cost
Aluminum tubing: 163.00
30" Drawer Slides: 2 sets for 267.00 (ouch)
1/8 aluminum sheet: TBD
Piano Hinge: TBD
Drawer fab: TBD
Drawer Lock/handle: TBD
Tie Down points: TBD
MIL-Spec anti corrosion coating: TBD
Paint and carpet: TBD

 

[fjfar80]

That looks really nice...I am sure the weight savings will be awesome...

 

[calfj60]

Very cool....wish I had that kind of skill...guess Iwill go wood...cause I can cut it and glue it but will watch this build also...

 

[shromani]

Wow, care to mass produce some when your're done? There are us DIY guys and then there are your craftsmen.