Sliding Bookcase Conundrum

[BradNaylor]

I've got to quote for a rather unusual set of bookcases.

There are three sections at the back and two sliding sections in front of them. Access to the back bookcases is gained by sliding the front ones across. Overall dimensions are approx 2200mm wide and 2300mm high. Construction will be in lipped veneered MDF.

The weight of the sliding sections when loaded with books is going to be considerable. I reckon I'll have to allow 150kg per sliding bookcase. Some sort of good quality sliding wardrobe gear is the obvious way to go but the Hafele catalogue has just left me confused!

Any suggestions on what system to use?

Cheers
Brad

 

[CNC Paul]

I've got to quote for a rather unusual set of bookcases.

There are three sections at the back and two sliding sections in front of them. Access to the back bookcases is gained by sliding the front ones across. Overall dimensions are approx 2200mm wide and 2300mm high. Construction will be in lipped veneered MDF.

The weight of the sliding sections when loaded with books is going to be considerable. I reckon I'll have to allow 150kg per sliding bookcase. Some sort of good quality sliding wardrobe gear is the obvious way to go but the Hafele catalogue has just left me confused!

Any suggestions on what system to use?

Cheers
Brad

Brad,


The top track and the unit will have to take 600kg hanging from the track, over time I think this will give you some problems.

Although it is more visible, what about a set of tracks and some V rollers on the bottom, similar to patio doors.

I did quit a few jobs for Mark Wilkinson where they use this method on their larders http://www.mwf.com/larders/larders3.html

You could use something like these.

http://www.accudatafiling.com/overview.htm

Track http://www.hdhardware.co.uk/index.php?cPath=40_45_47


Rollers http://www.hdhardware.co.uk/index.php?cPath=40_45_46

 

[Majorlarf]

I have 2 similar units already but they are for CD/DVD's the top of the front moveable unit has 2 pins running in a groove of the outer unit this is as a guide but the base of the moveable unit is 4 mini micro fixed castor type wheels running in 2 grooves also in the outer unit hope this makes sense i know next used to have similar units

Unit

 

[BradNaylor]

Thanks for all the replies guys; it has really helped me to get my head round the problem.

I am now thinking along the lines of using patio door track with rollers mounted to the underneath of the sliding bookcases. Would one track in the centre be sufficient or would two - one at the front and one at the back - work better as well as resolving the weight issue? I am minded towards using two tracks and four rollers on each bookcase; one in each corner.

I like this solution much better than the idea of hanging the front bookcases from above using sliding door gear. Apart from anything else it is a lot cheaper. In fact the best prices I have found on th'internet are from a firm in Stockport! :lol:

http://www.northwesthardware.co.uk/cat/ ... heels.html

I shall be paying them a call to discuss.

Thanks for the help, and any other suggestions are welcome.

Cheers
Brad

 

[Shultzy]

Brad, another solution could be PTFE. Its very "slippery" and comes in various thicknesses. Sunk into a number of grooves in the base and sliding unit it may spread the load better.

 

[matt]

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... rod568030/

 

[PeterR]

Brad

I have just read this thread and am wondering what solution you used, and whether it proved satisfactory. I run a home-based second-hand book business and would like to add some more shelf-space in my work/stock room. I could do this by having a further bookcase slide across the front of a cupboard and am looking for a strong and practical solution without paying the sort of prices that professional libraries would.

Kind regards

Peter