Replies

1. 
   migraine | Mar 16, 2005 07:13am | #1

   How about giving a better idea of exactly what you/they want as to the hardware.  There is alot of this available, whether it is Blum or not , that could be incorporated into a kitchen.  Better details/requirements will enable you to go in the right direction.

   Much of the the hardware that is available for pullouts, lazy susans, etc, is based upon certain cabinet box sizes and these type of products require tight tolerenaces to make them work sufficiently.  This also determines the exact cabinet widths needed. Where as drawer runners and hinges are designed to fit any size box, as long as your ability to subtract for reveals. 

   Some of my favorite hardware is Accuride full extension slides(never used the Blum Tandem undermount slides, no client seemed to want to spring for the "extra bucks")  Accuride pocket door hardware withe the cable system,  Blum hinges, Grass pull out shelf hardware, and other misc Hafele accessories.  I also like alot of the products from Rev-A Shelf

1. 
   NOTRIX1 | Mar 17, 2005 01:36am | #3

   I'm specifically interested in the Tandem drawer runners.very nice.Unfortunatly Blum distributors around here are either not well stocked or vrsed in the applications. The pro shops which have all the info are contractor specific and since I'm not sure I want to be a contractor....I can get my foot in the door via business permit but the city I'm in has it's roots in 1930's Germany and there's no way I'm gonna pay them to hassle me!So....How does one progress from hobbiest to pro without having to shell out $$$$ for pieces of paper????Anyway If I find out any sources I'll post them here.Thanks,N

1. 
   migraine | Mar 17, 2005 03:02am | #4

   Most of the suppliers I have delt with in the past 2o years could care less whether or not you have a business license or not.  What they care about is the size of the order or your continued patronage.  When I lived in SoCal, I rarely will-called anything from their warehouses, I just made a phone call and had it shipped UPS.  Most of these outfits would waive shipping charges for amounts on $250 or more.  Rember too, if you order out of state, the tax savings, can cover any additional shipping charges and you are usually a little money ahead.  Try contacting Blum and see if there is a local sales rep in your area that can show you the product.  Most of these guys are very helpful.  It use to be that the sales reps for the local distributers were very knowledgable, but that has changed in the last ten or so years.

   Try finding if their are any upcoming trade shows in your area.  They are worth the time and drive to go to.

1. 
   wrudiger | Mar 17, 2005 05:23am | #5

   Here is a great source; about the best prices I've seen:

   http://www.cabinetparts.com/cgi-local/shop_2003.pl/page=blum_552h.html/SID=1111029144.30286

   I just installed 4 sets and at least for my configuration it was simple.  My cabinets are frameless/Euro so I just did the layout and attachment before final assembly.  If you are going face frame you need to get the rear mounting brackets, which will make the install a little more complex.

   You can Google on Blum Tandem Install Instructions and find all kinds of references. One thing to keep in mind is that the attachments on the drawers screw into the bottom and front, so it's better to use 1/2" bottom instead of 1/4".  They also require a cutout at the back underneath for clearance of the attachment bracket.  I just made the back short - sides and front of drawer box full height, with dado for bottom; back just goes to the top of the dado so the bottom can screw into the bottom edge of the back (hope that makes sense).

   Used to use Accuride but these are very smooth, strong and best of all invisible - show off your work!

2. 
   kipper | Mar 16, 2005 09:40pm | #2

   Notrix

   Take a look at both Hafele (http://www.hafeleamericas.com/usa/)  and Hettich (http://www.hettichamerica.com/hus/products.htm) to see what is possible.

   Kipper