I am trying to build a nightstand with a small pivoting drawer under it. I am attaching photos of a plywood prototype – I used lazy susan hardware for this, but that won’t work over time in suspension. Does anyone have any thoughts on possible hardware that would allow this design without having a piece below the drawer? Alternatively, if I do add a piece below, what would be the best hardware for a shaft? I’ve never worked with shafts and ball bearings so I don’t know how they are best assembled. Thanks!
Replies
Maybe I'm not quite understanding, but wouldn't any ol' pivot hinge work for this?
Thanks! My concern is that there would be too much twist on the pivot hinge if there’s just one on top - not certain though …
I dont see how there would be any twist at all.
However i do definietly see that youd need to be careful with it.
It cant be a drawer that will be abused.
FWW #234
Also
McLaughlin uses a rod inserted into a sleeve. Only Tom and god know where he got them.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xImyFY56Qwk
Nice vid.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/stainless-steel-precision-rods/rotary-shafts-5/
Nice find. On the same website I found the oil impregnated sleeves. I guess one on top, one on bottom would suffice. I don’t know how you would secure the rod in the sleeve though. Possibly a plug or cap covering the bottom sleeve once the rod is inserted.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/oil-impregnated-bronze/plain-bearing-type~sleeve/
Could size a magnet to fit in/on there perfectly if you can get a ferrous rod.
A little magnet is a good idea. A little wooden button on a swivel came to mind.
Not sure if there is a ready made solution but you could try a ceiling flange screwed to the underside of the table and a threaded bolt captured in a bearing/bearing block that gets glued into the back corner.
Not "elegant", but a small ball bearing strap hinge could do the job, maybe a fancy brass one. Not visible in any case.
Thanks very much for these extremely helpful suggestions and the video, which is spot on. I am going to experiment with strap hinges, which might let me keep it with no structure below, and then the shaft with sleeves as an alternative. Will report back and I welcome more thoughts.