Hello everyone, using a CNC and solid blocks of black walnut, I’m making small decorative boxes that measure 2″ D X 6.5″ W X 9″ L. The walls, floor, and sliding door are 1/2″ thick each. After much time and many improvements, I have one last hurdle to jump to finish. I need a door to cover a 3/8″ hole.
I left enough material at the bottom and aligned it with an inner wall to have a 3/8″ X 5″ L hole to hold a pen. Now, I need a brass door to seal the deal. I’m limited to 7/8″ up and down, with plenty of side-to-side space.
The door, cap, or whatever must be simple, strong, durable, and unique/creative if possible. I looked at the front door peephole covers, but no good. Caps will get lost unless? I may have to use a round brass plate with a screw at the top to swing, but I would much rather have something slide sideways to expose the hole.
Any ideas for a door/latch would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Replies
Pictures?
Pics & updates to questions. Thanks!
There is a good reason that the round piece with a screw has lasted so many years!
Perhaps the easiest option is to make an L-shaped piece to run vertically in a slot - gravity or perhaps a small spring (a suitable spring might be found in a pin tumbler lock) to return it. The slot could also be made from brass, though that would be a non-trivial exercise.
Another option is to create a mechanism a bit like a bolt, with a slot in the box wall for the slider. This could be actuated by gravity or perhaps more reliably with a knob and slot, again like a bolt.
Pictures please, when you are done!
Pics & updates to questions. Thanks!
Hi Rob, and thanks for your input.
The bolt may protrude instead of being flush. Are you aware of any pics of a verticle slotted? It sounds promising. Thanks!
This is a rough image of the slider idea.
Sorry - I'm no sketchup expert!
This one! It's what has been in my head, but not clear. Thank you, Mr. Rob! Thank you, thank you!
Have you seen something like this for sale?
Here a variant on the bolt idea with a wooden drawer bar.
A sketch would help...alot.
Pics & updates to questions. Thanks!
Without a photo or a sketch it's hard to visualize, but maybe a rare earth magnet could secure it....
Pics & updates to questions. Thanks!
Please see the pics of a draft box with a rough keyhole on one end.
The opposite end will have the 3/8" hole at the bottom and be aligned with the inner partition to hold the pen.
The shown box does not have the extra material at the bottom of the inner partition like the new one's will to better hold the pen.
I'm trying to wrap my head around your slot idea, Rob, as that's a better option than the swinging circle.
If a diagram explaining my needs will help, please let me know.
Thanks again!
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This keyhole cover will be recessed into the completed walnut box.
The opposite end will have the 3/8" hole at the bottom that I need a door for.
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