Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Apr 26, 2009 05:30pm | #1

   Don ,

           I guess your talking about the mating router bits that create the tambour ?

      The ones made with router bits do look a bit thick or large in general , so the look may not go best with all designs.

       Are you asking if the fit of the bits is a good one or in general will a tambour easily work in a given opening ?

     You can buy tambour already made in a sheet and cut it to size in various patterns and thicknesses, I have used tambour in my works and always have had great results .Rub a little paraffin wax in the track after finishing and they glide like butta .

      To me most have the largest difficulty with routing the track or slot for the tambour to ride in .It is a very simple treatment with a little pre planning .

    good luck           dusty

2. 
   boilerbay | Apr 26, 2009 05:41pm | #2

   Don,

   Haven't made any in a long time but it depends on your project. As most will ask you, what is it you intend to do?

   If it's for a kitchen appliance "garage", you would use self lubed nylon channels but if it's for a roll top desk, it all comes down to very careful back canvass alignment in absolute square and very accurate, finished and mirrored channels. In both cases, careful entrance channel radiuses are to be watched. Wood expansion is to be accounted for-- not for the slats(almost none) but for the width of your carrier styles. That ever so little bit can cause jamming or "loosey-goosey" operation.

   BB

1. 
   oldusty | Apr 26, 2009 07:01pm | #3

   bb ,   It's not really that intricate or tight of tolerances required , you do make the slot roomy and the radii not too tight or small .

        In the past I used some kits for appliance garages that rolled up on a rod like a shade but once I learned how to make the track I have never used any Nylon or channels , I have used Teflon channel for bi pass sliding applications and it does work great .

     The entering and exiting angle does need to be considered but is simple to do , I have done overheads 48 " wide on wide screen tvs . I make them all so they are serviceable and will come out the back usually .

                      spring has sprung here in the Rogue Valley

                              the fruit trees are flowering and all is Green

                      dusty