CNC Build: The Bed and Breakfast at 4 years and 40,000 miles

[KCStudly]

I can move it off center, but still near the middle, or I can put it to one side nearer the edge. What does anyone think about any of this?

Why not move it to the side and add another on the other side to keep it symmetrical?

[Sheddie]

Hi Capn.
I realised that I had done the same thing, fortunately before I had skinned the hatch. I don't know how clearly you can see it in my photo, but I added the two pieces of ply at each side of the hatch to mount tail lights and number plate to. On the centre rib where I wanted the handle I checked in a piece of 1/2" ply, about two or three inches square, into the rib to give me an area to screw the base of the handle to, then glued a strip of 1/2" ply about 6" long on each side of the rib to reinforce it and drilled through the centre for the handle shaft. I also cut a slot length wise across the rib for the linkages that work the catches to each side of the hatch. This allowed me to get everything fitted inside the the hatch skins.

[aggie79]

The secret is out. Partially for the same reason I didn't use the center latch handle and used the two draw latches instead.

[capnTelescope]

Now I don't feel so all alone.

I'm going to post a link to this little discussion in the Hatch Research thread.

[tony.latham]

Cap:

This is why we lay awake at night trying to figure out the problems we've created on our builds. Trust me, I've spent many a night working through this stuff.

I'm a side latch guy but I use the Fredrick's style hatch that lends itself to this method. Could you install a couple of rubber latches on the bottom similar to this: http://www.austinhardware.com/shopCartD ... mId=111101 and then add a center handle to lift the hatch? McMasters sell some nice solid SS handles.

On my build for my sis, they wanted a center twist handle but I resisted since they really don't clamp the lid down onto the seals.

Tony

[capnTelescope]

Could you install a couple of rubber latches on the bottom...?

This was my second choice. In another failure to plan ahead, I don't have a good place to mount the bottom half of the latch.

I will check McMaster-Carr for a lifting handle. This puppy is getting kinda heavy.

Thanks for the $.02!

[aggie79]

I will check McMaster-Carr for a lifting handle. This puppy is getting kinda heavy.

This is what I used: http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=grablongsmooth



It's a little spendy but stout.

[capnTelescope]

It's a little spendy but stout.

And sooo much better looking than a stamped garage door handle.

I was thinking like this:

This one's Cheap Chinee Chit for $7. I'm still looking...


Late Breaking News:
The Fan-Fan is installed and creating a breeze. Film at eleven.

[Kharn]

My work has drawer pulls similar to your intended handle in the break room. The design is less than optimal, people always catch their pockets or belt loops on them.

[KCStudly]

I got one of these "oval grip" stainless from McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/#1404a43/=txqqj8). They are a little heavy because it is a pretty good chunk of brushed stainless steel, but they fit the hand so nicely and have nice rounded edges. They come with a separate scuff plate that I do not plan on using.

A similar pull is available in much lighter cast aluminum, with much larger washer faces in a dull gray color and more of an arch to the grip section (http://www.mcmaster.com/#1402a19/=txqsu3), but I didn't like the look or feel of that one as much. I think it might also be available in black.

[capnTelescope]

My work has drawer pulls similar to your intended handle in the break room. The design is less than optimal, people always catch their pockets or belt loops on them.

I'm glad you mentioned that, Kharn. I've taken quite a few pains to get rid of things that want to rip my skin or clothes off. I would have hated that from the get-go. A lot.

... they fit the hand so nicely and have nice rounded edges.

Ooooo!! I thought these were spendy, then I looked up Tom's. I now have a lot more respect for restroom door handles.

[GuyllFyre]

You could always go with a bathroom grab bar.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Ca ... /202044136

Can get them in various lengths and types and they aren't that expensive.

[tony.latham]

This is the hatch handle I use: http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-pull-handles/=ty8ac6

Stout and easy to attach if you've got interior blocking for it.

Tony

[capnTelescope]

You could always go with a bathroom grab bar.

I had that thought before. Even cruised through HD & Lowe's looking. I only saw ones that looked like ... bathroom grab bars. I don't want to be woke up in the middle of the night by a drunk camper thinking he's in the handicapped stall back there. They have a better selection of the designer grab bars on line, and some look pretty good to me.

This is the hatch handle I use...

Oh, good. I couldn't beleive McMaster-Carr only had the ones KC used.

I'm thinking brass/bronze/copper color, whatever the style, to contrast with the aluminum skin.

Thanks, all, for widening my choices.

[GuyllFyre]

You could always go with a bathroom grab bar.

I had that thought before. Even cruised through HD & Lowe's looking. I only saw ones that looked like ... bathroom grab bars. I don't want to be woke up in the middle of the night by a drunk camper thinking he's in the handicapped stall back there. They have a better selection of the designer grab bars on line, and some look pretty good to me.

This is the hatch handle I use...

Oh, good. I couldn't beleive McMaster-Carr only had the ones KC used.

I'm thinking brass/bronze/copper color, whatever the style, to contrast with the aluminum skin.

Thanks, all, for widening my choices.

The online selection is definitely better.
You get material and color choices.
I'm more partial to the brushed stainless or the knurled chrome ones in 1-1/4" diameter but that's just me.
The knurling really gives a more secure "feel", especially when lifting a hatch like that!
It has to weigh quite a bit.
You thinking about adding gas assist struts?