starleen2 wrote:I like the idea of the dinette, but didn't do it in mine - Rayvillian did the same in his, but commented that He really doesn't use it much - neither would I since I prefer to be outside eating - but could eat inside if necessary. Another tip gleaned from Gary when he built his - Screw the hatch to side walls and construct it from there - believe me it's a lot easier to do it this way. Once the hatch is to a point where its solid - then you can take it off and do painting or whatever. As Mike mentioned before - the 2 inch offset is an absolute must for the hinge joint - that's what I did and I don't have any gaps at the front edge. However if you do this, the wall offset will have to modified to accept the change. Since I did not use the offset, it's not a worry for me. Seriously, I would think of using 3/8 ply or thinner - that Hatch weighs more than you think!
I'm planning to use 1/4 oak ply for the hatch. It will be framed with poplar and insulated well. Hopefully its not too heavy!