Thread: there must be a catch

Rare Earth magnets?

(Nice work, BTW. Gonna look stunning when finished. Oil?)

I hadn't thought of magnets, do you think they would be strong enough to hold the doors in place, I have noticed that one of the doors has a bit of wind in it. The finish will be 2 pack varnish (mirror tone) at the clients request, I think that it will help fill some of the tear out in the veneers grain

I think that they should do if you select the right ones. It's even possible that magnet-to-magnet is too strong and you'll want magnet-to-washer.

Experimentation's needed...

I got some RE magnets on ebay a while ago - about $25 for 40.

They're 7mm round x 2mm thick and can happily hold an 18oz hammer

Thanks, I will check out eBay I have also found them on carbatecs website

Originally Posted by jrock_au

Sorry for the bad pun
I'm getting close to finishing my current project and trying to finalise the last details. I was wondering what you guys would suggest to use for catches on the display case doors.as you can see from photo I don't have a real lot off room for the striker, only10mm at the bottom, the top I have 30mm but think the catch would be better at the bottom ,closer to where the handles will be. My local mitre 5 shop had some romak ball bearing catches, but they didn't seem good quality in particular the striker part. what have you guys found and suggest and where would be the best place to get them?

There is such a wide variety! Type "cabinet door catches" in the google search box of your web browser and click on "images" at the top of the search result screen. Click on the image of the catch that you like the look of and select "go to web page" in the pop up image. This will generally take you to the web site of the supplier... You can limit the search results by selecting pages from Australia, so that the suppliers are local.

If you like the idea of magnetic catches, there are some with a spring loaded "piston" that ejects and pushes the door ajar when pressed, and you can then hold the door by the edge to open it. This has the advantage of not needing handles, the handles may detract from the look of your unit.


I also like this one for your unit. You can set the ball bearing part in a mortice in the doors pointing downwards, and the latch right under it on the base of the cabinet... Totally concealed, until you open the door and then all you will see is a nice shiny piece of brass. This sort of catch need handles...


Whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be great.

Jorge

Good Morning jrock

I bought a packet of 10 RE magnets for $5 from K&D's bargain bin last year. They are 6x2mm. They work well as cabinet catches.

My method is to drill a hole about 2mm larger and 2mm deeper than the magnet. Put a little epoxy in the hole, stick a magnet in, wait till it goes real tacky, then top up hole with fresh epoxy. Magnet is basically encased in epoxy, which is flush with the surface of the timber.

As Skew suggests, two magnets might be too strong. I Just countersunk a wood screw flush with the opposing surface. Common type 204 stainless steel screws are magnetic and quite suitable. Much more expensive type 312 stainless is not magnetic.


Fair Winds

Graeme

Thanks for all your help, I have bought some re magnets off eBay, 50 for$20 (including) postage. I will have to have a play with them when they get here.