Good ideas from all. The one thing I failed to mention is that the units will
be about 3 FEET off the floor (it's a REAL strange area that I have to work
with - imagine a 9'6" wall that has a "hole" 3' off the floor and that's
close) so the caster idea is out. I'll have to rely on the king studs or sill
to carry the load totally... But, as mentioned, I think that hinges just may
work (my front door is solid mahogany and I know it's well over 200 lbs -
should've thought of that ;-))

Also, I think that since the objective is for this to appear hidden as well
(forgot to mention that too!) that the pivots would be easier to hide from
plain view (as they are mortised into the bottom of each unit).

Decisions, decisions... I'll take some pics and post them to a.b.p.w of the
existing area tonight, and thenas I move forward will keep the wreck updated
as to how it works. Fingers crossed, please!

:-)

--Henry

"jduprie" wrote:
definitely put wheels or something on the "swing" side. They'll hold up the
shelves (so they don't rack), and will help prevent scratches in the floor
when you swing out the shelves.....

Let us all know how it works out..

--JD


"Big Al Dexter" wrote in message
om...
I'm making built-ins for an area that will still have usable space behind
the
shelves (roof line and portico make this space otherwise unusable). I'm
going
to make two units that are hinged and swing out to reveal the hidden area
(which will store my network gear etc). Conceputally this is a great use
for
the space, but before I start building the units I'd like to run this by
the
group:

1) Hinges vs. Pivots - The bookshelves will be approx 12"d x 24"w x 60"h,
smaller than a "full size" standalone unit. I'm concerned that the weight
of
the unit plus books/etc may make traditional hinges a non-option. Should I
assume this and proceed with pivots, or am I being my normal
anal-retentive
self and worrying too much?

2) Racking - Knowing that the units will indeed be suspended from one egde
(or
very close to the edge if a pivot is used), what worries will I have with
racking? I was planing on a standard dado/rabbet case construction of 3/4"
ply
(maybe solid maple - haven't decided yet), 1/4" ply dadoed for the back,
and
adjustable shelves. Is this going to work in my case or should I beef up
the
construction? I'm thinking that maybe 1/2 ply should be used for the back,
but
then I'm adding another 10+ pounds to each unit.

Anyway, any guidance/suggestions are greatly appreciated - I want to do
this
right the first time :-)