A serious challenge

[JPG]

I do not 'see' the reorientation. Looks like the same pix as before.

I do understand this and really like it!

[BuckeyeDennis]

Dennis, I think that would work....

Slick idea!

(my idea will work as well, but I ain't painting any pretty pictures to prove it. Besides, I like yours better ... )

Thanks, Dick. I was having trouble visualizing your concept from the written description, and quit trying when I got to the bottom of the post and saw that you had offered to do a hand-sketch!

There were also some ideas posted that involved sliding panels. It just occurred to me that one could modify my concept, and rigidly mount all the actuators to a panel that slides in the horizontal direction (replacing the drive rods and parallelogram linkage). That might actually be less fussy. Using low-friction drawer slides for the panel would definitely be a good idea for that variant.

[BuckeyeDennis]

I do not 'see' the reorientation. Looks like the same pix as before.

I do understand this and really like it!

The drawing modification was subtle. I simply extended the drawer fronts to be symmetrical about the drawer boxes (as they would be if seen in top or bottom view), and I increased the spacing between drawers just enough to accommodate this. The only substantive change was in the description, where I said that it was a bottom view.

[BuckeyeDennis]

Consider this. The cabinet will be designed with the required blank space behind the drawers. Each drawer will have a 3/4 " dia dowel on the back of the drawer. At the back of the drawers are a series of 1/4 ply panels which have holes through which the pegs will extend through. All the panels will notch into the bottom ( 27th) drawer. It would require that all the panels be lifted to open the drawer. That's as far as I have gone for today.
Paul

So Paul, have you decided on a design? Or did the "get a new wife" advice (from our resident legal expert) win out?

Speaking for the resident engineering crew, we're getting so bored that we've been reduced to debating the finer points of obscure L-shaped spline wrenches ...

[masonsailor2]

I have it all worked out in my head now and need to get it on paper. I was planning on doing some sketches today. I will also do a mock up using just one drawer and the mechanism to make sure the idea works. It will be made of either brass or if I can find the right dimensions oil impregnated bronze. It will essentially be 26 tumblers mounted in a rack. Each tumbler will be a bar probably 1 1/4" wide by 1/4" thick which will be mounted vertically in a rack in the rear of the cabinet. Each drawer will have a bracket on the back holding a 3/8" dia by 1/8" width bearing which will engage the tumbler via a slot milled into the bar. The slot will be inclined to allow the movement of the drawer to actuate the tumbler. The slot at the end of travel will have a slight radius to match the bearing which will give just enough depression to capture the bearing and provide resistance to hold the draws in place until it is pulled open. The tumblers will either capture or release a 3/8" round bar attached to the rear of the locked drawer. The drawer array will be 5x5 small drawers with a full width drawer at the bottom to make 26 drawers and then the locked drawer also full width at the bottom. I am working out the rack itself in my head as I write this. The bottom member of the rack will be tapped at each tumbler to allow a vertical set screw to allow vertical fine adjustment of the tumblers. 5/32 Allens of course ! As far as new wife no way. Mine has been a keeper since 1978. A true adventurer and best friend. She never argues over wood or tools as long as I keep up with her projects. She also sold her home in Carmel and spent 6 years aboard our sail boat cruising 38,000 miles !
Paul

[BuckeyeDennis]

I think I followed most of that. I get the impression that the locking mechanism will look a bit like the innards of a piano. Can't wait to see the sketch!

BTW, that sounds lke a whole lot of brass. Have you figured out how much it will weigh?

[rjent]

Why brass? (in my meek non woodworker voice ... )

[masonsailor2]

Now that the speed reducer is working for the bandsaw it is time to get on with building the Codex Jewelry Armoir. The bandsaw cuts the brass like butter. I put together a rough prototype of the tumbler actuator to see if the concept works. So far so good.
Paul
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JociQd5sJ5o

[charlese]

Sounds Good Paul! Also, I need to say, your last sentence or two about your Wife/sailor was beautifully phraised.

[rjent]

Sounds Good Paul! Also, I need to say, your last sentence or two about your Wife/sailor was beautifully phraised.

I certainly ditto this x100.

Your mechanism looks good! Can't wait to see the "combination" work ....