Calling all construction/metal workers...

Mr.Reed · December 1st, 2009, 10:27 PM

I want essentially a 12x12 aluminum frame garage door. Each panel is 3' wide and opens from the middle to the sides (so really 2 bifold doors, 2 panels each). I was wondering if I would have to mount these on a track or would steel hinges work (so that I don't have to use a track system)? How larger would these hinge(s) have to be between each panel and how large would the hinge(s) that connects the the doors to the wall be?

A few screen shots to help explain (hopefully). I'm also not sure how heavy the doors would be.

Mr.Reed · December 1st, 2009, 10:28 PM

I'd also like them to open mechanically (no electricity), but once they are pushed from the inside they open all the way (via spring, at least that's what I was thinking).

Thanks for the input,

~Shawn Reed

Mr.Reed · December 2nd, 2009, 12:19 AM

I'm working out the other details, but I have no idea about how sturdy the frame and hinges need to be.

Mr.Reed · December 2nd, 2009, 02:22 AM

about 84lbs per panel (100 after plexi and hinges). Hinges that mount to the building need to carry 200+lbs., and open with ease. Would a 6" tall x 4" wide by .5" think hinge work for the rest of my life? haha, looking for the one person who has the answer.

Tonetele · December 2nd, 2009, 02:28 AM

Why is this post on this website?

Mr.Reed · December 2nd, 2009, 02:41 AM

In the bad dog... I figured there is probably someone who is either an engineer, works in construction, etc. I do believe this is the forum for random stuff. Plenty of things never related to guitars here (family advice, cars, books, movies, w.e.). I'm looking for an answer I can't seem to find else where.

Oldgitplayer · December 2nd, 2009, 02:53 AM

I don't how big a place Lake Stevens is, but big towns will have an Architectural Hardware supplier. Not a regular hardware store, but one that specializes in door locks, handles, hinges, etc.
I know that what you want to do can be done.
There are special hinges available for bi-folding doors. If you want a long life out of them, then make sure you get the hinge type with an internal bearing.
Best of luck.

Westerly Sunn · December 2nd, 2009, 04:22 AM

You can probably get good info @:
http://www.crown-industrial.com/

and/or

http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_...s.asp?Cat=1226

As I recall, one of those sites (prolly' Crown...) has a load bearing calculator to select from their products...

Mr.Reed · December 2nd, 2009, 05:02 AM

Thank you! Found what I was looking for! Lake Stevens is pretty small... and Pullman is even smaller and I'm stuck here for 3 more weeks.

Ricky D. · December 2nd, 2009, 06:17 AM

You have a lot of choices to make. Engineering-wise, it's not the space shuttle, but a poor design will waste a lot of your time and money with a poor result.

This is not a great medium for the kind of help you need. You are at university. Why not find an architecture prof or grad student, and get some face-to-face help with sketches (the person you want will not be able to discuss it without drawing pictures)?

December 1st, 2009, 10:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 21 Posts: 1,490	I'd also like them to open mechanically (no electricity), but once they are pushed from the inside they open all the way (via spring, at least that's what I was thinking). Thanks for the input, ~Shawn Reed __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

December 2nd, 2009, 12:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 21 Posts: 1,490	I'm working out the other details, but I have no idea about how sturdy the frame and hinges need to be. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

December 2nd, 2009, 02:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 21 Posts: 1,490	about 84lbs per panel (100 after plexi and hinges). Hinges that mount to the building need to carry 200+lbs., and open with ease. Would a 6" tall x 4" wide by .5" think hinge work for the rest of my life? haha, looking for the one person who has the answer. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

December 2nd, 2009, 02:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 21 Posts: 1,490	In the bad dog... I figured there is probably someone who is either an engineer, works in construction, etc. I do believe this is the forum for random stuff. Plenty of things never related to guitars here (family advice, cars, books, movies, w.e.). I'm looking for an answer I can't seem to find else where. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

December 2nd, 2009, 04:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
Westerly Sunn Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: S.E. North Carolina Posts: 2,692 74 Photos	You can probably get good info @: http://www.crown-industrial.com/ and/or http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_...s.asp?Cat=1226 As I recall, one of those sites (prolly' Crown...) has a load bearing calculator to select from their products... __________________ My white hairs had you fooled, didn't they, son? Yes, Sir! Ha! Drive on!!!

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December 2nd, 2009, 02:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tonetele Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Australia Age: 54 Posts: 277	Why is this post on this website?

December 2nd, 2009, 02:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
Oldgitplayer Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brit in Australia Age: 63 Posts: 232	I don't how big a place Lake Stevens is, but big towns will have an Architectural Hardware supplier. Not a regular hardware store, but one that specializes in door locks, handles, hinges, etc. I know that what you want to do can be done. There are special hinges available for bi-folding doors. If you want a long life out of them, then make sure you get the hinge type with an internal bearing. Best of luck.

December 2nd, 2009, 05:02 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 21 Posts: 1,490	Thank you! Found what I was looking for! Lake Stevens is pretty small... and Pullman is even smaller and I'm stuck here for 3 more weeks. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

December 2nd, 2009, 06:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ricky D. Friend of Leo's Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Age: 59 Posts: 2,953	You have a lot of choices to make. Engineering-wise, it's not the space shuttle, but a poor design will waste a lot of your time and money with a poor result. This is not a great medium for the kind of help you need. You are at university. Why not find an architecture prof or grad student, and get some face-to-face help with sketches (the person you want will not be able to discuss it without drawing pictures)?

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