The MAGIC drawer

[-eunos-]

Greetings my new friends, this arcade world is kind of new to me but DIY certainly isn't.

A few weeks ago I had an epiphany... Lightning struck my brain... I was going to build a MAME machine. inside a coffee table.
so after the last few weeks tracking down the hardware (and software) I have come to a bit of a halt, as i need my controls to drop away when the drawer is pushed back in...

exactly the same as this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-400-Ikea-Ramvik-Arcade-Table/



Now he states in his very short description of the workings of the drawer:

"Essentially there are 2 legs mounted under the control shelf held by 2 hinges, and connected at the bottom by a 1X1 piece of wood. this creates a "[_]" shaped leg attached to the bottom of the control shelf. I attached a chain to the center divider of the table and ran it to the leg I made and attached it to the 1X1. What this does is when I pull the drawer open, the chain will pull the legs "[_]" strait while opening the drawer. **I apologize for the complicated description, this is very difficult to explain. I will add a link to a flickr account with an attached photo and video of this mechanism soon."

Now, has anyone come accross this type of setup, as I need as much info and pics as I can get.

thanks in Advance. -eunos-

[DLinkOZ]

While not terribly elegant, his solution would seem to do the job.  And that long channel cut into the base of the drawer, I suppose that's so the U-shaped "leg" drags the coffee table's bottom as it's closing.  That drag would cause it to collapse abruptly (as evidenced by the quick drop in the video, when he slid it shut).

[-eunos-]

is there any other way to make it more of a smooth transition.? and silent...? I will also need some sort of locking button like his also

[Monkeyvoodoo]

i think i have an idea on how to do it without the chain in the center and it should give a smoother motion. It's a little late here to draw it up but ill try to doodle something up tomorrow.

[-eunos-]

Hey monkeyvoodoo, how'd you go with the design...?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Hey monkeyvoodoo, how'd you go with the design...?

I think I'm over-engineering it a bit. But it has intrigued me enough to consider building my own.

Is the table something that you can take apart? Something from ikea or walmart?

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Here's a horrible gif of what i came up with.

Basically there are two channels, a curved one in the drawer that guides the panel as it retracts into the shelf, the second channel is in the outer side of the table. This is the one that draws the cp portion up and down depending on the drawers direction.

[-eunos-]

I havent built the 'cab' yet, just trying to work out the mechanics of it first... I'm all ears about your theory though, even if it is 'over engineered' ha ha. i just want the mechanism smooth and foolproof pretty much.

fire away ;-)

only solid measurments I have is the glass top (650mm X 1100mm)

[-eunos-]

WOW!! what is th chance of both of our post co-insiding that closly!!!! IThat is a perfect design, not over-engineered at all!!! cant wait to try this on a scale model first

[Monkeyvoodoo]

I have another shot rendering right now with clear material. I'll post it when I get up.

I have to say this has given me some ideas. I may have to make one soon. I may try to make one that's automated.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

here's a better view.

[-eunos-]

I'd haveto say there'd probably be no way of covering up the curved slot from being seen.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

No, not really. But add a few more curves around and back light and it could look pretty cool

[Generic Eric]

This looks neat.

What is in place to keep the panel  from caving in while you are playing?

[-eunos-]

I would say you could offset the sliding pin, and have the top of the draw sides with a top cap (either a metal strip or a wooden strip)
like this

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