SailNet Community banner
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Teak enclosure - latch recommendations needed

2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  josrulz 
#1 ·
Hi all,
I'm planning to install a teak panel/enclosure for our stereo and VHF above a shelf in the nav station. I'm a novice woodworker, but I believe I can keep the project fairly simple. Because of the configuration, it would not be possible to set up the panel on hinges. So at the minimum, I would like to install it with some sort of latch at each of the 4 corners so I can remove the panel easily (and over and over, as needed).

Optionally, I would also consider using machine screws, if there's a simple and common way to install a nut on the opposite side. Just so long as I'm not using wood screws, I'd be satisfied.

Can anyone recommend a latch or machine screw configuration that will hold the panel securely, is easy to install, and makes the panel removable?

Thanks!
-J
 
#2 ·
Jos—

You could embed t-nuts to receive the screws.....

Another solution would be to use the PYI made fasteners. They make special fasteners for floor boards that would work nicely, but they're pricey.
 
#3 ·
Ahhh just looked up those PYI fasteners. Very nice. That is indeed basically what I was referring to. Although I do see what you mean about the expense--with the needed bits, etc, plus the fasteners. Quite clean though.

T-nuts might be the way to go, simply because the price is right. Are t-nuts a Home Depot sort of thing, or do I need to order them? Sorry, I'm really new to this stuff...
 
#4 ·
http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&cat=3,43576,52800&p=40361

If you want a really clean look, you could avoid fasteners altogether and rout a rabbet in the bottom of the carcass for the face plate to rest in, held in by a full width cleat on the top of the carcass. make the face plate shorter than the overall height of the carcass, drill a finger hole to allow the face plate to be lifted up to clear the rabbet, then pulled down and out to clear the cleat at the top.
 
#5 ·
Wouldn't use the ones from Lee Valley, as I don't believe they're stainless steel. :D Try here instead.
 
#6 ·
Wouldn't use the ones from Lee Valley, as I don't believe they're stainless steel. :D Try here instead.
Those are 304 grade so actually only marginally better. The others look plated?

Is this thing that you're making going to support the radio or is it just a cover? If it is just a light cover it may be easier just to use Velcro.
 
#9 ·
It may a bit much advanced to make but a tambor would work nice for an enclosure like that. it's a roll up thingy made of slats.. like you see on big old roll top desks. they can be bought from places like Rockler.com but not in teak i'm sure.

Cable Tambour - Rockler Woodworking Tools
 
#13 ·
JOs,

Check out this. I know its not teak, but its a simple solution. It removes easily for work, it pivots so you can work on the wires without removing them, it can fully enclose you stereo to protect it against dust and moisture. We leave the faceplate open when we use it, also have a remote. When we leave the boat or not in use we close the smoked front faceplate. Ours is at/ above our Nav station also

Poly-Planar Stereo Weather Enclosures

Dave
 
#15 ·
JOs,

Check out this. I know its not teak, but its a simple solution. It removes easily for work, it pivots so you can work on the wires without removing them, it can fully enclose you stereo to protect it against dust and moisture. We leave the faceplate open when we use it, also have a remote. When we leave the boat or not in use we close the smoked front faceplate. Ours is at/ above our Nav station also

Poly-Planar Stereo Weather Enclosures

Dave
Hey Dave, Thanks for the rec. That's similar to what we have now (for the stereo that is), but we really want to close off the area above the shelf completely. We kind of need a panel, because we need a place to put some 12v outlets at the nav (there really isn't a good spot), plus we need a place for the stereo, VHF, and possible a Link Lite battery monitor. So when you put all those together, well, that's how we got to adding a panel! :)

And thanks everyone for the ideas on latches. I really appreciate it!
-J
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top