Drop front secretary: Flip out front options?

[Gator95]

Any thoughts how to set up the hinges to have the drop front come down? I've seen special metal long hinges/levers that attach inside the case, and also seen it done with normal hinges on the front and a pair of pull-out arms for the drop-front to rest on.

Any links to plans, hardware, suggestions, etc... are appreciated.

[LCHIEN]

i can only say when i saw the title of this post that i had a picture of one of my old secretaries, dropping her front and flipping them out... Does this make me a dirty old man?

[shoottx]

i can only say when i saw the title of this post that i had a picture of one of my old secretaries, dropping her front and flipping them out... Does this make me a dirty old man?

Might depend on the secretary

[pelligrini]

My parents antique one uses the type of hinge sort of like rocklers, but it also has pull out supports that move out as the drop front is dropped. I never have figured out how it all worked.

[poolhound]

i can only say when i saw the title of this post that i had a picture of one of my old secretaries, dropping her front and flipping them out... Does this make me a dirty old man?

Dirty - not sure - when did you last take a shower? Old is relative - not on geologic time

[Black wallnut]

My parents antique one uses the type of hinge sort of like rocklers, but it also has pull out supports that move out as the drop front is dropped. I never have figured out how it all worked.

Did it have a rope or wire attached to it? I think you should go take plenty of pictures as this sounds like a neat deal!

For the OP one I had in an apartment during my college years had IIRC a piano hinge and chain supports. If I were to build one I think I'd use rule joint (drop leaf) hinges and a pull out support that when it was closed looked like a drawer. However that is only if I could not figure a way to mechanically make two supports to automatically extend and retract as the front was dropped and closed. I'll have to ponder this....

[cabinetman]

You could use these hinges. They get bored in with a partial part of a hinge cup drill (35mm). They finish flat and have adjustment. They can be used with or without lid supports like this, or this.
.

[eezlock]

drop front secretary desk

I saw one of those same desks on New Yankee Workshop this past Saturday.
I know it is one of Norm's plans from the past, but it might be the one you are
looking for...check it out. I think they called it a planter's desk/plantation desk or something like that.

[drillman88]

I made a simple drop front desk for my neighbors son.He is into art and coloring and had no place to work or store his supplies.
I made it in the same fashion as this one.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...g/1273431.html


I made the supports a little short so the top would angle down to make writing more comfortable.It was a fun project sorry I didnt take any pictures.

[drumpriest]

You can check out the federal secretary plans here...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...y&cookietest=1

Then have the typical cantilevered supports. There are some of those desks where as you lower the table, the supports move out automatically, and these plans do that, and show the hardware used to handle it.

Putting a lid support would be the more modern way of handling it, either with a chain, or something like what Cabi showed. The wood whisperer did a thing on this recently where he used ply and put chain supports in, and over time it was pulling apart the plywood, so if you are thinking chain supports, I'd consider going through entirely using some form of bolt with a head, either stainless to look good, or cover it with something like a chauffeured plug.

[pelligrini]

Did it have a rope or wire attached to it? I think you should go take plenty of pictures as this sounds like a neat deal!

I'm pretty sure it is a metal connector. It's been a while since I've seen it. I'll try to stop by after work tomorrow and get some photos. It is a really striking piece.

[Pappy]

The wife has a drop down secretary dest that she bought at auction. It's in the kid's room so I will have to check the hinge set up this evening.

[LarryG]

The first NYW projects book has a slant-front writing desk very similar to the Rockler design that Keith linked to. Copies of this book can usually be found on eBay for a few bucks, and you'd get some other projects to study and/or build, too.

There's another NYW design that has a dresser-like base with full drawers. Both are illustrated on the New Yankee web site (items 112 and 512, respectively). Both use lopers to support the fall flap, which is the design I'd choose if I were building one. I've seen the screws pull out on fall flaps that are supported only by lid stays.

[lebomike]

We have an antique secretary at home, I will have to look this evening and see how ours is hinged. I know we don't have any arms coming out. Will check and take photo later.
Mike

[pelligrini]

I'm pretty sure it is a metal connector. It's been a while since I've seen it. I'll try to stop by after work tomorrow and get some photos. It is a really striking piece.

I forgot to get the photos earlier, but I finally remembered it when I was over there today and saw the piece.