Lighting on rollers......anybody know of a DIY??

[steveoutlaw]

I want to put my retrofit lighting on a roller mechanismso I can pull it out for ease of maintenance. Does anybody know of a site that has DIY plans for this? Anybody have any suggestions?

 

Thanks.

[jason the filter freak]

Why not just put them on sliders like a dresser drawer

[steveoutlaw]

That's what I want to do. However, the piece that is sliding is going to be 6" long and I want to make sure that there is no sag. I also want to make sure that the sliding piece is adequately supported.

[Charlie97L]

That's what I want to do. However, the piece that is sliding is going to be 6" long and I want to make sure that there is no sag. I also want to make sure that the sliding piece is adequately supported.

 

as long as you brace the 6 (foot, i'm assuming, 6 inches wouldn't have sag) with a center slider as well, i think you'd be fine. without it, i think you'd get a little sag... it also depends on what you build the light frame with. metal wouldn't sag, but even still, i'd have a center brace.

Edited October 30, 2006 by Charlie97L

[dandy7200]

mcmastercarr.com and check out page 2754 HTH

[PoggiPJ]

I don't have a site, but that's exactly how I did my own lights. The tank is 96" wide, and I have two drawer slides, with no sag between them. You are welcome to come by to see.

[Gman91]

There's a reason it's caled DIY! get creative

[steveoutlaw]

At ease Gman, at ease. I am getting creative.....but I have learned in this hobby that it is best to learn from others mistakes. Here is what I'm thinking about using:

 

http://wwhardware.com/catalog.cfm/groupid/...earing%20Slides

 

These will enable me to keep the rails completely recesses when not in use.

Edited October 30, 2006 by steveoutlaw

[flowerseller]

From a creative stand point,

You could always put the tank on wheels and slide it in and out from under the lights.

No sag.

 

I'm at ease, man, I'm at ease....

[steveoutlaw]

But you're not the Gman, Chip. I would never accuse you of not being at ease. Actually, I'm having my house fitted for wheels so the tank would be stationary at all times. I tried fitting the fish for wheels but I couldn't catch em.

 

And Chip, you and I both know that as you get older it's impossible to avoid a little sag!!!

[fab]

Look into sliding barn door hangers and rails. Cheap and easy to work with. Strong and won't bend under a lot of weight.

 

Example at top right of this page: Example of sliding barn door hardware

(Not an endorsement or a specific recommendation, just an example. Google it yourself to find a suitable one.)

 

Alternatively, check with NAGA for automatic light movers for the fancy approach.

fab

Edited October 31, 2006 by fab

[mutley29]

You could ask for these components from Sunlight Supply as n Xmas present, the full kit is a little on the steep side.

 

 

Here's one over Sanjays new setup, looks good, when i upgrade to Lumenarcs (Soon Johnny, Soon) i'll be doing something very similar.

 

 

Which ever way you go please keep us updated, i need all the help i can get on the design front.

 

 

HTH

 

 

Anton

[steveoutlaw]

You could ask for these components from Sunlight Supply as n Xmas present, the full kit is a little on the steep side.

Here's one over Sanjays new setup, looks good, when i upgrade to Lumenarcs (Soon Johnny, Soon) i'll be doing something very similar.

Which ever way you go please keep us updated, i need all the help i can get on the design front.

HTH

Anton

 

 

Thanks Anton - I think that I'm going to go with these:

 

http://wwhardware.com/catalog.cfm/groupid/...earing%20Slides

 

This will allow me to keep the rails recessed in the lid so that nothing is visible when everything is closed up.

 

I am going to look into those gas springs for my front lid. Those are a great idea. Thanks Anton. I'll keep you guys posted. I'm building th

 

e lighting shelf today so I'll put up some pics of that as well.

Edited November 3, 2006 by steveoutlaw