Hi All,
I am trying to make a lift_and_slide_away storage system for my Daughters 88 key MIDI keyboard.
So you can get an idea re the bigger picture I'll try to describe what I have so far the best I can.
It's based around a 2' length of 3/8" diameter SS bar, held solidly by two sailing dinghy rudder fitting (gudgeon) at either end ..
With the keyboard base in the horizontal position, one end joined to her bench on this pivot / bar the other end on a stand (yet decided) the keyboard is then placed on top, secured with Velcro so it can be taken away if needed elsewhere.
If she then sits at her desk the keyboard is at the same level as the desk and running down the right hand side of her (and her room) now looking like a mini music studio. ;-)
When she is finished using the keyboard the idea is she lifts up the right hand end of the keyboard (+ it's base, like a public bar door top) till the keyboard is nearly in the vertical position, then slides it back along the 'hinge' until it gets to the wall where it will rest in a suitable stop / support (design yet to be finalised).
I have currently got this all clamped up for testing but have found the 3/8" SS bar is quite 'springy', allowing the fairly heavy keyboard
- base assembly to wobble / bounce about a bit whilst it's being slid back (but it's ok when in the 'play' position).
But it all works (so far) but I wondered if I could replace the SS bar with *tube* (of the same diameter) and would that better / (stiffer)?
Also, if not stainless is there anything else that could be used that would make a nice sliding 'hinge' do you think please (and I don't really want to re-design it all. e.g. silver steel, would that go rusty?) ;-(
I *might* be able to open the nylon inserts up in the ends of the gudgeons and use a larger diameter rod / bar (I would drill / bore them out in pairs to maintain concentricity).
All the best and thanks for your time ..
T i m