Aluminum cabinets
- Thread starter HAF
- Start date
ExpoMike
Well-known member
Looks like all of the external stuff is 80/20 aluminum extrusion. https://8020.net
Very cool stuff. Not cheap if you're doing a lot of it but looks soooo good when done.
Very cool stuff. Not cheap if you're doing a lot of it but looks soooo good when done.
doug720
Expedition Leader
I own several aluminum trailers - mostly Featherlites, and use aluminum for many other projects
These are cargo type, but I made, or had made, cabinets and storage areas with aluminum.
Aluminum is great - light, strong, does not rot, no smells, etc., everything noted above, and more. But...
It has drawbacks too.
Cold/Heat - I equate an aluminum trailer to a thermometer or an aluminum beer can - If it's hot outside, it hot inside, cold out, cold in. Near 100% thermal transfer, and very difficult to provide a thermal break to stop the transfer.
Noise - Harmonics make aluminum louder than any other material. Installing sound deadener sheets helps, but still loud - Think race car. If this camper is open to drivers compartment, you will need effective sound control, or it will make for long noisy drives.
Stark look and dirty - The look of bare aluminum sheet has it's moments, but... It is also dirty, as it transfer gray/black to anything that comes in contact with it that moves or vibrates.
Great material, but, good planning and execution are needed to make it comfortable.
Good luck.
These are cargo type, but I made, or had made, cabinets and storage areas with aluminum.
Aluminum is great - light, strong, does not rot, no smells, etc., everything noted above, and more. But...
It has drawbacks too.
Cold/Heat - I equate an aluminum trailer to a thermometer or an aluminum beer can - If it's hot outside, it hot inside, cold out, cold in. Near 100% thermal transfer, and very difficult to provide a thermal break to stop the transfer.
Noise - Harmonics make aluminum louder than any other material. Installing sound deadener sheets helps, but still loud - Think race car. If this camper is open to drivers compartment, you will need effective sound control, or it will make for long noisy drives.
Stark look and dirty - The look of bare aluminum sheet has it's moments, but... It is also dirty, as it transfer gray/black to anything that comes in contact with it that moves or vibrates.
Great material, but, good planning and execution are needed to make it comfortable.
Good luck.
HAF
Active member
I appreciate constructive feedback. I get it on the thermal break. I found a great thermal break panel that is manufactured in Germany. Its 3/8 inch tick dense foam in between two thin, yet sturdy aluminum sheets. I have also found that I can make a fold or break in the rear section of cabinet that make allowance for "step
that is made from low conductive materials-wood or plastic. The step aids in hanging the uppers. I didnt do that on these as I have thermal break insulation. I found that a little felt strip keeps the cabinets quiet. I have a local anodizer here in the city that I have used. Once anodized, the surface does stay clean. For now I am going with raw aluminum because I love the look of metal. Once its aged, off to the anodizer they go.
This new look transformed the interior of my camper. It has a sort of sleek utilitarian look.
that is made from low conductive materials-wood or plastic. The step aids in hanging the uppers. I didnt do that on these as I have thermal break insulation. I found that a little felt strip keeps the cabinets quiet. I have a local anodizer here in the city that I have used. Once anodized, the surface does stay clean. For now I am going with raw aluminum because I love the look of metal. Once its aged, off to the anodizer they go.
This new look transformed the interior of my camper. It has a sort of sleek utilitarian look.
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Alloy
Well-known member
A CNC Router is the best to cut aluminum.
-No heat distortion / heat affected zone.
-Drill/cut holes any size without blowout.
-Edges are 90 degrees.
-No contamination of the cut edge.
-No dross or burr.
The Artisan
Adventurer
HAF
Active member
I can make overhead cabinets from a simple hand sketch-send me what you have.
The look is more utilitarian without looking home made. I am working on a neat baltic birch plywood inner lever-arm that when coupled with a 1/4" bungee provides a light and simple way to hold overhead doors open.
I am working on design and build of lowers that include drawers.
The look is more utilitarian without looking home made. I am working on a neat baltic birch plywood inner lever-arm that when coupled with a 1/4" bungee provides a light and simple way to hold overhead doors open.
I am working on design and build of lowers that include drawers.
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HAF
Active member
Cabinets are in and wired. Decided to go with a fabric wall covering to balance the utilitarian look. Used Kapatech panels for the backers. The panels are 3/8" thick foam with a thin layer of aluminum both sides. I have glued 1/8" foam to the panels than added material. Easy and super lightweight.
Used vinyl snap lock flooring that went in nicely. It seems durable and is not glued in.
Used vinyl snap lock flooring that went in nicely. It seems durable and is not glued in.
