[malconium]

I may have found a reasonable alternative plastic channel strip. As a matter of fact I already had a piece of it. It is a plastic channel that is used for attaching rubber threshold molding at the joints between one type of flooring (such as hardwood) to another type. The molding strip is typically glued or stapled to the floor and the "T" of the rubber molding is pressed into the channel. See the photos I have included to get the idea of the shape. The rubber molding has little ridges on it that snap into little ridges that are also on the plastic channel. These little ridges in the channel could get in the way a little so that makes it less than a perfect solution. I bought the channel from a supplier of professional flooring installation materials when I was installing some hardwood flooring in a house we remodeled for my parents. The sample that I photographed has part of the flat flange cut off. Unfortunately I do not have a full piece to photograph. The part that I cut off is perhaps 3/4" wide making the overall flange at least a good 1" across. I found that 1/8" thick plywood fits a little loosely but that 3/16" material is blocked by the ridges. If I could cut them out it might fit 3/16" material just fine. I might be happy enough to use 1/8" material anyway though. I think I will check with the supplier and see if they have other versions of the channel that are larger too. I could perhaps wrap the edge of 1/8" panels with thick tape of some sort to get a snugger fit if that seemed necessary. The type of strip that I have may only come in white - I am not sure. I could easily visualize spray painting it a color of my choice. I also remember seeing a similar product at Home Depot in the hard wood flooring section. I will have to go take a closer look but as I recall the channel might take something like a 3/8" thick tounge from the wooden threshold strips they sell. The flat flange could easily take rivits to hold the strip in place. The flooring supplier also sold me some special glue that works very well with the channel that might be a help for installation along with a few rivits (if I wanted a more permanent attachement that is). The channel is not as deep as the aluminum pieces that I have but that might be OK. I still have to see if it will flex easily enough to the contour of the body. Maybe a little persuasion from a heat gun might be useful.

Uwe,

I like the idea of using a small bench brake to make aluminum brackets for attaching various things. Any thoughts on where to get one? I think I will check with Harbor Freight to see what they have available.

John,

Thanks for the offer of photos and measurements. I do have some of the aluminum channel pieces that I can refer to.

Malcolm