I have really looked closely at Winnick's work and one of the details I really like is his "rounded corners" on the cabinets. Is this easily done? How do you do it?
Photos are too small and won't enlarge when you click on them.
Our Safari has a half round trim piece added to the edge of the panels to give them the rounded edges. You could use a router with a round-over bit on one edge though.
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2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
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Our '56 Safri has an approximate 3" radiused corner on the beds. The way it is done is with a 3/16" plywood which is steam bent around a 1x2 frame. I can post a picture later...
They make a product we call "bending ply" which is plywood with all the strands going the same way...it bends without having to steam it. It bends along the grain, so it is directional. It's available in 1/8" & 3/8"...we are planning on using the 1/8" and adding a birch veneer to re-construct our modified beds. (they were originally twins, changed to double by PO, now we're going back to twins).
It's available at larger commercial lumber yards. The one in Denver is Austin Hardwoods
Shari
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
I have really looked closely at Winnick's work and one of the details I really like is his "rounded corners" on the cabinets. Is this easily done? How do you do it?
Thanks.
No, not that easy. But what is? this is how I did it.
I emailed Mr. Winick about information on his metal edging source but no reponse. So After some research and luck found a satin aluminum T-mounding at a large marine supply house. The satin has a dull finish and there is no drill holes. I thought this would be a better look for a 60's model.
My original counters were in OK condition but had sharp pointy corners (painful) and formica edging. They were also chipped and scratched up so time for an upgrade.
I used the original counter in the galley and added a built up lip so the T-mounding would have something to grab on to. After doing that, I decided to replace the other THREE counters in the trailer with new formica and 5/4" baltic birch bases.
All of this was difficult and expensive but competely changes the look and feel of the interior. One of the old complaints about the (many) of the interiors is they did not live up to the exterior look and quality. This looks (and is) very high quality work and materials and looks it.
Here is a few more photos. I hope you can see the bathroom corner detail of the rounded corner. the original sharp and pointed formica must have ruined a few camping trips. I am very talented at finding things to hurt myself on and this got me a few times. (that tip of the counter lower left)
the galley had hip height grabbers and as I mentioned before was just homely looking. This conversion was challenging as i had to replace the stove cover surface and put stainless on the inside suface.
My Safari has 5 (FIVE) counters....six including the stove cover. I did the Galley counter last spring and the rest this spring. Maybe new units have thicker counters for edging.
I've gone on the tour twice. Last time we saw the shop assembling CCD wall cabinets. These use a single board to form the bottom and face of the cabinet. They use 5/8 particle board with a fairly thick formica type laminate on the outside surface. The inside laminates seems to be thinner. The inside of the cabinet is kerf cut at about 3/8 inch intervals where the bend needs to happen, The kerf cut goes almost all the way through the board leaving maybe 1/16" below the formica. The board was then hand bent by a petite female and the end pieces were nailed on. I'm not positive, but I think the orange base laminate is put on before the kerf cuts are made, then the cuts are made, the cabinet is bent into shape, and an inside white laminate is put on over the kerfs and up the inside. It's pretty darn sturdy when finished.
They do use computerized saws which cut the door openings and do the kerf cuts, but this could easily be done with handtools and jigs.
I know many are not fans of laminates - and I think the Safari's are just one step up from contact paper - but IMHO, heavy duty formica (or similar brands) are our friends. They don't last forever, but most will endure 20 years of daily use, and they aren't hugely expensive to replace. AND they clean up easily.
Anyway I am always an admirer of beautiful craftsmanship.... from a safe distance where I don't have to do it!
On the road again....just can't wait to get on the road again...
Paula
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Thanks. Now i feel better for spending all that time and $. This is one of those jobs I think if one ( i had professional help) does the right the observer cannot tell it was added later. The inspiration was David Winick's work on his Caravel but I have since found other earlier trailers with this detail. We all steal ideas from the past.
There were some International models even in smaller models that had much better quality detail work in their interiors in the late fifties to early sixties. I think some were special order by the owners.
My Safari was pretty plain jane and the counters and sharp corners were ugly and a hazard. One thing I have always liked is the light wood and light colored counter tops. It makes the interior seem larger then the dark wood I think. Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies! now has the drilled edging and the is other sources listed on Vintage Airstream Home.
Here is what the old counter top looked like. kind of after/before photos.
Someday I'll take photos with sexy bedroom lighting like DW.
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This is one of those jobs I think if one ( i had professional help) does the right the observer cannot tell it was added later. The inspiration was David Winick's work on his Caravel but I have since found other earlier trailers with this detail. We all steal ideas from the past.
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