While I love the kitchen and living room area of the 36', the counter space could always be improved. After seeing Tom Lang's coach and specifically his flip up counter, I've been on the hunt to get one built. And the little table with the lamp in the living room was so unusable, that it could hardly hold a couple of remote controls. I really wanted to replace that top with a small desk top that could also add some additional dining space.
I really wanted a factory look, without having to trek to the factory. It would take quite a bit of vacation time just for this work that could possibly be done myself. And since what I've read, it would have been a challenge for them to add new Corian counters with the same routed edges.
The first obstacle was to find the Corian material, and second was to find a router bit to be able to match what is already in the coach. After several trips all over town, collecting many samples, and many calls later, I finally found a great match for the 2003 FT "Corian," Wilsonart Marzipan Mirage (http://www.wurthwoodgroup.com/Marzipan-Mirage-Wilsonart-Solid-Surface-9130MG-P77780.aspx). Since the routing was done with some type of custom router bit, the only option was to get one made. After sending in a drawing of the profile and dimensions to Ridge Carbide Tool (https://ridgecarbidetool.com/forms/custom_tool.pdf), they created the bit and sent it in a week or two. Next step was to have a local shop, GW Surfaces (http://www.gwsurfaces.com/) use my templates to cut, router, and finish the pieces. Final step was to install them. Installation was easy, that only took a couple of hours.
All told, the cost was $830 for the Corian and labor to cut and shape the two pieces, and about $300 for the custom router bit, and still have at least half of the full sheet of Corian left to do future projects.
Here are a couple of before pics, one showing the original (on left) and new Corian (on right,) and then several of the finished products for each the flip up counter and the counter/desk. These were both such a great addition during a fun trip to Lake Tahoe this last week. Was nice to be able to sit two additional adults for dinner.
Jennifer, great job! Where did you find the hinges for your table/counter top?
Thanks! The chrome bead catch was from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5RK63C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00), and the hinges were from Kitchen Source, 30mm x 250mm (http://www.kitchensource.com/supports-brackets/ha-287.41.600.htm)
Edited to add correct source for stainless Hafele hinged spring brackets. $47.50 each and free shipping over $99, no tax except in CT.
Very nice, Jennifer. I have been toying with the idea of a desk surface in the same place. Still thinking.
Thanks. Yes, I was contemplating putting more of a gradual curve on the desk top, but opted to go with the same rounded corners the rest of the counters have. I made a template out of thin plywood, mocked up with metal brackets and command hanging strips and used that for about a year, just to be sure everything worked in that configuration. Had to be sure the passenger seat would still pivot around completely and that it was usable as a dining table with the passenger seat turned around. And the passenger seat still needed to be able to recline comfortably. Also needed it just deep enough to hold a standard laptop on the thinnest part. So far, so good.
Great update, looks like it came with the coach!
Jennifer, I am mightily impressed...how did you get so handy?!!! Beautiful job, especially like the desk + additional counter space always a plus. Good job! ^.^d
Makes that receptacle on the back of the galley a lot more sensible!
Thanks, that's just what I was going for!
Thanks, yes, that extra counter space is so much better. Now there's actually a place for dirty dishes to wait for their turn in the sink. Aside from a Dad who had me out in the garage, under the hoods of cars and in ATV motors whenever he could, I have very handy friends!!!!
Yes, that was always a very awkward receptacle to access, other than plugging in the occasional coffee maker or toaster, I never really made much use of it. Now it's right there, great for the computer and other desk devices.
I love it. Looks like factory original.
very nice
Nicely done with the flip up. Did you put a support behind it to screw the hinges into.
Thanks Tom and propman!
Thanks John. Yes, supports both behind the hinges and the bead catch.
The joinery was accomplished with a Kreg Jig Tool (https://www.kregtool.com/store/c13/kreg-jigsreg/), in keeping with the factory look inside the cabinet as well. Essentially, the holes are drilled at an angle from the face of the board through the end, painted black, then attached to the frame inside the cabinet. This way, you don't even see any screws, and can hardly see the board supports. I'll attach pics of those also. Here is a pic from the net, just showing the basics of the jig tool and how the supports are attached to the frame.
Nice work. You might be FOT west. Care to take on some remodel jobs for forum friends? I'm just 40 miles from you.
FOT West, thanks Tom! If there was FOT West, I would have gone there. Or even if FOT was on this side of Texas, I might have gone there.
I don't think anyone would be willing to wait as long as this project took. So, no remodels, even for forum friends!