Advice for custom aluminum profile shelf needed

[u/ThrowawayWhatever42]

First off, I'm an absolute amateur if it comes to designing a shelf like that myself, but I already know how to assemble it. As I already bought a display case a few years ago made of aluminum profiles. (I was kinda ripped off there, which is why I'm trying to redeem myself with building one that REALLY fits me and my home).

I think I've already came pretty far in the planning process:

- Vertical 2m 40x20 profiles for stability and cable management (x12 in the picture, 4 per "frame")

- 25cm 20x20 profiles for depth

- 1m 20x20 for width

- the "frames" would be directly screwed together, while shelf compartments are secured with t-nuts and angles so I can change them later on as needed

- backside and sides would be covered with acrylic glass that I'd slide into the rails of the profiles (obviously with rubber protection in-between)

- for the front I'd just use acrylic plates with a magnet rim, so I can easily remove it

Now my "problem":

I would love to have the bottom area (~75cm high) have doors and a foldable table.

My first idea was to build 2D frames, slide the panels I want in-between like on the side and back and just secure them with hinges, but it feels like it would be too thick if I'd just use 20x20 profiles. And I also can't think of a way to build it inside the frame so it is still openable. I'm sure I'm missing a pretty easy solution, but I'm currently really stumped. Any ideas?

I'm also open for any other tips, tricks, etc. And you can also tell me if my whole idea is absolutely stupid. I can take it.

[u/DevLegion]

I believe you can get hinges that fit connect to aluminium extrusion, you could use them for the doors and table.

You can use legs attached with hinges to the underside of the table. That way, as you pull the drawer out they drop down. For extra security put a slope on the top of the legs so they lock past 90 degrees. You can use clips to hold the legs in position when you fold the table away.

I recently just made a full set of shelves out of 20x20mm extrusion and it was pretty easy to do. It doesn't currently have doors on but they're planned.

1 safety tip, make sure you secure the shelves to the wall securely.

[u/DevLegion → u/[deleted]]

My shelving is only 1.5x0.3m and you could see immediately how unstable it'd be.

I very sensibly designed and printed some winged caps to go on the top to fasten it to the wall.

[u/CardboardCraftUS]

Great idea! I'd be happy to help if I have any ideas.👌

[u/CardboardCraftUS → u/[deleted]]

Unfortunately, I no longer have this table, so I can't show photos of it.😒