I have a way for you to become one. Yes, I can hear you thinking, but if it's so easy, why not do it yourself? That's the rub. I didn't say it would be easy.

You will need a creative vision unlike anything yet applied to this particular problem. The problem is how to get a retractable door hardware set (pocket or flipper doors) that will provide a full 3/4" overlay when closed.

It seems on the surface like it should not be at all difficult to accomplish. But the finest hardware engineering and design minds the world has to offer have been grappling with this for many years and, so far, we have not seen such hardware. It's come close, but a full overlay on flipper doors remains something of a Holy Grail for hardware manufacturers. At one point I took a crack at it myself. I tried all manner of followers, hinge spacers, crank and baseplate combos, you name it.

My favorite solution for these doors has been to build the entire cabinet that holds the flipper doors as a full inset unit. This allows the flippers and doors above and below to align vertically. But it makes for a very fussy build and pretty much requires the use of a face frame which is not always consistent with the overall design of the project in question.

Another way is to build the cabinet sections above and below the flippers as separate full overlay units, tie them together with finished end panels and hang the flippers off the insides of the finished ends. This eliminates the face frame but still involves a lot more work than would be needed if only a flipper door slide could work with a full overlay hinge.

I guarantee that anyone who solves this problem will become a millionaire. But you might want a good patent lawyer first!

D.D.