I am thinking about replacing my original screens on our 42. All are aluminum frames, some are fiberglass screen material, some are aluminum screen material, but most of them look like crap. I'm also missing one - a particular one (starboard side, aft window of the salon that is not a standard shape).
I have found the screen I'd like to use to replace - it's a fine mesh 204 stainless, painted black. It would be a great way to update our tired screens and give the boat a nicer look. I don't think the price would be too outrageous for the boat - a couple hundred maybe (I'll measure this weekend), but my question...
How to recreate the screen that I'm missing? I can see on amazon I could easily replace my existing square screen frames with black aluminum if I wanted (I'd probably just paint mine if that were the case to keep the originals), but what about the goofy shaped one? You can only find 90 degree angled connectors... find for two corners, but the others are some sort of a 30-something or 45 degree angle at the bottom, and perhaps 120 degrees or so for the upper part. Any ideas??
Thanks!
make your own connectors? maybe 3D print, or laser cut from flat stock?
Hey Chris, I had mine made by a fellow Commander owner that worked for a company that dealt with custom stainless equipement. Unfortuanely now retired for purposes of "special projects". He cut them off the pattern of the original in two flat pieces then you sandwich the screen between them and then glue and pop rivet. A lot of waste. You could use most any material that you can cut. Or find someone that can bend tube in the proper shape. I know you are into origniality but recreating them in another fashion makes sense. I may have a couple xtras for the standard 35 port holes but won't be home until next week. Will let you know.
You might look for a used one, parting out. Or take dimensions from the mirror imaged version. Just thoughts :)
Mark... I have to think perhaps that I could make something on my own... but I don't have access to a laser cutter, or a 3D printer... at least not easily.
Mike... I think maybe the framework isn't so hard - the lengths... but the corners. I do have two screens in the aft cabin that have non-standard (read as not equal to 90 degree) corners. I guess maybe I start by looking at those a bit closer to see how they managed it.
Jon... parting out. Maybe. I'm not sure if I'd be lucky enough to find a screen, but for sure I have no mirrored version to work with. On the starboard side, they have the angled glass open - it allows for airflow when the companion door is open... On the port side, it's easier as there is no potential obstruction by the companion door... so they just have the squared off pane of glass side open.
I'll have a closer look this weekend on how it was done for the aft windows with goofy angles. Maybe I'll get lucky and it's not so complicated... I mean it is just 1967 technology we're talking about right? :)
Being aluminum you could easily buy a piece of the correct thickness of aluminum and just cut out the shape/angle you need on a band saw.
You could also pick up aluminum tube and have it cut and welded to the proper shape