-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Broken map drawers]]]
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 15:55:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]>
To: Johnnie D. Sutherland <[log in to unmask]>
References: <[log in to unmask]>

Dear Colleagues:

I want to thank all who have corresponded on this thread, as its
timeliness is so uncanny as to be miraculous!  I just acquired several new
cases for my topograhpic maps and some other important groups. While I
have had several of the traditional five-drawer unit cases housing
portions of the collection, the primary maps have been housed in vertical
'plan-files', now of hated memory.

But acquiring new cases has shown me a couple of things that might be
useful when repairs are needed.  One of these is that the rollers that run
on the tracks seem no longer to require lubrication.  The wheel itself has
a nylon tread (a tire?), and I cannot see that there is any place for the
wheel axle to take grease.  This can be handy when it is necessary to
remove the drawer or to replace it on the track, as with old ones one can
often get hands greased.

Another thing I have noticed is that it seems the guage of steel they are
made of is a bit lighter than formerly.  The carcase can be bent
surprisingly easily.  The frame above the top drawer of a unit can
sometimes be bowed by a centimeter or less, just enough too make the
drawer stick if it is closed all the way.  Some of the backs or tops can
be bowed, too, not enough to affect drawer operation, but enough that it
mars the look.

On the positive side, the metal flaps that keep map edges down at the
front are easier to install than on older cases.

Ken
___________________________
Ken Grabach                           <[log in to unmask]>
Maps Librarian                         Phone: 513-529-1726
Miami University Libraries
Oxford, Ohio  45056  USA