05/09/2026
I've been remiss about posting here since February, mostly because I've been deep in the weeds over the inkwell box lids. I have essentially no information on how the Roentgen desks made the lids open. The original Roentgen lids spring open and stop immediately in a vertical position with out any bounce. I did observe a long leaf spring under the center of each inkwell box, but couldn't determine how that would raise the lid in the confined space available. I spent a considerable amount of time making mock-ups of possible systems, and even fabricated a double acting mechanism which worked, sort of, but had problems. I finally hit on a working system with a spring in each corner acting on extensions below the knife hinges. This worked fine, but the lids opened and bounced a couple times before settling down. I finally concluded that the log leaf springs acted as dampers. I installed them underneath with a hinged arm that bears against the inner end of the lid, and found that the lids no longer bounce when they open.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvbX58MwRcs
Then it was back to the other major inkwell box boondoggle, which was the latching mechanisms (yes. Two for each box) that lock the boxes out in their open position, and release their lids. Then, when the lids are closed, the lathes are released so that the boxes can be closed in again, and their lids are latched closed. Again, I had no real information on how the originals worked aside from photos of the outside showing the protruding pegs. After much studying of what these mechanisms had to accomplish and in what order I fabricated them according to my understanding. They function correctly, although it took many mock-ups and a test stand to figure out all the various movements involved. After much fettling-and cursing, I have got them working.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tly-t8M4hg4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAYp-LSxoqA
Of course, that's only half the inkwell box battle. I have started fabricating the double latch that goes in the center of the mid rail and locks the boxes closed together. Then there are the two springs and levers that actually swing the boxes out when the middle latch is released.
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
