Hello,
I am relatively new to woodworking especially hand tools and am almost done with the heirloom tool chest (plans and article by Chris Gochnour). All that’s left is installing the hardware (Brusso JB-107 butt hinges, lid stay, and handles) and finishing. I mortised the hinges but when screwing them in place the front of the lid does not quite close on it’s own. I can gently push down but it’s obvious that is stressing the hinges… The only thing I can determine is the hinge leafs are comming together. I have tries deepenig and shallowing the mortises and nothing seems to make much of a difference at all.
I would also love help on the Brusso JB-280 Stay hinge, specifically properly aligning the hole in the lid. I have the instructions which consist of measuring distance B…. and marking the place to drill hole A…. Well it didn’t work (my fault) but now I’m faced with trying to fix this mess. The part I was most afraid was the mortise for the lid stay but it actually turned out well. I carved a piece of matching wood and glued it in the hole that I drilled after squaring the sides of the hole.
I hope this makes sense. Any help appreciated.
Jeff
Replies
unhinged by hinges
Diagnosing your problem without seeing the piece is difficult. Your Brusso hinge is designed with an opening of .032" when the plates are parallel, and the pin centered on that opening. Thus, if the surfaces of the plates are flush with the surface, you might have a slight opening at the back of the lid near the hinge when the lid is closed.
The problem that I often have when mounting hinges is ending up with one or more of the hinges slightly off square. This sometimes happens when drilling the pilot holes for the screws, and being a hair off center with one of the outer holes. So, when the screw is installed, it pulls the hinge off square. That, in turn, can cause the hinge to bind if the hinge doesn't have enough play (AKA "slop"). Your Brusso hinges likely have very minimal slop/wiggle.
Try removing the two outer screws on both of the chest side, and see if that allows the lid to close properly. If so, then you'll know you need to fill and re-drill the outer holes. Using a self-centering Vix bit of the appropriate size helps to keep the hole placement in line with the hinge holes.
Hinge binding..
In addition to what Ralph said, make sure one or more of the screws aren't sticking a tiny bit above the surface of the hinge. That causes interference, and will not allow the hinge leaves to close properly.
Zolton
Thanks, I will
SUCCESS!!!
I deepened the counter-sink just a little and then I noticed that the "back" of the mortise was not quite as deep as the front. I pared maybe 0.5mm and replaced the screws and it shut all the way!!!
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