Replies

1. 
   prbayliss | Feb 25, 2009 07:18am | #1

   Hi Bill,

   I think that it all depends on whether you are building a male or female cabinet. Male cabinets open to the left, female to the right. A little like zippers :)

   Seriously, If you know where the cabinet is going perhaps it may make sense to hang the door on one side vs. the other. On the other hand most people are right handed so they'd likely open the door with their left and reach in with their right - just a guess.

   Which would indicate the hinges on the left.

   Having said all that, I have a piece in front of me that's about 100yrs old that has the hinges on the right. I guess I don't know :)

   Best regards,
   Paul

   Edited 2/24/2009 11:19 pm ET by prbayliss

   Edited 2/24/2009 11:23 pm ET by prbayliss

   
   

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   Edited 2/24/2009 11:23 pm ET by prbayliss

1. 
   wmmorrow | Feb 25, 2009 07:28am | #2

   Making it as a gift for a Grandson so have no idea where it will go. (probably the attic??)

   Mario must know more than me so will hinge it on the left this time.

   THanks for the input!!

   Bill

1. 
   prbayliss | Feb 25, 2009 07:36am | #3

   Hi Bill,I hear you! I'm hoping that some day my 14 month old will appreciate the stuff I'm building, but can well imagine "Dad, it's just like WAY too traditional, where do expect me to put that?"Have fun and hope it turns out well regardless of the swing of the door.Best regards,
   Paul

2. 
   Gretchen | Feb 25, 2009 02:35pm | #4

   You haven't put NEAR enough finish on your project. The first 3-4 coats of a wipe on is approximatly equal to one coat of brushed. I have often said that you should not be disappointed in this type of finish with what the first coats look like--it looks awful!!  Persevere, and add more applications of your wipe on. You will be rewarded.  Six coats "may" be enough for sides of a project, and at least 8 coats for the tops is what I have found will be pleasing.

   Gretchen

    

   As for the hinge, it may be as simple as to depend on where the cabinet will be placed. My refrigerator door is hinged on the left because there is a wall on the right that would stop it from opening. Perhaps that was his reason.

   
   

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   Edited 2/25/2009 6:37 am ET by Gretchen

1. 
   wmmorrow | Feb 25, 2009 06:15pm | #7

   Gretchen,

   Thanks for your info. More coats it shall have!! Was planning to use the wipe on poly only on the chestnut and a tung oil mix on the rest of the cabinet. What do you think?? The maple really pops with the mixture as have used it in the past. Also planning on just waxing the interior.

   The piece is a surprise gift for a grandchild so no way to know which side best for the hinges. I did want to know if there was a "correct or incorrect" side to install them.

   Thanks again!! Bill

1. 
   Gretchen | Feb 25, 2009 07:08pm | #9

   I think you may find that the "tung oil mix" is just another name for what you are using as a wipe on varnish.Gretchen

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 25, 2009 07:57pm | #10

   Personally, I would continue with wipe on varnish for the entire piece. It would be my preference to seal the spalted maple well with the varnish rather than using the oil/varnish mix to be sure of encapsulating the spores from the spalting.  You can get the "popping effect" using one coat of oil before shifting to the varnish.

   Gretchen may be right about the tung oil finish.  Some with that label are just wiping varnish, others are mixes of oil and varnish, neither type may have much if any actual tung oil.  100% tung oil is available, but both expensive and very slow to dry and difficult to use.  I would apply one coat of BLO to the maple and then continue on with the wiping varnish. 

3. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 25, 2009 03:16pm | #5

   Old stupid man here.. I hardly ever use my phone but for your question I would call the receiver and ask what they want!

   As with the finish AND the hinges. I for one like a dull finish and I could get use to opening a door whatever the hinges. But that is just me.

   
   

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   Edited 2/25/2009 7:19 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   Gretchen | Feb 25, 2009 05:41pm | #6

   I also like a "dull" finish, as in satin, but it still requires a build of the finish to look good.  ;o)Gretchen

2. 
   wmmorrow | Feb 25, 2009 06:22pm | #8

   Thanks!! The cabinet is a surprise gift for a grandchild so the phone call would be self defeating, but a good suggestion otherwise.

   The finish is more than just dull, it is dead looking on a great/interesting piece of wood. And I know from past that the maple will really pop when finish applied. Afraid the contrasts may be too much???

   The hinge question was really aimed at gaining knowledge. IE; is there a right or wrong side to apply them on a single door cabinet? Or does it not make a difference.

   I am self taught with no formal education in woodworking, save reading, so seeking info.

   Thanks,  Bill