I’m making a tool chest, and it will be a little like Jan Zoltowski’s on page 40 of FWW Issue 188, the Tools and Shop issue, in that I’m dovtailing the box together and sawing off a short width for the doors.
Jan has his piano hinges with the flanges (flat parts) attached to the interior facing edges of the frame. My supplier says that’s improper because it will result in a large gap between the door and the main part of the chest (my chest will be somewhat portable and I don’t want a large gap. On the other hand, just slapping the hinges on the outside, while proper, doesn’t look very professional (although I’ve done it on things which don’t show).
Does anybody have a trick to place the hinges like Jan did while avoiding the gap?
Replies
What about recessing the edges the thickness of the hinge leaves?
I just kerf one side of the connection (either the lid part or the main body). The width of a closed piano hinge is almost exactly the width of a tablesaw kerf.
If you don't like the exposed edge at ends, this could be done with a router.
As the others have suggested the side with the hinge is cut back slightly compared to the top and bottom edges. If you look at the photo on pg. 40, it is clear that the top edge of the cabinet where it comes up against the hinge, is forward of the hinge.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
JohnWW: Thanks, I see it now. Thanks for pointing that out. Chairwright
You are welcome.
John W.
Chairwright,
I've gone the other way and wrapped either one or both edges. I rabbit and rip a thin piece and round the edges...
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