Vertex round stopped brass hinges are a lovely alternative to normal hinges for medium to large wooden boxes. They are well made and look classy on the outside of a box. They provide a 95° stop, making support arms and lid stays unnecessary. The hinges can be mounted on the surface, or slightly inset using a 35-mm Forstner bit, but each leaf has only one screw, so you have less opportunity to adjust the fit. I drill a 35-mm hole centered between the lid and body of the box with those parts held tightly together. I do this at the drill press. This gives a firm place for each leaf to nest as the hinges are installed. The hinges are attractive, and require less work to install than other brass hinges with built-in stops.

—Doug Stowe is a boxmaker and furniture maker in Eureka Springs, Ark.