I’ve been working Peckovic’s hanging tool cabinet and have a question regarding the exact location (lateral) of butt hinges.
The concept in his print is to use a 1 15/16 inch butt hinge for the main doors. The two stiles that are being fitted (door and frame) are 7/8″ thick. In this instance, then, the hinge mortise is essentially a through mortise which is cut on the table saw (the mortise runs the full thickness of the wood).
My stile thickness on both parts is a strong 7/8, and so, when placing the hinge in the mortise, I’ve a lateral “gap” of something under 1/16th of an inch.
Thoughts on aligning the hinge (laterally)? If my stock was dead on 7/8″, then placement could easily be the back side of the stile without running the risk of “pinching” the barrel of the hinge when pinning the hinge in place.
So, my question: Am I better off mounting the hinge with the outside edge of the hinge flush with the inside of the stile, OR, mounting the hinge with the inside edge of the hinge flush with the outside of the stile. Or does it matter?
FWIW, in my opinion, this project is a great “skills growth” project. Peckovic’s got darn near every basic joint and process embedded in the project. I’ve learnt a good deal building it. I hadn’t realized I’ve not worked with butt hinges on an “furniture” type of build before. This hinge issue is driving me batty.
Thanks in advance. All responses welcome.
Replies
Best thing you can do is mount the hinges on some scrap stock and test both of your potential approaches. The pros and cons will be etched in your brain forever.
Yeah, been there. Its things you think should be simple that screw you up. MJ's advice is good.
And Thank you, as well, Stan. Regards!
Duh. Engaging the rational part of brain hopefully. Thank you MJ, you’re always a help. Have a great evening.
Haaaa...whenever I do the smart and easy thing the wrong way the Tin Man song from The Wizard of Oz plays in my head and I whistle along. It is a staple of my shop playlist.
I built this cabinet and the hinges fit perfectly. One of the leaves does show a 1/16" gap adjacent to the pin but it is not noticeable. Here's a photo; the gap is visible at the bottom.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled